To see a national treasure treasure , was truly breathtaking. I have see places of ancient times before but this one definitely makes you feel like your in a past time. I recommend the tour of the castle inside to everyone.

One of the few preserved original castles in Japan. Along with an impressive firearm collection on display. Not as big as Himeji, but that means you can take your time to look at the details, and still be able to do it within 2hrs. Guests are required to take off their shoes and since there are only really steep stairs to walk up, make sure your socks are not too slippery.

Really amazing castle! I didn't go inside but it looks great with the park around. It's a really nice spot to just have a little drink and rest because of the great view! And it's also a bit cooler here in the summer than inside of the city.

A good collection of ancient rifles. Good view through windows on the 6 floor. Not ideal for seniors with knee issues or weak legs as staircases are narrow, high, slippery and steep as much as 61°. Space within castle especially at upper levels are small and squeezy. Not recommended for families with toddlers as climbing up or down stairs carrying them is challenging and dangerous.

A castle nestled in the Japanese Alps that competes with Himeji for its beauty. Nice to see from the outside which is free , or you can enter the castle itself for 700 yen or less ( pending on group size, kids pay, less etc ). I went on a snowy day and it was freezing inside, so have extra warm socks and bring your gloves if you want to make the most of it like I did. There's also a gun museum within the castle itself.

Such a beautiful castle! I've visited a few different castles during my time in Japan, including bigger ones like Himeji, but I think this one might be my favourite. The area around the castle is lovely, and the castle itself is unique for its black exterior. When visiting, be sure to give yourself plenty of time as there is quite a bit of waiting around. You first have to queue to enter the castle, and then you queue again to go up the stairs to the higher levels. Make sure you wear warm socks as you are asked to take your shoes off before entering. Even on a fairly temperate, sunny day my feet were freezing. The stairs in the castle are incredibly steep and so are not suitable for those with mobility issues.

It's the main attraction in Matsumoto. The entrance ticket to castle is 700 JPY. The surrounding area is very nice and good to spend some time. We also able to see the night light show during our visit. It started at 6 pm and continues till 9 pm (This is during January)

I LOVE old castles. This is one of the top and most picturesque castles in Japan. But I will see 50 of the if I get the chance to see them in my lifetime. The Castle is in excellent shape and one of the very few that is virtually intact throughout its life. Himeji Castle being the other that made it through the years. The History of the castle is heard through their intercoms system, there are guided tours as well. The location opens at 9am to 5pm but recommend coming at 9-11am before the crowds. If you have not been in a Japanese Castle, be prepared for some very steep steps , some very high steps and some slippery steps. Leave what you can in the lockers by the gift shop as the steps are narrow and not made for tall people, the more hands you have available to make the climb and decent, the better.

I may be a bit biased, seeing as this is my favorite castle, but I absolutely loved this visit. 松本城 has been my favorite castle for over a decade now, yet this was my first time visiting. I highly recommend imagining what it was like to walk the halls some 450+ years ago when it was first built. Guaranteed a must-see if you have the time.

A unique "black" castle with 6 levels. A walk around the park outside of the castle is a must especially in good weather! Do read the story while you are on the 6th level, about the beautiful deity. That was quite interesting. It is fairly busy with tourists hence the top 2 levels usually require queue to access.

It's big, it's beautiful, it's famous - what more could you want? Well, I wish they wouldn't make one carry their shoes. I didn't say we should wear them in the castle. I just think it's dangerous carrying them with how steep the rake (angle, pitch) of the staircases are. And some of the steps have some pretty high rises (vertical distance between the steps) as well. I'm 63 and scared to death of falling and getting hurt. If a bug flies into me, I bruise. Shoes should be kept downstairs while visiting inside the castle. Hey, today you learned some staircase terminology, didn't you? You owe me.

The castle is so iconic with wooden interior, equip with the showroom of the ancient gun and other equipment. You can see the city and garden view from the top of the castle. However, it was so crowded, that I can not spend longer time there. Moreover, the stair in the castle is quite steep, at some point, my leg was shaking. But it was a good experience tho. The entrance fee is 700 yen for adult. You also can take a look at the souvenir shop near there.

An absolutely stunning castle. If you are looking for a Japanese castle experience, this is where you need to go. You can take a limited express train from Shinjuku. If you are staying in Tokyo, take day to visit this place. The view is stunning, there are swans in the water around the castle, there's a scenic bridge, there's a beautiful garden, and there's lights when it's dark. The inside viewing is super crammed but still worth it. Bring thick socks in autumn and winter as you will have to take off your shoes. The stairs are extremely steep and narrow so you have to be in an appropriate physical shape. It's basically a long conga line that goes all the way up and then down again, you dont get to go at your own pace. The view from the top is nice, the museum is mostly about historic guns, and the building just feels very historic. I like that is has side buildings in addition to the main tower. Good pictures at sunset from outside the grounds and at sunrise from the garden inside.

