The 400-year History and Charm of the
Sanada Clan in Matsushiro, Nagano
The Matsushiro Domain in Matsushiro, Nagano, which was centered around Matsushiro Castle, developed into a castle town of 100,000 goku (a unit of assessed crop yields of the land) during the Edo Period. The culture and traditions that were established during the Edo Period still remain to this day, giving us a clearer insight into the lives of those who lived during that time. Many remnants of the old castle town still stand, including the Sanada Clan palace, the Literary and Military Arts School, Buddhist temples and shrines linked to the Sanada Clan, and a preserved samurai residence—all offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s rich historical charm.
Including the first lord, Sanada Nobuyuki, who moved from Ueda to Matsushiro in 1622, there have been 10 generations of Sanada leaders that have ruled over this land for roughly 250 years. Many historical remains and cultural properties of the Sanada Clan still remain in Matsushiro. By touring these historical heritage sites, you will gain an insight into what life was like in the castle town during the Edo Period.
Experience
Experience a Historical Tour
with a Professional Guide
Together with the professional guide, you can explore the castle town connected to the Sanada Clan and discover the history that dates back to the Edo Period. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to experience ancient Japanese martial arts at the cultural facility.
A Premium Dinner
to Enjoy Traditional Flavors
For dinner, you can enjoy the Sanada Residence’s specialty, which was served in honor of the lord. The gourmet premium dinner features recreations of meals that were eaten in Matsushiro on special occasions. At the Sanada Residence/Palace, you can enjoy the garden scenery, experience the traditions and culture of the Sanada Clan, and spend some time relaxing luxuriously.
A Meal to Honor the Lord
The meal that will be served is a modern version of the food that was served during the Edo Period in Matsushiro on special occasions. The menu for this meal had been recorded in historical documents that were carefully deciphered. You can experience the “Three Meals,” a traditional Sanada Clan cultural meal that has been recreated. Please enjoy the beautiful arrangement and subtle tastes of this meal.
Provision of meals and services
The Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa is conveniently located just 30 minutes from JR Nagano Station by free shuttle bus. Historic sites like Matsushiro Castle Ruins and the Sanada Treasure Museum, both connected to the Sanada clan, are within walking distance, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.
Tour schedule
12:30
Nagano Station
13:00〜
Sanada Treasures Museum
Approximately 50,000 items belonging to the feudal lord, which have passed down in the Sanada Clan, have been collected and are on display at the museum. Important items such as weapons and documents are on display, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the Sanada Clan’s roughly 250 years of history deeply.
14:30〜
Former Literary and Military Arts (Bunbu) School
During the Edo Period, many domain schools were established across Japan to enhance the education of domain retainers' children. Among them, the Literary and Military Arts School in Matsushiro was founded in 1855.
15:30〜
Chokokuji Temple (Mausoleum)
At the Sanada Clan family temple, there are mausoleums and graves for the successive lords of the Sanada Clan. Among them, the mausoleum for the first lord, Sanada Nobuyuki, has been designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property.
16:30〜
Former Sanada Residence (Site of the New Palace)
The distinctive feature of this building’s construction is the separation of the outer chamber (used for official meetings with guests) and the inner chamber (which served as private living quarters). You can enjoy a premium dinner in the parlor room, the main room of the outer chamber.
17:15〜
Premium dinner
About the Guide
Machinovate, a Nagano-based company that undertakes a variety of initiatives aimed at revitalizing local communities, provides professional guides with in-depth knowledge of history and culture. They bring out the deep charm of the places they visit and provide detailed explanations of history from a unique local perspective.
Reservations
Coming soon
Inquiries about the site
026-224-8316
9:00～17:00
(except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
Organizing
