Matsumoto Castle Week and Citizens Festival

Matsumoto Castle Week runs from November 3^rd-10^th 2025. The Citizens festival will be held during this week, on November 3^rd2025. There will be many events held in the downtown core and castle grounds. Admission is free.

Matsumoto Castle Week

Held every year in November, Matsumoto Castle Week celebrates the iconic castle that sits in the heart of Matsumoto City. This year marks 70 years since the major restoration which was completed in 1955. There are many events scheduled throughout the week including a Chyrsanthemum display running from October 28-November 12 from 8:30Am-5pm daily. The main events coincide with the Citizen’s Festival on November 3^rd.

But the most significant event this year will be the opening of the Taikomon Gate. After seven-year of closure, Matsumoto Castle will reopen the Taikomon Gate to the public from November 1^st to the 10^th. The viewing hours are between 9am and 4pm. More information about this event are available here.

Matsumoto Castle’s Taikomon Gate to Open After Seven Years

Citizen’s Festival

The citizen’s festival takes place on November 3^rd, which is also the Culture Day in Japan, a pubic holiday event. There are many cultural events taking place on the castle grounds including an Autumn Tea Ceremony. Kendo and Archery competitions will be held. Limited edition pins will be sold while supplies last.

Various events will be held downtown as well. The main event is the Samurai Warriors Parade which takes place on the afternoon of November 3^rd. Around 200 citizens will dress up as samurai warriors, nobles and ninjas and parade through the streets.

For the visitors interested in learning more about the history of the samurai in the castle town, Matsumoto-Experience offers a tour that combines the visit of the feudal castle with an immersive samurai sword session experience. Should you wish to book the tour, click here.