Put this on your list if you want to see castles in Japan. You can get a free tour in English . See kiosk near entry . Walk around moat is free but entry fee for castle . Best photos are in afternoon. The red bridge on the north west corner is a good photo spot. Walk directly south on the Main Street to get great local noodles. You can walk it from the train station and easy flat route. In the late Fall you can see the snow capped mountains in the distance.

Great castle. A lot of castles are empty inside, but this castle used some floors as a museum to show off some artifacts. The staff were kind and did their best to speak English. Highly recommended if you find yourself in Nagano.

I absolutely love this castle. The park around it is so good to take a walk, to have a meal, or just appreciate the castle. Inside the castle, you can see a little bit of the history behind it, you can go to the top of the castle and get 360 view of the city and the mountains. It’s beautiful all seasons.

Beautiful black castle. Pictures simply do not capture how nice it actually looks in real life. It gets crowded very quickly and that makes visiting a bit hard, since the stairs inside are so small. But definitely worth visiting. Pictures outside are much nicer though compared to the inside. Be careful with the stairs as there are many big drops that make my legs sore after climbing.

We went there in the hot summer day. It was super hot. When we was there, it took us 20-30 mins until we can get into the castle. Inside the castle was a little bit cooler. The stairs inside the castle were very steep, I would recommend waring something suitable for climbing the stairs. Inside the castle is a war museum that you can learn not only about the castle but also the war and history of the guns and weapon used in that period. Worth visiting despite long waiting and so many kids there when we visit since it was Saturday during Summer vacation for Japanese students.

Beautifully Castle and worth the visit but I don't like the way you go through it. Always in line with million other people and not much time to see it at your own pace. But overall, worth a visit.

I was greeted by an English speaking tour guide as soon I stepped into the gate and he was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the castle. Getting into the castle itself was a long wait, followed by many more long waits inside as you move up and the down floors. The stairs are incredibly steep so that’s fun. Would def recommend going first thing in the morning.

Visited the castle on a weekend end of November , but wait time was still one hour. Consider another hour to hour and a half to get slowly through the castle. Steps are very steep so be careful. But for sure worth the wait since it is one of the most preserved castles in Japan. Entrance fee 700 ¥

We could enjoy the amazing scenery from the top of the castle! It’s worth to visit once in a lifetime!! Its a little bit cold in the end of March because of the strong wind😅

Quite a large castle in comparison to the others in Japan, though may not be of same scale in other countries like China or Europe. You can complete the tour within 2 hours. You do need to take off your shoes when entering the castle to preserve its flooring, and you will be greeted by the staffs at every stairs. This castle definitely still preserved the unique Japanese architecture designs from the 1600s. Along the way of your self-tour to the top level, you get to see the various weapons and explanation boards (in Japanese and English) to learn more of the history. I would think a Japanese Castle is a must for first-time tourist to Japan.

Lovely castle with a garden around. A lot of stairs and some very steep! Get the Sneaker Bus one day ticket if you want to get a discount for the castle ticket 😀

The castle and grounds are beautiful... from the outside. Definitely come during the day and especially the evening when the castle is lit. The tower tour was really awful. You are moved through in a line that goes too fast to read about the weapons, but so slowly as a non-breaking line tries to move up and down the narrow stairs. Really no need to go through the tower, there isn't much up there and it takes an hour to get through start to finish. I'm not sure why people recommend this.

The most beautiful and elegant Japanese castle and my most favorite castle. Going inside the castle is whole new experience. It takes you to the samurai era and old time in Japan. Highly recommend to go visit this amazing castle if you go to Matsumoto, Nagano.

Beautiful castle and surroundings. Be aware you will have to remove your shoes and that there are a few very step ladders to the upper floors. Don’t let this discourage you however as it’s worth every step.

It's a international stadium for the cycle sport.. Very nice neat & clean stadium in good atmosphere. Kind staffs... Very nice experience

Well maintained tracks. Best place to training although you should check the timings when its free.

It's a wonderful place for kids to play. No queue at all. Nice staffs.

