Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a beautiful castle with a beautiful contrast between the black exterior walls and white painted walls, with the Northern Alps in the background. It is a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy history and nature, with a different atmosphere in each season of spring, summer, fall, and winter, and the atmosphere of the old castle town remaining in the surrounding area.
What are the charms of Matsumoto Castle?
～The oldest five-story, six-story castle keep in Japan
Matsumoto Castle is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and is designated as a national treasure, with its five guard towers and six floors as its existing tenshukaku. It was built in the Eisho Era (early 16th century) during the Warring States Period as "Fukashi Castle" and later renamed "Matsumoto Castle" by the Ogasawara clan in 1582. The castle tower is said to have been built between 1593 and 1594, and has a unique structure called a "five-story, six-story castle tower," with a five-story exterior and a six-story interior. The contrast between the black lacquered exterior walls and white plaster is beautiful, and the view of the Northern Alps in the background is a distinctive feature of the castle. Northern Alps and Matsumoto Castle
～The castle keep of Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle's five-story structure consists of a main keep, a small dry castle tower, a watchtower, a moon-viewing tower, and a tatsumitsuke tower. The castle tower has many ingenious features from the Warring States period, such as the defensive "Ishi-ochi" and "busha-mado" windows, but it also has elegant elements such as the Tsukimi-yagura, which was added in the Edo period. These keep groups were designated as historic sites in 1930 and as national treasures in 1936. Having survived war and fire, Matsumoto Castle was redesignated a National Treasure in 1957 under the newly enacted Law for Protection of Cultural Properties in 1950. The five keepers of Matsumoto Castle
~ "Kuromon" and "Taiko-mon" gate~.
Black Gate
Did you know that Matsumoto Castle has two gates: the first, Kuromon, is the official entrance to the Honmaru Garden, and was once a prestigious gate leading to the Honmaru Goten. Its name comes from the color "black," which was considered the best color at that time. The roof is covered with tiles engraved with the crests of successive lords of the castle, which are said to have been reused during restoration in the Showa period (1926-1989). The black gate is said to have had a narrow space (sama) in its Masugata (square) form, which also served as a defense against enemies. Black Gate
Drum gate
The other gate, "Taiko-mon," is the main gate to Matsumoto Castle's second circle and is said to have been built around 1595. It was demolished in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), but was restored in 1999 (Heisei 11) at the request of the citizens. The gate was also used as a defense mechanism to stop the enemy. Another feature of the gate is its "Masugata structure," which also serves as a defensive structure to stop enemies in their tracks. On the east side of the gate is a defensive device called "Ishi-ochi," which is surrounded by a huge stone weighing 22.5 tons called "Gembaishi. These gates symbolize the historical value and defensive function of Matsumoto Castle and convey its dignity to visitors. Drum gate
Spring: The spectacular view of the cherry blossoms and Matsumoto Castle
In spring, Matsumoto Castle offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms and the castle. The castle is home to approximately 300 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Yae-zakura, Higan-zakura, and Shidare-zakura, and many different types of cherry trees can be seen in the Honmaru Garden, Matsumoto Castle Park, and the main moat. The weeping cherry tree called "Komatsunagi no sakura" on the north side of the garden is especially popular as a photo spot with the castle tower in the background. Contrast of cherry blossoms and Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle holds the "Sakura Namiki Hikari no Kairo" (Cherry Blossom-Lined Path of Light) and "Yozakura Kai" (Night Cherry Blossom Viewing) events during the cherry blossom season. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic scenery of Matsumoto Castle and cherry blossoms, which is different from that of the daytime. During the nighttime cherry blossom viewing party, the Honmaru Garden will be open to the public free of charge during the night (admission to the castle keep is not permitted). We hope you will enjoy the coming season. Circuit of light
Summer: Matsumoto Castle and a stroll around the castle surrounded by fresh greenery
A must-see during the summer months is the Matsumoto Castle Taiko Festival, a national treasure. Held every year on the last Saturday and Sunday in July, visitors can enjoy taiko performances. The festival is one of the largest taiko festivals in Japan, with about 20 groups from all over the country performing their taiko with a great sense of rhythm and passion, and Matsumoto Castle providing a spectacular backdrop. Other events such as "Takigi Noh" (Noh played on a specially built stage in the Ninomaru Palace) and "Free Admission for Visitors in Japanese Clothes" (free admission for visitors wearing yukata or jinbei) are also available for families to enjoy during the summer vacation. Blue sky and Matsumoto Castle Another recommended way to enjoy this time of year is to take a stroll around the castle town. Around Matsumoto Castle, there are "Nawate-dori" and "Nakamachi-dori" where the atmosphere of the castle town remains, and you can enjoy eating and shopping♪ Nakamachi-dori is lined with stylish cafes and local gourmet stores that have renovated old buildings, so please enjoy them with Matsumoto Castle.
Autumn: Matsumoto Castle in the colors of the autumn leaves - events unique to autumn
In autumn, Matsumoto Castle is at its best from late October to mid-November, when the autumn leaves create a beautiful contrast between the black castle tower and the autumn colors. The contrast between the black castle tower and the autumn leaves is especially breathtaking as the cherry blossoms, maple trees, and zelkova trees change colors and the castle tower and autumn leaves are reflected in the moat. Autumn Leaves and Matsumoto Castle In addition to events such as "ancient artillery demonstrations" and "joint tea ceremonies" in the fall, various events are held from November 3 to 10 every year under the title of "National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Week. Please be sure to enjoy these events along with the beautiful and vivid autumn leaves. Autumn Leaves and Matsumoto Castle
Winter: Matsumoto Castle covered with snow and a spectacular view of the Northern Alps
In winter, Matsumoto Castle is especially beautiful when covered with snow, and the Northern Alps in the background are also tinted white with snow, creating a magnificent view. The castle keep, with its beautiful contrast of black and white, stands out even more in the snowy landscape, making it a sight to see at least once. Snowy Landscape In winter, for two consecutive years starting in 2023, Matsumoto Castle will also be decorated with projection mapping. Digital art will be projected onto Matsumoto Castle with a motif of history, culture, and world-class Japanese beauty, and you will be able to see different projection mappings depending on the period of the year. Please make sure to come prepared for the cold.
▼Click here for Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping article
Experience history and culture at Matsumoto Castle
We hope we have conveyed to you the historical and cultural attractions of Matsumoto Castle. We hope you will spend your time at Matsumoto Castle, which shows its different charms in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Location
Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 390-0873
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access
Train: Approx. 20 min. walk from Matsumoto Sta. on the JR Shinonoi Line
Bus: Matsumoto excursion bus "Town Sneaker" North Course
Depart from "Matsumoto Station Castle Exit" → Get off at "Matsumoto Castle/Shiyakusho-mae" (about 10 minutes ride)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
*Photographs courtesy of Matsumoto Castle Administration Division
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