🕓 2025/4/17
#Japanese sake
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A trip to Nagano to soothe your soul at Matsumoto Castle and enjoy local sake
table of contents
- Matsumoto Castle“History and highlights”
- Around Matsumoto Castle“Recommended sake brewery”
- Around Matsumoto Castle“Recommended Sake Selection”
- Touring Matsumoto Castle and sake breweriesRu“Model course”
Introduction
When you think of Matsumoto, the first thing that comes to mind is Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure. This famous castle with its beautiful contrast of black and white is known as Japan’s oldest five-story, six-story castle tower, and still retains its imposing appearance with the Northern Alps in the background. However, Matsumoto’s charm is actually much more than that.
In addition to the history and highlights of Matsumoto Castle, this article provides a condensed introduction to sake breweries worth visiting, recommended selections of sake, and model courses where you can enjoy both sightseeing and drinking.
Enjoy Shinshu with all five senses, touching on history and tasting delicious sake. Would you like to start a one-day trip like that?
- 1. History and highlights of Matsumoto Castle
- The pride of Shinshu and the beauty of the castle town told by the national treasure castle tower
- ・The birth of Matsumoto Castle, symbolizing the protection and prosperity of Shinano
- ・The existing five-story, six-story castle tower that miraculously survived
- ・Beautiful structures with a hint of history, such as the moon viewing turret and Taikomon gate
- ・A landscape where the castle and nature are in harmony, colored by the four seasons
- [Matsumoto Castle overview information]
- 2. Recommended sake breweries at Matsumoto Castle
- Visit Matsumoto’s proud sake brewery, nurtured by Shinshu’s nature and craftsmanship
- 1. Zenya Sake Brewery | A long-established brewery in the castle town, nurtured by the famous water “Metoba no Izumi”
- 2. Kamedaya Sake Brewery | A long-established brewery that is tourist-friendly and easy to tour
- 3. Daishinshu Sake Brewery | A famous brand that emphasizes quality and produces “refined Shinshu sake”
- 3. Recommended Sake Selection at Matsumoto Castle
- 4. Model course for visiting Matsumoto Castle and sake breweries
- Finally
1. History and highlights of Matsumoto Castle
The pride of Shinshu and the beauty of the castle town told by the national treasure castle tower
Matsumoto Castle, which stands in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a national treasure that has a history built during the Sengoku period and is home to Japan’s oldest five-story, six-story castle tower. The contrast between black and white is beautiful, and its appearance with the Northern Alps in the background is truly a symbol of the “picturesque” Japanese landscape.
Matsumoto is a castle town that developed around castles, where tradition and innovation coexist, which goes perfectly with the local sake culture. A trip around Matsumoto Castle will provide you with a luxurious time where you can enjoy not only the history but also encounters with delicious sake.
・The birth of Matsumoto Castle, symbolizing the protection and prosperity of Shinano
Matsumoto Castle began during the Sengoku period. Originally, a fort called “Fukashi Castle” was built in this area, and it was developed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s vassals Kazumasa Ishikawa and Yasunaga and their son. Full-scale construction of the castle began around 1582, and the current five-story, six-story castle tower was completed between 1593 and 1594.
The castle tower has both defensive power and authority, and is characterized by a structure that retains a strong sense of tension from the Sengoku period. During the Edo period, it became the political and military center of the Matsumoto clan, and was passed down through the generations of feudal lords.
・The existing five-story, six-story castle tower that miraculously survived
The most distinctive feature of Matsumoto Castle is the only “five-story, six-story” castle tower that exists in Japan. Although it looks like it has five floors on the outside, it has a unique six-story interior structure, which still shows the advanced architectural techniques of the time.
There was a risk of demolition due to the castle abolition ordinance after the Meiji Restoration, but thanks to the efforts of local volunteers it was decided to preserve it. It is now designated as a national treasure and attracts visitors from all over the country. One of the highlights is being able to experience the details of war preparations up close, such as steep stairs, stone drops, and gaps.
・Beautiful structures with a hint of history, such as the moon viewing turret and Taikomon gate
At Matsumoto Castle, you can’t miss not only the castle tower, but also the surrounding turrets and gates. The elegantly designed “Tsukimi Yagura” was a place that played a cultural role rather than a military one. On the other hand, the “Taikomon” and “Kuromon” have a robust design to prevent enemy intrusion, and their functional beauty shines through.
The stone walls and moat that surround the castle tower remain as they were in the past, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to stop by even if you’re not a castle fan.
