Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Matsushiro! Discover More Than Just the Sanada Clan’s Legacy

Matsushiro Town is a historic castle town that once served as the domain of the Sanada clan, a name well-known from the NHK historical drama Sanada Maru. The town retains the charm of an Edo-period castle town, and visitors can see the Sanada family crest, the "Six Mon Coins", throughout the area.
Before the Sanada clan ruled Matsushiro during the Edo period, the Takeda clan, led by Takeda Shingen, controlled the region. The area was also the site of the famous Battle of Kawanakajima, which took place around Matsushiro Castle—formerly known as Kaizu Castle.
Additionally, Matsushiro is the birthplace of Sakuma Shozan, an influential figure from the late Edo period.
For fans of Japanese history, particularly from the Sengoku period to the Bakumatsu era, Matsushiro is a must-visit "sacred site". In this article, we introduce six historical tourist spots in Matsushiro that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Matsushiro Castle Ruins (Kaizu Castle)

Matsushiro Castle was originally known as Kaizu Castle during the Sengoku period. Over the years, its ownership changed several times, leading to renaming and eventually settling on its current name.
During the Sengoku period, Kaizu Castle was part of Takeda Shingen’s domain. It played a crucial role in the Battle of Kawanakajima, the famous conflict between the Takeda and Uesugi clans. Since the battlefield of Kawanakajima is located near Matsushiro, Kaizu Castle was considered a key strategic base at the time. Today, visitors can still find a stone monument inscribed with "Kaizu Castle" at the main keep site of the Matsushiro Castle ruins.
The Sanada clan took over Matsushiro Castle when Sanada Nobuyuki, the elder brother of Sanada Yukimura, was ordered to relocate from Ueda to Matsushiro following Tokugawa Ieyasu's passing. The Sanada family governed this land until the Meiji Restoration.
Today, Matsushiro Castle, which has strong ties to both the Takeda and Sanada clans, has been restored and preserved by Nagano City. The yaguramon gate, wooden bridges, stone walls, earthen embankments, and moats have all been repaired and reconstructed. Although the original castle itself is no longer standing, the restorations are based on historical excavation findings and documents, allowing visitors to imagine the castle’s appearance during the Edo period.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully around the ruins. The Inui Sumiyaguradai (Northwest Corner Turret Platform), which serves as an observation deck, offers a stunning view of the surroundings.

2. Sanada Treasure Museum

Sanada Treasure Museum is a municipal museum in Nagano City that houses cultural artifacts of the Sanada clan. On the front of the building, you will find the six-coin emblem (Rokumonsen), the well-known family crest of the Sanada clan, which is sure to excite fans of the Sengoku period and the Sanada family from the moment they arrive.
The museum exhibits numerous valuable historical artifacts, including the Aoe no Ōdachi, a long sword designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan; Noborihashigo no Gusoku, the armor of Sanada Masayuki; and letters written by notable figures such as Takeda Shingen, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ishida Mitsunari, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. In addition, visitors can view the Sanada family's inherited armor, banners featuring the Rokumonsen emblem, weapons, swords, furnishings, paintings, documents, family trees, everyday tools, and many other precious artifacts. The museum's collection comprises approximately 50,000 items.
These invaluable historical materials were donated by Sanada Yuki Haru, the 12th head of the Sanada family. This museum is not only a treasure trove for Sanada enthusiasts but also a fascinating destination for history lovers and researchers alike.
The exhibits are highly engaging, and if you take the time to explore them thoroughly, you will need at least an hour. However, the richness of the collection makes it well worth the visit. Volunteer guides are available, and their explanations can further enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the exhibits.
One of the must-see highlights inside the museum is the diorama of the Matsushiro Castle ruins, which vividly illustrates the castle town built by Sanada Nobuyuki, the feudal lord of Matsushiro.
The museum is just a short walk from the Matsushiro Castle ruins. Whether you choose to view the diorama before or after visiting the ruins is entirely up to you. This museum truly reflects the deep love and respect the people of Matsushiro have for the Sanada family.
If you visit Matsushiro Town, be sure to explore this remarkable museum along with the other historical sites.

3. Former Matsushiro Station

The Former Matsushiro Station is the site of the old Nagano Electric Railway Yashiro Line station, which was discontinued in 2012. The station building, a nostalgic wooden structure dating back to the Taisho period, remains intact and is a valuable historical attraction.
Visitors can freely explore the preserved station building and platform. The ticket gates, waiting room, and signage have been left untouched since the station’s closure, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
Today, the station building has been repurposed as a bus waiting area, serving as a rest stop for locals using the bus system. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a charming and peaceful place to visit.
For those traveling to Nagano City by bus, you can spend some time exploring the old station while waiting for your bus at Former Matsushiro Station.

