Enjoy Touring Matsushiro Town,
the Town of History and Culture,
on E-Bikes!
We’ll introduce you to bike rental spots (including pricing)
and our recommended cycling routes.
Matsushiro × E-Bikes
Matsushiro, the town of history and culture.
The town is surrounded in three directions by mountains and offers a view of both the Northern Alps and the Five Mountains of Northern Nagano in the distance.
Centered around Matsushiro Castle (formerly Kaizu Castle), built during the Warring States Period, Matsushiro Town is full of deep and fascinating attractions — from cycling roads along the Chikuma River to the scenic Mt. Saijo Observatory overlooking the Nagano Basin and ancient burial mounds that are rich with historical romance.
If you want to experience everything Matsushiro has to offer, an electrically assisted e-bike is just what you need.
Distant places and steep hills are no problem.
Enjoy Matsushiro even more with an e-bike!
E-bikes are sport bicycles equipped with an electrically powered assist system. Comfortably climb hills as you feel as though you were being pushed from behind.
3 Points in Matsushiro for
You To Enjoy With an E-Bike
-
Safe Even for Beginners
E-bikes are easy to handle, feeling just like riding a regular bicycle. With well-maintained cycling roads, even beginners can enjoy a comfortable ride—one of the great features of Matsushiro Town.
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Refresh Yourself with Delicious Food and Relaxing Hot Springs Baths
There are many restaurants in Matsushiro Town for you to enjoy the delicious local cuisine of Nagano. We also recommend bathing at the hot springs after your cycle to wash away the sweat and heal your body.
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Full of Great Highlights-from Historic Sites to Breathtaking Scenery
With a rich history as both a castle town and a post town, Matsushiro offers plenty to explore as you ride through its streets. With an e-bike, you can easily venture a bit further to visit ancient burial mounds or mountain castles.
Explore the history of Matsushiro to your heart’s content on this tour!
Visit the Omuro tombs, take a moment to ponder the warlords of the Warring States Period at Matsushiro Castle Ruins, and lastly, explore Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters.
Ancient, medieval, and modern: uncover the history that has overcome the eras!
Shinshu Matsushiro Tourism Association
Omuro Tomb Group
More than 500 funeral mounds are gathered here at Omuro Tomb Group.
Funeral mounds in rare shapes can be found here, along with rich history at this mysterious location!
Matsushiro Castle Ruins
Returning a little from Omuro Tomb Group, you’ll reach Matsushiro Castle Ruins.
We recommend leaving the bicycles and touring the inside of the castle during the beautiful cherry blossom period in spring.
Zozan Shrine
Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters
The Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters was built at the end of World War II.
Wear a helmet, and explore inside these precious ruins from the war!
The Emperor’s Imperial Chamber
This was a planned evacuation location for the emperor during World War II. It is located in one corner of the Imperial Headquarters, and although you cannot enter the building, you can peek inside from the outside.
Cycling Route
You’ll first head to the Kawanakajima old battlefield by riding alongside the Chikuma River.
You’ll visit Tenkyuji Temple and Yamamoto Kansuke’s grave, where you can experience the way of life for famous military commanders. Take a break at Shiba Amidado Temple before heading to Mt. Saijo. There, the view of the wide-open old battlefield is truly stunning!
Shinshu Matsushiro Tourism Association
Kawanakajima Old Battlefield
The famous commanders from the Warring States Period, Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, once clashed here on this land. Travel back in time as you cycle through this historic setting!
Tenkyuji Temple
This temple was built to commemorate the deaths of Takeda Shingen’s younger brother, Takeda Nobushige, as well as the soldiers who died from both the Takeda and Uesugi armies. Inside the Enmado Hall stands a 5-meter-tall giant statue of Enma Daio! This is also a famous spot to view cherry blossoms in spring.
Yamamoto Kansuke’s Grave
Shiba Amidado Temple
A short distance from Yamamoto Kansuke’s grave is Shiba Amidado Temple. This temple was built to commemorate the death of Takeda Shingen who died during the Battle of Kawanakajima.
Mt. Saijo
Enter Mt. Saijo through the entrance and climb the path to the viewing platform. This location was used as a campsite by the Kenshin army, led by Uesugi Kenshin, during the Battle of Kawanakajima.