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(Translated by Google) If you have a child who can ride a bicycle, there are lots of play equipment that they can enjoy. It is also recommended for adults as it is a good exercise. The cycle swinger, which was created in April 2023, can be ridden by children as young as 4 years old, and it can be scary until you get used to it. The roller coaster can be ridden if it is over 100cm long, so even small children will enjoy it. (Original) 自転車が乗れる子供がいれば楽しめる遊具がたくさんあります。 大人も良い運動になるのでおすすめです。 2023年4月にできたサイクルスインガーは4歳から同乗可能で慣れるまで怖いくらい。 ジェットコースターは100cm以上なら乗車可能で小さな子供も喜びますよ。

(Translated by Google) Basically, it is a place that even small children can enjoy. However, the 5km circuit is suitable for adults or physically fit children. People who were serious about cycling were also running around. There are also electric bicycles, so adults (like me) who aren't confident in my physical strength enjoyed using them, but I was still at my physical limit after two laps. (Original) 基本的には小さい子でも楽しめる場所です。 だが５kmサーキットは大人、もしくは体力のある子供向け。ガチで自転車やってる人も走ってました。電動機自転車もあるので、体力に自信のない大人(私)は、それを使って楽しみましたが、それでも２周で体力の限界でした。

Really cool cave that was created from wave erosion on the backside of Enoshima Island. Lots of stone historical objects that are part of the cultural heritage of the Island. In the back of the cave there is a large dragon statue known as the "Heavenly Maiden" that has cool RBG lighting. It costs ¥500 for adults to enter and it's worth your time if you get the chance to visit.

An experience that is definitely worth trying! Explore the beautiful cave by candle light, they even provide LED candle lights for the kids. We were lucky because we came when the illuminations were on. Highly recommended.

It's a small cave but still worth to pay a visit. I enjoy the walkway with candles on the sides. There's a booth where you can rent a candle but i dont think it's needed. It's not really too dark inside. In the 2nd cave, you'll see a dragon with sound effects. I wasnt impressed by that but the folktale about it is cool so that can be interesting for some people. I advise you visit the cave and be the judge. But overall, it was okay.

Very cool experience to go in the cave. So beautiful and walking with the candles made it extra special. We loved walking through Enoshima to get to the caves, then took the ferry back to the main bridge.

This was an interesting find that I didn’t know about. It’s a really unique experience that I enjoyed. Some parts are dark so they let you borrow a light. Also be aware that some parts are low so you might have to squat down. There’s all sorts of artifacts to see inside so check it out if you’re in the area.

Surprisingly interesting and fun! The website says they're small, bit they're not: it is a complex of 3 main caves, containing several original statues and paintings. Highly recommended!!

Very cool experience to go in the cave. So beautiful and walking with the candles made it extra special. We loved walking through Enoshima to get to the caves, then took the ferry back to the main bridge.

The island of Enoshima is amazing, words cannot describe enough this island. You should follow the map to visit everything. If you follow the path, you will get to the two caves. It is well reserved and if you read about the history, you will be amazed. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the red bridge; I suggest watching the sunset from this point when the sun comes down on the other side, you will see Mt. Fuji.

An excellent spot for Enoshima visitors. The cave's interior is captivating and spacious, featuring two distinct zones. The entrance fee is worthwhile, and tourists with an Enoden pass or other tourist passes can enjoy a discounted fee.

Breathtaking place with terrific views no matter where you looked. Exploring the cave with a candle really gives a lot of immersion. Very unique experience even for Japan. Could do without the clapping dragon thing though. Felt a bit tacky.

Very fascinating experience, it makes planning a trip to Enoshima Island definitely recommended as it is the highlight of the island for sure. The cliffside infront of the cave alone is worth coming here. There are two caves, lined with history exhibitions, the mandatory shrines inside, one of which is a dragon that growls when you clap. In one cave you get a cute handheld lantern and in the other are beautiful lanterns. The path between the caves had a part with cute chimes.

Not the best sight seeing place but if you come to Enoshima already then it is still worth to go for an mini adventure with the candle they provided!

Warning to people with disability or bad backs, legs etc: the cave headspace does get rather low, meaning some bending over is needed to reach some of the interesting parts. Was a unique experience though with a section that is candle lit, so I say it’s is worth visiting if you can. On weekends you will have to queue for 10+min to enter.

Fun cave tour that gives you the local history of the myths and lore of Enoshima. You also get to carry a candle around for lights, so it's kinda fun

Must visit if you come to Enoshima. The caves are the origins of the Enoshima shrine and supposedly the island itself. Candles will be provided free of charge. But there is enough light that you dont need it.

If you came during the summer, be prepared to sweat! But the climb is not that steep or long. Our 3 year climbed the entire way up and down. The shave ice after the climb is a nice reward. Parking is 500 yen and is refunded if you spend 2000 at the shops.

