Nagano: Matsushiro Samurai Life Tour with Castle, Villa & School

led by the Sanada family during the Edo period. Originally associated with the strategic struggles of the Sengoku period, the castle later became the political heart of a castle town worth 100,000 koku. Today, visitors can see the restored Taiko Gate and the remains of the main enclosure, where the domain’s administrative and residential buildings once stood.

The Sanada Residence is a well-preserved late Edo-period residence built for the family of the Matsushiro domain lord. After the Meiji Restoration, it continued to be used by the former ruling family. Inside, visitors can see how formal reception areas and more private living spaces were arranged, offering a rare glimpse into the lifestyle, architecture, and garden culture of a high-ranking samurai family.

of samurai studied both academic and martial subjects. Its curriculum included swordsmanship, archery, spearmanship, Chinese classics, medicine, etiquette, and even Western military studies. The site shows how samurai were trained not only as warriors, but also as educated officials who supported the domain.