・A landscape where the castle and nature are in harmony, colored by the four seasons
Matsumoto Castle’s great appeal is that you can enjoy the scenery of each season. In spring, cherry blossoms accentuate the black walls of the castle, and in summer, it looks dignified surrounded by greenery. In autumn, the autumn leaves reflect on the water surface, and in winter, the white snow-covered castle creates a magical atmosphere.
In particular, seasonal events such as the “Yozakura-kai” are held, and Matsumoto Castle has a different appearance during the day and night, so there is something new to discover every time you visit.
[Matsumoto Castle overview information]
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| location | 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture |
| access | Approximately 20 minutes’ walk from JR Matsumoto Station/Get off at the “Matsumoto Castle/City Hall” bus stop on the city tour bus “Town Sneaker” north course |
| Admission time | 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30) *Subject to change depending on season and event |
| Regular holiday | Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd) |
| Admission fee | Adults 700 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen (including tour of the castle tower) |
| Tour time required | Approximately 45 to 60 minutes (there may be a wait during busy times) |
| Event information | Events held each season, such as the Yozakura Festival in spring and the Taiko Festival in summer. |
2. Recommended sake breweries at Matsumoto Castle
Visit Matsumoto’s proud sake brewery, nurtured by Shinshu’s nature and craftsmanship
Matsumoto, a castle town centered around Matsumoto Castle, is dotted with unique sake breweries that have been refined by the clear water and cold climate of the Northern Alps, as well as the passion of the craftsmen.
In particular, Matsumoto, which is located in the Chushin area, has many local sakes that are bright and aromatic, and go well with food. Here, we will carefully select and introduce notable sake breweries that you can visit in and around Matsumoto City. Information on the characteristics of each brewery, tasting/tour information, and access are also posted.
1. Zenya Sake Brewery | A long-established brewery in the castle town, nurtured by the famous water “Metoba no Izumi”
source:https://yoikanasyuzou.jimdosite.com/
Founded at the end of the Edo period, Yoikan Shuzo is the only historic brewery in Matsumoto City that still exists in an area close to Matsumoto Castle. The famous spring water “Metoba no Izumi” gushes out on the grounds, and the sake made using this water as brewing water is characterized by its soft and clear flavor.
The representative brands “Zenya” and “Metoba no Izumi” have a good balance of aroma and sharpness, and go well with local cuisine. There is a direct sales shop called “Hotaka Sake Store” on the premises, and you can also tour the sake brewery and sample sake. The location is also appealing as you can easily stop by while sightseeing at Matsumoto Castle.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Zenya Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | Late Edo period |
| Main brands | Zenya, Onnatoba no Izumi |
| visit | Reservation required (site tour available) |
| Tasting | Possible (at Hotaka Liquor Store) |
| Direct sales office | Yes (Hotaka Liquor Store) |
| access | About 15 minutes by city bus or walk from JR Matsumoto Station, get off at “Yakuso Shrine” and walk about 5 minutes |
2. Kamedaya Sake Brewery | A long-established brewery that is tourist-friendly and easy to tour
source:https://www.kametaya.co.jp/
Founded in the Meiji era, Kamedaya Sake Brewery is known for its local sake, such as Alps Masamune and Kamenoyo, which combine tradition with the freshness typical of Shinshu. It is conveniently located for sightseeing, about a 4-minute walk from Shimoshin Station, which is easily accessible in Matsumoto City, and you can enjoy tasting and purchasing sake at the attached Sakeyukan.
Tours are available by reservation only during the non-brewing season from May to September, and the facility is designed to be friendly to travelers interested in local sake. It’s also the perfect spot to find Matsumoto-esque souvenirs, such as sake lees sweets and specialty products.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Kamedaya Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | Meiji era |
| Main brands | Alps Masamune, Kamenoyo |
| visit | Possible (reservation required, May to September only) |
| Tasting | Possible (at Sakeyukan) |
| Direct sales office | Available (Sakeyukan/9:00-17:00/Closed on Wednesdays) |
| access | About 4 minutes walk from Matsumoto Electric Railway “Shimoshin Station” |
3. Daishinshu Sake Brewery | A famous brand that emphasizes quality and produces “refined Shinshu sake”
source:https://www.daishinsyu.com/
When it comes to Matsumoto’s sake, Daishinshu is often mentioned.
Just as its name suggests, it has a beautiful aroma and sharpness that captures the hearts of sake connoisseurs. Despite its history dating back to the Meiji era, the true value of this brewery lies in its constant challenge and innovation.
Although brewery tours are generally not available, products can be purchased year-round at the Haradaya exclusive store located on the premises. Also worth noting is the “Living Sake Room” in the back, which requires reservations.
