Matsumoto Castle Entry Fee Update: What You Need to Know
The city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture plans to raise the adult admission price for Matsumoto Castle to ¥1,200 for a digital ticket and ¥1,300 for a physical ticket starting April 1, 2025. Revenue from the Matsumoto Castle Entry Fee tickets will be spent on preparing for natural disasters and other work on the castle, according to the municipal government.
Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture – Japan
New admission Fees
| Individual Rate | Group Rate (20 or more) | |||
| Ticket Type | e-Ticket | Paper Ticket | e-Ticket | Paper Ticket |
| Adults | ¥1,200 | ¥1,300 | ¥1,080 | ¥1,080 |
| ES / JHS students | ¥400 | ¥400 | ¥360 | ¥360 |
| Restrictions | Ticket only valid for date and time specified during purchase | Same-day tickets (date and time cannot be specified) | Ticket only valid for date and time specified during purchase | Same-day tickets (date and time cannot be specified) |
Notes: Starting from March, digital tickets to enter Matsumoto Castle will only be sold for assigned dates and times. E-tickets without a designated date and time will no longer be available. Cancellations will not be accepted after purchase.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Matsumoto Castle
With the upcoming admission fee increase at Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto Experience remains committed to helping visitors enjoy a rich and immersive experience in Matsumoto. They offer a variety of cultural packages that combine a castle visit with hands-on activities such as soba making, a samurai lesson, or an exclusive tour of a sixth-generation miso brewery.
For those looking for the best value, they have even introduced a new “Mystery Tour” – a special discounted package that pairs a Matsumoto Castle visit with a surprise cultural activity or another local experience. Perfect for adventurous travelers, this tour lets you explore Matsumoto in a fun and unexpected way!
Even with the price adjustment, Matsumoto Experience continue to find ways for our visitors to explore Matsumoto beyond the castle, offering unique experiences that provide a deeper connection to Japanese history and culture.
Let us help you make your visit truly unforgettable!
Supporting Preservation at Matsumoto Castle
Due to concerns about potential structural collapse during earthquakes, a seismic survey is currently underway at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s premier historic castles. As part of the survey, sections of the floor are being removed, and underground drilling is being done in preparation for the reinforcement work, which is scheduled to begin in the 2026. Visitors can observe sections of this process along the designated tour route.
A previous seismic assessment found that the neighboring small tower (Inui-Kotenshu) is particularly vulnerable to the risk of collapse in the event of a major earthquake. Other sections of the castle are also considered at risk. Similar reinforcement measures have been used at other high-risk castles around Japan to great success.
Reinforcement Work at Matsumoto Castle
Following the drilling phase, an excavation survey will continue in the first quarter of 2025 to further develop the construction plan. To assist in funding these efforts, the city government has launched a crowdfunding initiative: “Matsumoto Castle Supporter Project“. In partnership with Matsumoto Parco, the project aims to raise 2.6 million yen.
The total cost for the castle’s reinforcement and restoration is estimated to exceed 3.6 billion yen. Donors will receive exclusive gifts, including a castle seal book coated with the same black lacquer used on the main keep, as well as a special seal featuring Matsumoto Castle alongside the Parco building’s exterior. This initiative highlights the community’s dedication to safeguarding Matsumoto Castle for future generations.
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