Beautiful place for feeling ocean and relaxing..

Just amazing! The way down and up the hill is maybe a bit difficult but being down the cliff and standing in front of the rocks feels awesome. When the see is calm you can get close.

For Snorkeling, board surfing, not really for swimming. Please prepare shoes for rocky beach. Beautiful view though

A relatively quiet little stone beach, bursting with wildlife. At low tide the shrine is reachable, unfortunately I was unable to make it before the tide came back in.

Beautiful but be aware of the mosquitos. A nice walking route in the jungle just nearby the parking lot

Walked from the station to Mitsuishi, was great fun and very beautiful.

(Translated by Google) It's a public museum, and it's a valuable place that is open on Mondays as well. Public transportation was more convenient than I expected. I think the exhibition contents and exhibition method were also very good. Especially, I was overwhelmed by the works after I was over 90 years old. If I had to say it, I thought it would have been better if the explanation about the material was a little more detailed. The scenery around the area and the food nearby were very satisfying. (Original) 公立の美術館で、月曜日も開館しているという貴重なところです。思ったよりも、公共の交通機関が便利でした。 展示内容、展示方法もとても良かったとおもいます。特に90歳を越えてからの作品には圧倒されました。強いて言うならば、材質についての説明がもう少し子細であればもっと良かったのにと思いました。 周辺の景色も近場での食事もとても満足の行くものでした。

Wonderful and extensive two-story museum featuring the works of Nakagawa Kazumasa, who was active until he passed away at the age of 97. Don’t miss the traditional tatami mat room with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. The room is tucked in the back of the building and a bit difficult to find. Also note that guides in English are available at the reception.

(Translated by Google) A small art museum in the wonderful forest of the Manazuru Peninsula. I visited for the first time in 20 years, but the impression I had when I first saw it was the same. I was grateful for the power from the paintings of Mt. Komagatake, roses, sunflowers, etc. The view from the nearby Hayashi Observatory is also wonderful, and I can understand why Issei Nakagawa made his studio here. (Original) 真鶴半島の素晴らしい森の中にあるこじんまりとした美術館。20年ぶりに訪ねてみましたが、初めて観た時の感動、変わりませんでした。駒ヶ岳、薔薇、向日葵等の絵からパワー有り難く頂きました。近くのお林展望台からの眺めも素晴らしく、ここに中川一政がアトリエを作られたことにも納得です。

(Translated by Google) I arrived at the museum at 2:30 p.m., so I wanted to watch the video that was playing on the first floor, but considering the museum's closing time, I put off watching the video, thinking, ``I'd like to see the art first.'' When I finished viewing the film and went to watch the video on the first floor at 3:15 p.m., an elderly male staff member told me, "It's over." When I asked, ``What time does this place close?'' I was told, ``It's 4 o'clock.'' During some questions and answers afterwards, the staff member said, ``If it's only for 10 minutes,'' but I wasn't convinced and watched the video as much as time allowed. All of Kazumasa Nakagawa's works on display are wonderful. It was still worth watching. However, I felt it was a waste to see the male staff's lack of motivation and rude behavior that nullified that impression. I had only seen about half of the exhibit (around 3:00 p.m.) when I heard staff members talking loudly and other noises, and the video sound went off. I understand if it's to save electricity, but the air conditioner was turned on so hard that it made the chilly March season even colder, and looking at the above response, it's easy to see what they meant. For the staff, every day may be the same, ordinary day, but for visitors from far away who don't know when they'll be able to come next, it's an irreplaceable viewing time. It would be fine if it was close to closing time, but I couldn't accept the idea of ​​``just 10 minutes'' when there were still 45 minutes left. Even if it is just a video, it should be a valuable resource for passionate viewers. If staff want to go home early, they can set the closing time to 3:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m., and use the remaining 30 minutes to prepare for their return. I have no choice but to call museums "closed" when they engage in behavior at this level. I think Mr. Nakagawa would be disappointed if he saw it. (Original) 14時半に美術館に到着したので、1階で流れていたビデオを見たかったのですが、閉館時間を考えて「先ずは作品を」と思いながらビデオ鑑賞を後回しにしました。 作品鑑賞を終え、15時15分に1階でビデオを見ようとしたところ、初老の男性スタッフから「終わりです」と言われました。 「ここの閉館は何時ですか？」と尋ねたら「4時です」と言われました。その後のいくつかの問答の中でスタッフさんは「10分だけなら」と言われましたが、私は納得ができずに時間が許す限りビデオを見ました。 展示されている中川一政先生の作品は、どれも素晴らしいものばかりです。 やはり鑑賞する価値がありました。 しかしながら、その感動を打ち消すような男性スタッフのやる気の無さ、失礼な言動に「もったいない」と感じました。 私が展示を半分ほど見たところ(15時前後)までで、スタッフの大きな話し声と物音がし、ビデオの音が消えました。節電のためなら分かりますが、3月の肌寒い季節をさらに寒くするほどに冷房をガンガンかけていたし、上記の対応を見ればどういうことかすぐに分かります。 スタッフにとっては毎日同じような平凡な日々かもしれませんが、次はいつ来れるか分からないような遠方からの訪問者にとってはかけがえのない鑑賞時間なのです。 閉館時間が間近ならまだしも、あと45分もあるのに「10分だけなら」というのは納得できませんでした。単なるビデオであっても熱意ある鑑賞者にとっては貴重な資料のはずです。 スタッフが早く帰りたいのなら、閉館の表示時間を16時にせず15時30分にして、残りの30分を帰り支度に使えばいい。 美術館でこのようなレベルの言動をしているようでは「閉鎖的」と言わざるを得ません。もし中川先生が見たら嘆かれると思います。