Here, while being guided by the brewer, you can taste four types of sake, including seasonal and specially brewed sake, in small quantities. Along with the accompanying sake appetizers, you can immerse yourself in the world of sake for about 60 minutes.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Daishinshu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | Meiji era |
| Main brands | Great Shinshu |
| visit | Not possible (no official information) |
| Tasting | Possible (*Living room/reservation required) |
| Direct sales office | Yes (Haradaya) |
| access | Approximately 8 minutes walk from Matsumoto Electric Railway “Shimoshin Station” (near Kamedaya Sake Brewery) |
3. Recommended Sake Selection at Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto’s local sake is a fusion of the snowmelt from the Northern Alps, a cool, low-humidity climate, and a passion for sake brewing. The gorgeous and sophisticated taste has received high praise from sake fans across the country.
Here, we have carefully selected recommended brands that are easy to obtain around Matsumoto Castle and perfect for tasting during your trip. This lineup introduces the characteristics of the flavors and the dishes that go well with them, allowing you to experience the compatibility between sake and Matsumoto Tabi.
1. Yoshikana | Yoshiya Sake Brewery (Matsumoto City)
A representative brand produced by Zenya Sake Brewery, the only existing brewery in the city, located close to Matsumoto Castle. We use the famous water “Metoba no Izumi” for the preparation water, and it is characterized by a soft and mellow taste. It is a “Matsumoto-like sake” that has been loved by local people for a long time.
In particular, “Junmai Ginjo Yoshiya” is a well-balanced sake that has a subtle aroma, but allows you to enjoy the gentle flavor and sharpness of the rice. It goes perfectly with Shinshu soba and wild vegetable tempura.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo/Honjozo |
| taste | Soft and gentle flavor with a refreshing aftertaste |
| How to drink | Chilled or at room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | Shinshu soba, wild vegetable tempura, salt-grilled chicken |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Hotaka Sake Store (Zenya Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office), Matsumoto City Restaurant |
2. Alps Masamune | Kamedaya Sake Brewery (Matsumoto City)
A brand that is refreshing and full of Shinshu characteristics, produced by a long-established store founded in the Meiji era. This sake, made with clean water from the Northern Alps and local rice called “Hitogokochi”, is characterized by its refreshing taste and gentle aroma.
“Junmai Ginjo Alps Masamune” is popular for its light and timeless flavor. You can sample it at the Sakeyukan for tourists, and it is also recommended as a souvenir.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo/Special Honjozo etc. |
| taste | Refreshing and light, soft taste |
| How to drink | You can also serve it chilled/warm. |
| Compatible dishes | Horse sashimi, Shinshu oden, salt-grilled fish |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Sakeyukan (direct sales office), Matsumoto city liquor stores and restaurants |
3. Daishinshu | Daishinshu Sake Brewery (Matsumoto City)
“Daishinshu” is a highly rated brewery from Matsumoto whose ideal is “fruity and sharp.” The representative brand, “Daishinshu Junmai Ginjo,” has a rich aroma reminiscent of apples and pears, and a delicate, clean taste.
A high-quality bottle that is gorgeous, yet balances well with meals, and looks great even when drunk in a wine glass. It is also selected for special dinners and gifts.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo/Junmai Daiginjo |
| taste | Fruity, crisp, and clear taste |
| How to drink | Chill in a wine glass |
| Compatible dishes | Cheese dishes, carpaccio, marinated Shinshu salmon |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Daishinshu exclusive store “Haradaya”, liquor store/restaurant in Matsumoto city, sake room/reservation required |
4. Model course for visiting Matsumoto Castle and sake breweries
Model course for visiting Matsumoto Castle and sake breweries
Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, and Shinshu’s local sake are nurtured by the pure water of the Northern Alps.In this city where history and taste resonate, a cultural experience that can only be experienced in Matsumoto awaits.
Why not take a leisurely trip around Matsumoto’s castle town and sake breweries on foot or by train?
①｜First Matsumoto full-time course, visiting Matsumoto Castle and classic sake breweries
🕒 Time required: Approximately 6 to 7 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★☆☆｜🍶 Estimated number of tastings: 1 to 2 locations
First of all, enjoy an adult time “from the royal road”. After surrendering to the eternal history for a while with the stateliness of Matsumoto Castle in front of you, head to Nakamachi-dori where the streetscape of the storehouse style still remains.It is also fun to take a break at a coffee shop in the alley while enjoying the atmosphere of the good old castle town.