Matsushiro Castle Ruins
Cycling Route
At Mt. Minakami, you can experience the power of the earth and refresh yourself at Kiyotaki Falls. Explore the Takehara Sasazuka burial mound, rich with ancient legend, and discover the Kasabotoke as you tour this mystical area, renowned as a power spot. Due to some elevation changes, this tour is recommended for those confident in their physical fitness!
Shinshu Matsushiro Tourism Association
Mt. Minakami
A pyramid-like-shaped, mysterious mountain. Part-way, there’s an open area with a beautiful view of the town.
Kiyotaki Amidado Temple/Kiyotaki Falls
After getting off your bicycle and walking a short distance up the mountain trail, you’ll reach Kiyotaki Amidado and the nearby Kiyotaki Falls. Experience the power of nature!
Kiyotaki Kannondo
Takehara Sasazuka Funeral Mound
This triangular-shaped funeral mound, with a roof-shaped ceiling, is said to have been built around the late Kofun Period, mid-6th century.
Kasabotoke
This Buddhist stone monument, known as “Kasabotoke” since ancient times, has four Buddha figures carved in relief on its upper four sides, including Nyorai from the Yayoi Period.
Cycling Route
This tour allows you to follow in the footsteps of the Sanada family by visiting five temples associated with the family including the Chokokuji Temple, where the mausoleum for the first feudal lord of the Matsushiro domain is located, and the Daieiji Temple, where the mausoleum for his wife, Komatsu-hime, is located. This tour is recommended to those who wish to slowly tour around historical sites in Matsushiro.
Shinshu Matsushiro Tourism Association
Rinshoji Temple
The mausoleum for the second feudal lord, Nobumasa, at Rinshoji Temple was built at the same time as his father’s and was constructed in exactly the same way.
Sairakuji Temple
Daieiji Temple
This temple was founded by the first feudal lord of the domain, Sanada Nobuyuki, to honor his wife, Komatsu-hime. Her mausoleum, the oldest among the Sanada mausoleums, is also located here and is currently being used as the main hall.
Chokokuji Temple
The Sanada family graveyard and the solemn mausoleums, including that of Sanada Nobuyuki, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, stand here. Within the temple grounds, a tranquil atmosphere allows visitors to pay their respects at their leisure.
Daihoji Temple
Within the temple grounds is the grave of Nobuyuki and a garden in the shape of the family crest of the Sanada family (rokumonsen), offering a place to experience the family’s history and reflect on Nobuyuki.
Cycling Route
Guide for dealing with bears when cycling
When you cycle through the mountains as part of the course, make sure you prepare properly before setting off!
- Wear a bear bell
or other
noise-making
device - Pay attention to
the sounds and
sights around
you. - Take breaks in a
place where you can
clearly see your
surroundings. - If you see a bear,
do not approach,
and walk away
quietly.
Have fun cycling safely!
Rental Time/Fee
- Reception Location
- Shinshu Matsushiro Tourism Association
- Application Methods
- Application Form/Phone
| Address | 4-1 Matsushiro, Nagano, Nagano |
|---|---|
| Reception Time | 9:00 - 16:00 (Regular Holidays: Around New Year’s Day *Renting is not available in rain or snow) |
| TEL | 026-278-3366 |
| Number of Available Bikes | E-Bikes: 4 Mini E-Bikes: 3 Regular Bicycles: 5 Mini Velo Bicycles: 2 |
| Return Times | 9:00 - 16:30 |
| Rental Bike Fees | E-Bike: Up to 4 hours – 2,000 yen/Over 4 hours – 3,000 yen Mini E-Bike: Up to 4 hours – 1,000 yen/Over 4 hours – 1,500 yen Regular Bicycle: Whole day – 700 yen Mini Velo Bicycle: Whole day – 700 yen |
Please note
- Bicycles may only be used for sightseeing.
- Bicycles may only be used during the day they are rented. However, if you have requested to extend the time in advance then an extension is possible.
- While using the bicycles, if you realize that you cannot return them within the scheduled return time you must call management.
- Bicycles must be returned to management by 16:30.
- For safety reasons, please wear a helmet (free to rent).
- While riding the bicycles, follow the transportation rules and ride safely in order to not cause problems for others.
- Do not intentionally damage the bicycles.
- If you are involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, please inform management immediately.
- If you lose the key while using a bicycle you must pay a 1,500 yen replacement fee.
- Management may provide additional instructions to help maintain order while riding a bicycle.