New Year’s Holiday Closure Notification: Matsumoto Castle & More

Due to the annual New Year’s celebration, some of the city’s most notable sightseeing spots including Matsumoto Castle will be closed over the holidays. The following information provides the New Year’s Holiday Closure and revised opening days and times for popular attractions in Matsumoto:

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a registered National Treasure and the oldest original castle that remains in Japan. It is therefore a must-see destination on your trip to Matsumoto. The castle will be closed for a few days at the end of December and will then have special opening hours in the beginning of January 2024.

New Year Closing Period:

From December 29^th (Fri.) to December 31^st (Sun.) – Closed

Special Opening Hours:

From January 1^st (Mon.) to January 3^rd (Wed.) – Open from 10:00 to 15:30

New Year’s Holiday Closure Matsumoto Castle — **Source: Matsumoto Castle Official Website**

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

New Year’s Holiday Closure Museum of Art

Matsumoto City Museum of Art houses a permanent exhibition of the world-renowned avant-garde artist, and Matsumoto-native, Yayoi Kusama. It has recently reopened to public after refurbishment however will be closed for the New Year’s holiday period.

New Year Closing Period:

From December 29^th (Fri.) to January 3^rd (Wed.) – Closed

Matsumoto City Museum

The new Matsumoto City Museum opened to the public in October 2023. The museum displays historical and cultural artefacts that tell the story of the city. The permanent and special exhibition will also be closed for the New Year’s holiday period.

New Year Closing Period:

From December 29^th (Fri.) to January 3^rd (Wed.) – Closed

Ukiyo-e Museum

Located in the west of Matsumoto City, the Ukiyo-e Museum displays works by some of Japan’s most famous woodblock print artists such as Katsushika Hokusai – best known for his series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The museum will be closed from Christmas Day until early January.

New Year Closing Period:

From December 25^th (Mon.) to January 3^rd (Wed.) – Closed

Daio Wasabi Farm

Located in nearby Azumino, Daio Wasabi Farm looks toward the beautiful North Alps and is the largest wasabi farm in Japan. The farm will be closed for a few days around New Year’s Day.

New Year Closing Period:

From December 31^st (Sun.) to January 2^nd (Tue.) – Closed

Former Kaichi School

The Former Kaichi School became a designated National Treasure in 2019 and is one of Matsumoto’s most important historic sites. The building is however undergoing renovation and will remained closed until May 2024.

Renovation Closing period:

Until May 2024

Other Destinations in Matsumoto

Please note, many destinations will be closed over the New Year’s holiday. That includes other museums not mentioned above as well as most local sake and miso breweries, some restaurants and other shops. For inquires about what to do in Matsumoto over the New Year’s Holiday Closure period, feel free to contact us.

Want to know some alternatives?

Were you hoping to visit these places on a date during the New Year holiday? Are you looking for alternatives? We are here to help you by offering our services and advice to make the most of your stay in Matsumoto! Feel free to check our partner website Matsumoto-Experience and we will be happy to offer you the best of our town despite the closure of our main tourist spots!