AugustCherry Blossoms · Chubu & Hokuriku
Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure)
Matsumoto / KamikochiCastle🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr✦ Night sakura
Overview
Overview
Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keeps, is known for its spring scenery combining the black keep, cherry blossoms and the snow-capped Northern Alps. About 300 cherry trees bloom around the moats and the Honmaru Garden, and at night the night sakura event and the illuminated cherry avenue along the outer moat create a magical scene.
- Address
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano
- Closed
- Dec 29–31
- Time needed
- About 1–1.5 hours (including climbing the keep)
- Official website
- https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookTakato Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossoms, Matsumoto Castle & Narai-juku Day Tour from NaganoDay bus tour from Nagano Station visiting Matsumoto Castle, Narai-juku, a miso brewery and Lake Suwa, with a stop at Takato Castle Ruins Park during cherry blossom seasonView on Klook- PRKlookMatsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Customizable Private Day TourPrivate tour from Nagano or Tokyo with an English-speaking driver, visiting Matsumoto Castle and Nawate-dori (Narai-juku replaces Kamikochi when it is closed for the season)View on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually early to mid-April
March
April
May
The dates of the night sakura event are set after the management office declares the start of blooming. Check the Matsumoto Castle official website for the latest information
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
About 300 trees, including Somei-yoshino, Kohigan-zakura and weeping cherry, bloom against the black-lacquered keep and the Northern Alps with lingering snow. During the night sakura event, the Honmaru Garden is open free at night, and you can view the illuminated keep and blossoms.
📷 Best views
Honmaru Garden
The main cherry blossom area facing the keep. Venue for the night sakura event
Cherry avenue along the outer moat
An avenue illuminated as the “Sakura Namiki Hikari no Kairo” (corridor of light)
Along the moat
The keep and blossoms reflected in the water, with the Northern Alps on clear days
Illumination
Night illumination
- Period
- Usually for 8 days starting 3 days after the bloom declaration (night sakura event)
In 2026: Apr 2–9, 17:30–21:00, the Honmaru Garden was open free at night (the keep cannot be climbed). The “corridor of light” along the outer moat cherry avenue runs at the same time
Hours
Opening hours
Castle keep and Honmaru Garden8:30–17:00
Last entry 16:30. Varies by season
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Admission (general)¥1,300
¥1,200 with an e-ticket
Admission (elementary and junior high school students)¥400
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The keep has about 140 narrow, steep steps and no elevator. Wear comfortable shoes
- ✓E-tickets are ¥100 cheaper than paper tickets
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Matsumoto Station (JR)About a 15 min walk
- From major stations & airports
- Matsumoto Station, Castle Exit: Town Sneaker loop bus (North Course) to “Matsumotojo / Shiyakusho-mae” (About 10 min)
- By car & traffic restrictions
- Municipal parking lots nearby (paid). During the night sakura event, the Kaichi large parking lot is open free from 17:00 to 22:30 (as in 2026)
- Getting back
- After the night sakura event, Matsumoto Station is about a 15 min walk. Walking can be more reliable than the loop bus
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- On weekends at peak bloom, lines form at the keep entrance
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- April normals in Matsumoto: high 17.9°C, low 4.4°C (JMA)
- What to wear & bring
- Even if the day is pleasant, mornings, evenings and night sakura viewing are cold, so bring a heavy jacket
Rules
Hanami rules & etiquette
- !Do not touch the cherry branches
- !No drone flying
- !No pets in paid areas
- !The keep cannot be climbed at night, even during the night sakura event
Facilities
Facilities
- Accessibility
- No elevator in the keep
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure)PR
PR8.9いろはグランホテル松本駅前
★★★★Check rates on Agoda3,578 reviews0.7 km from center
PR8.7ホテル ブエナ ビスタ
★★★★Check rates on Agoda3,767 reviews1.2 km from center
PR8.6プレミアホテル-CABIN-松本
★★★Check rates on Agoda3,832 reviews0.9 km from center
PR8.8リッチモンドホテル松本
★★★Check rates on Agoda2,523 reviews0.7 km from center
PR8.3エースイン松本
★★★Check rates on Agoda3,896 reviews1.0 km from center
PR8.6東横INN松本駅東口
★★★Check rates on Agoda2,839 reviews1.0 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Matsumoto / Kamikochi
AugustCherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Chubu & Hokuriku
RiversideMatsukawa River Cherry Blossoms
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Castle
Garden
Park
CastleTakato Castle Ruins Park
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Ina, Nagano
🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr
✦ Night sakura
Famous single tree
Famous single treePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06