Matsumoto Castle – A Legacy of Resilience and Strategic Design
Matsumoto is located in Nagano Prefecture on Honshu Island and is the second largest city in the region. This town is an incredibly picturesque place, located between the Japanese Alps and Utsukushigahara Heights (Beautiful Highlands). Matsumoto has achieved national fame thanks to its castle, which is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Japan.
The original castle on the site of Matsumoto Castle was built in 1504 by Sadanagi Shimadachi. It was later renamed Matsumoto Castle and expanded several times. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan. The castle is made of wood and is surrounded by a moat and three walls. It has narrow stairs, passages, and machikukes, which made it difficult to capture.
The castle has a base area of 600 square meters and was built on a square plan. In its center rises a donjon with a 30-meter tower. Next to it are two lower towers connected by an overbuilt corridor. The donjon was built on a stone base, whose smooth and steep walls plunge directly into the water.
The building’s location is unusual – on a hill (at an altitude of over 590 meters), but on a flat surface. Castles of this type are called “flat-land castles”. Due to the black color with which its external walls and roof are painted, it is also called the “crow castle”. It was recognized as a historical monument in 1930 and as a National Treasure in 1936.
The castle has five floors, but in reality it has six floors, as the third, secret floor was where samurai gathered in the event of a siege. To enter the castle, you first pass through the lower fortress, called Inui Kotenshu, with a hidden floor that served as an armory. The fortress is also connected to the donjon by a covered walkway. On the second floor of the donjon is the Teppo Gura Museum, which exhibits weapons and armor from the private collection of a resident of Matsumoto (Akahane Michishige), who bequeathed his collection to the city.
While in the castle, you can take a close look at the thick wooden pillars that support its entire structure. In the display cases, you can see old firearms: rifles, muskets, mortars, and arquebuses. On the top floor, there is a small shrine dedicated to the goddess who protects against fires. From the windows on this floor, you can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding area and the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. The castle tour ends in the tsukimi-yagura tower, which was formerly used for moon viewing.
Matsumoto Castle Ticket Prices
- Adults (16 and over): 620 yen
- Children (6 to 15): 300 yen
- Infants (5 and under): Free
Matsumoto Castle Opening Hours
Additional Information
- The castle is located at 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0872, Japan.
- The castle can be reached by bus or train.
- There is a parking lot near the castle.
- The castle is a popular tourist destination, so it is recommended to visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
Matsumoto Castle is more than just a historical landmark; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Japan’s feudal era. Its intricate design, incorporating defensive elements like moats, walls, and machikules, speaks to the strategic thinking of its builders. The castle’s longevity, enduring through centuries of warfare and natural disasters, is a testament to its enduring strength.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a captivating cultural experience, Matsumoto Castle is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its grandeur, its historical significance, and its picturesque setting make it a true gem of Japan’s cultural heritage.
