Two outstanding drinking tours await in Matsumoto, an accessible city in central Japan’s Nagano region.
I love these tours because they combine serious cultural insight with pure fun – exactly what smart travelers are looking for.
The practical Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour hits all the right notes: you’ll visit the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, sample sake at a centuries-old brewery, and taste authentic street food along the way.
For sake enthusiasts, the Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers an intimate experience with five different varieties, plus traditional accompaniments like green tea and pickled vegetables (non-alcoholic options available).
Both tours showcase trusted local establishments while teaching you about Japan’s rich drinking traditions.
Let’s explore these memorable tours in detail…
Key Points
- Matsumoto offers two prominent drinking tours: the Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour and the Sake Tasting Walking Tour, providing cultural insight and entertainment.
- The Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour includes admission to Matsumoto Castle, sake tasting at a renowned local brewery, and street food sampling.
- The Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers more than five sake tastings, green tea, and homemade Japanese pickles in an intimate group setting.
- Culinary highlights of the tours include local street food specialties and traditional accompaniments that complement the sake tastings.
- Both tours provide a convenient meeting point at Matsumoto Station, with moderate physical fitness required and high-quality photographs shared as a souvenir.
Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano
The Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic city. The tour provides a bypass of long ticket lines with included admission to the renowned Matsumoto Castle, a Japanese landmark.
Guests can then experience a sake tasting at a 300-year-old brewery, famous for its local rice wine. Alongside the tasting, the tour includes street food snacks such as Taiyaki and Takoyaki, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culinary scene.
The tour also visits local food stalls and shopping streets, including Frog Street and a former Samurai house. Included in the price are the Matsumoto Castle entrance fees, sake tasting, and two street food snacks.
Guests will also receive high-quality photographs taken throughout the experience, shared post-tour. The meeting point is Matsumoto Station, in front of Starbucks, and the tour concludes back at the same location.
With a 5.0 rating based on 6 reviews, this tour promises an engaging and memorable experience for visitors to Nagano.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano Review
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Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano
For those seeking a more immersive sake experience in Nagano, the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of the local craft. Hosted by o8Experience, this tour provides more than five sake tastings, allowing participants to discover the nuances of Japan’s famous rice wine.
The experience doesn’t end with just sake, as green tea and Japanese pickles made by the owner are also included.
The tour meets at the Starbucks Coffee in Matsumoto station, where a guide will greet the group, which is limited to a maximum of eight travelers. After the tastings, the guide will introduce their favorite eateries and cafes, providing an opportunity to further indulge in the local cuisine.
While lunch is included, extra food and drinks are available for purchase. The tour is suitable for those 20 and older, with non-alcoholic options for younger participants. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions due to the moderate physical fitness level required.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano Review
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Recap
Matsumoto offers a variety of engaging drinking tours that showcase the city’s rich sake heritage. Visitors can explore Matsumoto Castle, sample local sake, and savor delicious regional cuisine on these guided walking experiences. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply seeking a cultural adventure, these tours provide an immersive and memorable way to discover the vibrant drinking culture of Nagano’s historic city.