Discover Matsushiro: Nagano’s Historic Samurai District
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Nagano
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Before there were bullet trains and vending machines, there were katanas and code, the way of the samurai. In Matsushiro, one of Nagano’s best-kept secrets, you won’t just read about history, you will walk straight into it. This quiet district once echoed with the footsteps of warriors, and today, it still carries the calm strength of Japan’s feudal elite.
This historic gem retains the authentic charm of the Edo period with well-preserved samurai residences, serene gardens, and centuries-old traditions that linger in every narrow lane.
Read on to find out what makes this historic town a must-visit.
Matsushiro Castle
Source: Snow Monkey Resorts
Once the seat of the powerful Sanada clan, Matsushiro Castle is a modest but historically rich site. While much of the original structure was lost, its reconstructed gates, stone walls, and moats offer a vivid sense of the castle’s former glory and strategic role.
Stroll through the peaceful castle grounds, which come alive each spring during cherry blossom season. The surrounding Matsushiro Castle Park becomes a stunning hanami (flower viewing) spot, where delicate pink blossoms contrast beautifully with the stonework and moats, a favourite local picnic destination.
Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels
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Beyond its samurai legacy, Matsushiro also holds a lesser-known but equally fascinating chapter in modern history, the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters, also known as the Zozan Imperial Wartime Tunnels. Built in secrecy during World War II, the tunnels were meant to serve as an emergency relocation site for Japan’s wartime government.
Visitors can now enter parts of the tunnel system to learn about its construction, intended use, and the historical context behind this ambitious but unfinished project.
Sanada Clan Residence (Sanada-tei)
Source: Nagano Japan
The Sanada Clan Residence offers a window into the lifestyle of a high-ranking samurai family. From elegant tatami rooms to tranquil gardens, the home reflects both refinement and restraint.
Wander through the residence at your own pace and admire the subtle architectural details that speak volumes about Edo-period aesthetics and the values of the samurai class.
Samurai School (Bunbu Gakko)
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Once a place where young samurai trained in both academics and martial arts, Bunbu Gakko is now open to the public.
Try your hand at traditional calligraphy, practice with a bow, or even dress up in samurai armor. The interactive experiences here are perfect for visitors who want to do more than just observe history.
Zozan Shrine
Source: East Japan Railway Company
Located in the heart of Matsushiro, Zozan Shrine honors the life and legacy of Sakuma Shōzan (Zōzan), a visionary Edo-period scholar, inventor, and advocate for modernization. Famous for his adage “Eastern ethics, Western techniques,” Zōzan played a key role in introducing Western scientific thought, including Japan’s first telegraph, and in educating the leaders of the Meiji Restoration.
Built in 1938, the shrine features elegant wooden structures crafted from Japanese cypress in bold Momoyama style, along with a striking bronze statue of Zōzan on horseback, erected to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth. The nearby Zozan Memorial Museum displays his writings, inventions, and personal belongings, making it a thoughtful complement to the shrine visit.
Wander the tranquil grounds, take in the historical architecture, and explore the museum to gain deeper insight into Zōzan’s visionary contributions. The shrine is also a popular destination for students, who come to pray for perseverance and academic success, making it both a historical and spiritual stop on your journey through Matsushiro.
From the lingering spirit of the samurai to the quiet beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, Matsushiro invites you to slow down, explore, and connect with a deeper side of Japan.
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