Question 1

Where can I buy an electronic ticket?

Accepted Answer

They can be bought on the online ticket page of the official Matsumoto Castle website. You can specify the date and time of your visit, it is cheaper than a same-day ticket, and it saves time queueing to buy a ticket and at the entrance.

Question 2

Can I come with a pet?

Accepted Answer

Matsumoto Castle Park is a public urban park, so you may walk there with a pet. However, pets cannot be taken inside the keep.

Question 3

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Normally 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30), open all year round except 29-31 December. Hours may be extended to 8:00-18:00 during Golden Week, Obon and the summer season.

Question 4

When are the cherry blossoms at Matsumoto Castle at their best?

Accepted Answer

They usually reach their best around early April. Evening illumination is also held, and the contrast between the black keep and the blossom is especially beautiful. It gets busy, so we recommend arriving early.

Question 5

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 30 minutes for the keep and about 30 minutes for the park, or about 3 hours in total including the surrounding castle town. On weekend afternoons there can be queues to enter, sometimes of more than two hours, so buying an electronic ticket in advance is recommended.

Question 6

Where is the best spot to photograph the castle reflected in the water?

Accepted Answer

The inverted Matsumoto Castle reflected in the moat on the southwest side is a popular photo spot. The view from the red Uzumibashi bridge on the northwest side is also ideal for commemorative photos. From the east, the keep looks magnificent against the Northern Alps.

Question 7

How much is admission to Matsumoto Castle? Are the keep and the park separate?

Accepted Answer

Walking in the park is free. To go inside the keep an admission fee is required: 1,300 yen for general visitors, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for pre-school children. Buying an electronic ticket in advance gives a discount.

Question 8

Is there a benefit for visiting in Japanese dress?

Accepted Answer

During certain periods such as summer (around Obon), free admission events for visitors in Japanese dress (yukata or jinbei) are sometimes held. Please check the latest information on the official website.

Question 9

Are the stairs inside the keep steep?

Accepted Answer

The stairs inside the keep are very steep, and the upper floors have steep wooden ladder-like steps. They are difficult to climb in a skirt or leather-soled shoes, so please come in comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear. Care is needed for small children and those with limited mobility.

Question 10

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are several municipal and private paid car parks around Matsumoto Castle. They are busy in peak periods, so please also consider public transport.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 12

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Keep: general 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 400 yen, pre-school children free (a discount applies to electronic tickets). Walking in the park is free.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round except 29-31 December.

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30). Extended to 8:00-18:00 during certain periods such as Golden Week and Obon.

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 20 minutes' walk from the East Exit (Castle Exit) of JR Matsumoto Station. A city loop bus from the direction of Shin-Shimashima Station on the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line can also be used. By car it is about 15 minutes from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway.

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