In the afternoon, enjoy a glass of famous water at Zenya Sake Brewery’s direct sales office. It’s not too flashy, but it has a hearty flavor that’s perfect for adults. Stopping by a corner store or a sweets shop and quietly sipping on the aftertaste – that kind of time suits this town well.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00～11:00 | Visit Matsumoto Castle | Tour the castle tower and black gate, and immerse yourself in the history of the oldest existing five-story, six-story castle tower. |
| 11:00-12:00 | Stroll along Nakamachi Street | Take a break at a cafe or gallery while walking through the streets built with earthen warehouses. |
| 12:00-13:00 | lunch | Satisfy your appetite at a popular restaurant that serves soba noodles and Sanzokuyaki made with local ingredients. |
| 13:30-14:30 | Visit to Zenya Sake Brewery (Hotaka Sake Store) | You can sample and purchase the famous sake “Zenya” brewed at Metoba no Izumi. |
| 14:30-15:30 | Finish off at a liquor store or sweet shop | Relax and enjoy the afterglow of your trip with local Kakuuchi and sweets. |
②｜Ladder the brewery! A satisfying course for “sake lovers” to fully immerse themselves in Shinshu local sake
🕒 Time required: Approximately 7-8 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★★☆｜🍶 Estimated number of tastings: 2-3 locations
A “slightly luxurious day of bar hopping” that is irresistible for local sake lovers. After touring Matsumoto Castle while paying homage to the oldest existing castle tower, it’s time to take a tour of the storehouses.
After enjoying the blessings of the famous water at Zenya Sake Brewery, take a local train towards Shimoshin Station. After thoroughly tasting the flavors at Kamedaya Sake Brewery’s Sake Museum, we finished off by heading to Haradaya, an exclusive shop for Dai Shinshu Sake Brewery, a favorite of Shinshu sake fans.
At the “Kikizake ROOM,” which you can make reservations for in advance, you can enjoy an exquisite hour in which you can enjoy four carefully selected brands and sake.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00-10:30 | Stroll around Matsumoto Castle | After visiting the castle tower, walk through the castle town from Nakamachi to Nawate Street and enjoy the history. |
| 10:30-11:30 | Tasting at Zenya Sake Brewery | Find your favorite bottle while tasting and experiencing the atmosphere of the brewery. |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch (around Matsumoto Station) | Taste dishes that go well with local sake, such as Shinshu salmon and horse sashimi. |
| 13:30-14:30 | Kamedaya Sake Brewery (walking distance from Shimoshin Station) | You can also enjoy paid tastings of “Alps Masamune” and shopping for Shinshu specialty products. |
| 15:00-16:00 | Visit Daishinshu Monopoly Shop and Haradaya | A fragrant sake that can be enjoyed in a wine glass. Enjoy a quality time at the listening room (reservation required). |
③｜Light plan to relax and “sip” local sake in the city
🕒 Time required: Approximately 5-6 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★☆☆｜🍶 Estimated number of tastings: 1-2 locations + restaurants
I want to taste the “deliciousness of Matsumoto” just a little bit, but definitely. A light and elegant drinking trip perfect for such a day.
In the morning, take a quiet stroll around Matsumoto Castle in the clear air. Afterwards, stroll along Nakamachi-dori and Nawate-dori, where you can feel the warmth of handicrafts. It is a privilege of traveling to enjoy a glass of local sake in a restaurant where you can proudly enjoy a glass of local sake. Finishing off with a sweet treat will satisfy both your heart and your taste buds.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30-11:00 | Morning walk around Matsumoto Castle | Enjoy the castle tower in the morning with clear air. |
| 11:00-12:00 | Shopping at Nakamachi/Nawate Street | Take a break at the craft goods and Kura Cafe. |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch + local sake pairing | Enjoy a casual tasting at a restaurant with a local sake menu. |
| 13:00-14:00 | Tasting and looking for souvenirs at a liquor store | You can also have a casual kakuuchi experience at a liquor store near the station or at Hotaka Saketen. |
| 14:00-15:00 | Sweets shop/cafe time | Finish off with the famous almond tofu and Japanese sweets. |
Finally
Experience Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, walk through the atmosphere of the castle town, and get intoxicated by the local sake created by Shinshu’s nature and craftsmanship—a trip only possible in Matsumoto.
The time you take to enjoy a glass of famous water while thinking about Japan’s oldest five-story, six-story castle tower is sure to make your travel memories deeper and richer.
A trip to Matsumoto will satisfy both history buffs and sake buffs. On your next holiday, why not spend some time satisfying your five senses in the “city of castles and alcohol”?
