Matsumoto’s Volunteer Guides
Three local volunteer organizations offer free guided tours of Matsumoto Castle. Guide services are available in Japanese and several other languages, some of which require advance notice. Tours are offered year-round unless otherwise noted.
For inquiries or to request a guide, visit the Guide Station at the entrance to Matsumoto Castle Park. Reservation requests can also be submitted online.
Alps Language Service Association
The Alps Language Service Association (ALSA) is a non-profit organization that conducts tours of the castle and its surrounding grounds in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. ALSA also provides interpreters for public events in Matsumoto. Guide and interpretation services are offered free of charge, but visitors are asked to cover any transportation, food, or entry costs the volunteer guide may incur during a tour or event.
Guide services are unavailable between August 11–17 and December 26 to January 9.
Tel: 090-9669-3454
Email: npoalsa@gmail.com
https://www.npo-alsa.com/home-en
Matsumoto Castle Guide Group (Japanese only)
The guide group operates from April through early November. Guided tours are not available for the interior of the castle. Operations may be postponed or canceled due to rain. (To apply for a guide, please fill out and send the form linked below.)
Email: s_koiwai1950@yahoo.co.jp
Application form:
[PDF (146 KB)]
Matsumoto Machinaka Tourist Volunteer Guides (Japanese only)
Operates year-round, but reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Guides offer tours of central Matsumoto, including the castle, Nakamachi-, and Nawate-.
Tel: 0263-39-7176
Email: oote-info@po.mcci.or.jp