4. Minakami Shrine & Minakami Mountain

Recently selected as one of Japan’s New Top 100 Scenic Spots, Minakami Mountain (Minakamiyama) has become a popular power spot and tourist attraction.
One reason for its mystique is its distinct shape. The mountain forms a perfect conical shape, as if it had been artificially molded, leading to its long-standing reputation as a sacred mountain. At the summit, visitors will find Minakami Shrine (Kumano Iwasuo Shrine Main Hall), which was once a center for Shugendo (mountain asceticism).
Additionally, due to its triangular form and the name "Minakami" (which means "All Gods"), some legends claim that it is the world's oldest and largest pyramid. Midway up the mountain, there is a stone chamber at Iwatoya Shrine, which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, and some believe it could be the entrance to the Minakami Mountain Pyramid.
Another reason why Minakami Mountain is regarded as a power spot is its connection to seismic activity. The mountain became world-famous as the epicenter of the Matsushiro earthquake swarm, further adding to its mysterious aura.
The mountain stands at about 679 meters and can be climbed relatively quickly. From the Minakami Shrine entrance, it takes about 10 minutes to reach Iwatoya Shrine (midway up the mountain). From there, another 20-minute hike leads to Minakami Shrine, with the summit located just behind the shrine. The total hiking time is about 30 minutes one way.
Located southeast of Matsushiro Town, Minakami Mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Iizuna Mountain, Togakushi Mountain, and the Kawanakajima Plain. On clear days, it is an excellent spot for scenic sightseeing.

5. Zōzan Shrine

Zōzan Shrine is dedicated to Sakuma Zōzan, a thinker and military scholar from the Matsushiro domain during the late Edo period, who laid the foundations for modern Japan. Although Sakuma Zōzan’s name is read as "Shōzan," the local pronunciation is "Zōzan," and the shrine’s name is also read as "Zōzan Jinja."
Sakuma Zōzan was born in Matsushiro. Next to Zōzan Shrine, there is a site marking the remains of Sakuma Zōzan’s residence, where a monument commemorates his birthplace.
At the entrance of Zōzan Shrine stands an impressive bronze statue of Sakuma Zōzan on horseback, which was erected in anticipation of the bicentennial celebration of his birth. The shrine also features a magnificent wooden torii gate. Known as a place of academic worship, it is popular among visitors praying for success in exams.
Within the shrine grounds, two significant historical buildings have been relocated: Kōgitei, where Sakuma Zōzan was confined, and En’utei, where he resided in Kyoto before his assassination. During his time at Kōgitei, notable historical figures such as Takasugi Shinsaku, Kusaka Genzui, and Nakaoka Shintarō visited him. This makes the site a must-see for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the late Edo period.

6. Matsushiro Zōzan Underground Bunker

Matsushiro Town is home to many must-see historical sites for fans of the Sengoku and late Edo periods. However, another historically significant site in the area is the massive underground bunker known as the "Matsushiro Imperial Headquarters."
This underground bunker was constructed at great expense during World War II. The plan was to relocate the Imperial Palace and the Supreme Command, the Imperial Headquarters, from Tokyo to Matsushiro, as Tokyo was deemed to have weak defensive capabilities.
The Matsushiro Imperial Headquarters bunker consists of three sections—Mount Maizuru, Mount Minakami, and Mount Zōzan—with a total underground tunnel length of approximately 13 km. Currently, around 500 meters of the Zōzan underground bunker are open to the public for tours.
Over the years, the underground bunker has gradually deteriorated due to natural wear and tear. There is a possibility that further deterioration could make future tours impossible. This site serves as an essential place to reflect on Japan’s wartime history, the lives lost, and the importance of peace. It is a historical site that should not be forgotten, and many visitors are encouraged to experience it firsthand.
For those visiting the Nagano City and Matsushiro Town area, this is a highly recommended sightseeing spot.

◎ Summary

Matsushiro Town is a historically significant sightseeing destination, featuring sites closely tied to the Sengoku period and the late Edo period, such as the ruins of Matsushiro Castle, the Sanada Residence, and Zōzan Shrine. Additionally, it is home to important historical remnants like the underground bunker, which serves as a reminder of the past's darker chapters.
Facilities such as the Sanada Treasure Museum and the Zōzan Underground Bunker offer guided tours provided by volunteer guides. If possible, having a knowledgeable guide explain the historical background during your visit will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Matsushiro Town's rich history.
Many of the Sanada-related sites, including the Matsushiro Castle ruins and the Sanada Treasure Museum, are conveniently located near the former Matsushiro Station. This makes it easy to explore the area while enjoying the atmosphere of the old castle town.
We highly encourage you to visit Matsushiro and immerse yourself in its deep historical charm.

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Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Matsushiro! Discover More Than Just the Sanada Clan’s Legacy