Discover Nagano’s Quiet Castle Town

Matsushiro sits quietly in the hills south of Nagano City, a castle town that has changed little since the Edo period. For over 200 years, the Sanada family ruled this region from Matsushiro Castle, and their legacy is still felt today. Start at the castle ruins, where stone walls and a wide moat trace the outline of the fortress that once stood here. 

 

Matsushiro Castle Town Village

Long before Nagano became the region's main city, Matsushiro held that role. For over 200 years it was the seat of the Sanada clan and their castle, making it the political and cultural center of the area. Today, Matsushiro is easy to reach. A direct bus from Nagano Station takes about 30 minutes, making it a simple half-day trip from the city.

For visitors interested in samurai history, it offers castle ruins, preserved residences, and family museums that tell the story of the Sanada clan. A short walk away, the Former Sanada Family Residence opens its garden gates to visitors, offering a rare look at how a samurai family actually lived. 

 

 

Sanada Clan

Matsushiro was ruled by the Sanada family for over 200 years, from 1622 until Japan's feudal domains ended in 1871. Your guide explains the family's history, including the split between brothers Nobuyuki and Yukimura at the Battle of Sekigahara, and what remains of their fortress today.

Look for the Sanada crest as you walk: two rows of three coins. The six coins represent the toll travelers once needed to cross into the afterlife. Samurai carried the symbol into battle as a sign they were ready to die without hesitation. You'll see it on gates, banners, and buildings throughout Matsushiro, a former castle town where the samurai spirit still endures. 

 

 

Matsushiro Underground Imperial WWII Headquarters

In 1944, Japan's military began digging a massive underground complex beneath the mountains of Matsushiro. The plan was to move the Emperor, the Imperial Headquarters, and the central government here if Allied forces invaded mainland Japan. Construction ran from November 1944 until Japan's surrender in August 1945, using forced labor, including thousands of Korean workers. The complex was about 75% complete when the war ended.

Today, about 500 meters of the tunnels are open to the public, under Mount Zozan. Next to the entrance, the Matsushiro Memorial Center of Untold History explains how the site was built and the conditions faced by the workers who built it, an estimated 1,500 of whom died.

 

Additional Information

 

Meeting Location: Your tour will begin at the Matsushiro Castle Bus Stop. Your guide will meet you at either 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m

Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option Available)

Important information:

• This is a walking tour that involves a moderate amount of walking.
• Matsushiro is located about 30 minutes by bus from central Nagano, including Nagano Station. Depending on weather, traffic, or the route taken, travel time may vary by 10 to 15 minutes.
• The village is accessible by private vehicle, public bus or taxi. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about transportation to or from Matshushiro.

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• Matsushiro Castle Ruins / 30 minutes
• Castle Town Downtown including Sanada Clan introduction / 60 minutes
• Walk to the WWII headquarters and visit / 60 minutes
• Walk back to the meeting point / 30 minutes

Please note that the times above are estimates. The tour may end earlier or later depending on museum crowd levels, especially during holidays and weekends.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be issued after that period.

Terms & Conditions: Please read our Terms & Conditions