Matsumoto Castle
松本城 · Matsumoto, Nagano
A black-walled National Treasure keep, one of only 12 original castle keeps left in Japan, backed by the Northern Alps.
Know before you go
- The stairs inside the keep are steep and narrow, so don't push or take photos while climbing
- don't touch the wooden structure or exhibits
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Stories & people
Stories & people
History
An original keep more than 400 years old
From 1590 Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga began building the main keep, the smaller keep and other structures, completing them around 1593–1594. Unlike most castles rebuilt after the war, Matsumoto Castle's keep still has its original wooden interior and stone walls; in 1952 the keep and four other buildings were designated National Treasures.
Source: Wikipedia: Matsumoto Castle
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Matsumoto Castle's keep was completed in the late 16th century and still keeps its original wooden interior and stone walls; it is one of only 12 original keeps left in Japan and, with Himeji and Kumamoto, one of Japan's three great castles. Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga began building the keep and other structures in 1590, largely completing them around 1593–1594. In 1952 the keep and four other buildings were designated National Treasures.
Local customs
- Remove your shoes to climb the keep, and the stairs are very steep
- the second floor displays firearms, guns and armour
Religion & beliefs
- Castle architecture
- no religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- The stairs inside the keep are steep and narrow, so don't push or take photos while climbing
- don't touch the wooden structure or exhibits
Locals appreciate DO
Matsumoto people appreciate visitors who walk around the moat to admire the keep's reflection from different angles.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Spring cherry blossoms and clear autumn days |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1.5 hours |
Travel tips
- It's about a 20-minute walk from Matsumoto Station
- the stairs are steep, so wear shoes that are easy to take off and keep your bag light
- on holidays there may be a queue to climb the keep
Photos
Photos
663highland · CC BY 2.5
663highland · CC BY 2.5
Sources & verification notes
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