(Translated by Google) I've visited twice so far. You can see many of Mr. Nakagawa's wonderful works. Unfortunately, when I visited there the other day for the first time in a while, they were on year-end vacation. (Original) これまで2度訪問しました。中川氏の素晴らしい作品がたくさん鑑賞できます。 先日久しぶりに訪ねたら残念なことに年末休暇に入っていました。

(Translated by Google) Going to this museum made me want to live naturally instead of logically. (Original) こちらの美術館に行って理屈ではなく、自然体で生きようと思わされました

(Translated by Google) This is a museum dedicated to Kazumasa Nakagawa, which was built because he lived there. In addition to paintings, visitors can also view a wide range of products from his creative activities, including ceramics and calligraphy. Although slow-motion photography is not allowed inside the building, it is possible to take pictures in the tea room. Personally, I think the highlight of this museum is the exhibition room that displays works in chronological order, from their debut works to their final works. The idea is to go around the room starting with the debut work, and then return to the place where the last work and the debut work are lined up next to each other. This is followed by the troubled period before he established his painting style, the large-scale work in his established painting style, and the rose that became his life's work, and the works of his later years, in which he continued to paint until the end even after his eyesight deteriorated, especially the works of his later years. I felt something like obsession and soul. I felt that this exhibition room alone was worth seeing. It's located in a quiet forest, so why not include it in your Manazuru Peninsula walking course? (Original) 中川一政氏が居を構えたとの縁から建てられた、同氏専門の美術館。絵画だけではなく、陶芸、書など、同氏の幅広い創作活動の成果物を一度に鑑賞することができる。館内は減速撮影できないが、茶室は撮影可能である。 個人的に、この美術館のハイライトと感じたのは、デビュー作から、絶筆までを時系列に並べた展示室だと思う。デビュー作から順に部屋を一周する形でめぐり、最後に絶筆とデビュー作が隣り合わせで並んでいる所に戻ってくるという趣向。画風を確立させるまでの悩める時期、確立した画風による大作品、いわばライフワークとなった薔薇と続き、目を悪くしてからも最期まで描き続けた最晩年の作品で、特に最晩年の作品からは執念とか魂のようなものを感じた。この展示室だけでも一見の価値があると感じた。 静かな森の中にあるので、真鶴半島の散策コースに取り入れてみては。

(Translated by Google) This is a new, quiet museum. It's a painting and a calligraphy, but the frame is wonderful. Photography is not allowed inside the building, but it was allowed in the tea room. (Original) 静かな新しい美術館です。 絵画と書ですが、額縁にこだわり素敵です。 館内撮影禁止ですが、茶室だけはオッケーでした。

(Translated by Google) I wandered through the primeval forest and arrived at Kazunari Nakagawa Art Museum. I hurriedly set up the exhibition while waiting for the bus. Photography is only allowed in this art room. In addition to powerful landscape paintings and calligraphy from Hakone and Manazuru, there are humorous paintings of fish and dogs made with mineral pigments. Speaking of which, I preferred rock paintings. Died at the age of 98. Artists live long lives. (Original) 原生林を徘徊してたどり着いた中川一成美術館。 バス待ちの間に大急ぎで展覧してまいりました。写真撮影可はこの画室のみ。箱根や真鶴の力強い風景画や書のほかに岩絵具のユーモラスな魚や犬の絵。どちかかと言うとわたしは岩絵が好みでした。98歳没。芸術家は長生きだ。