Nestled in the city of Matsumoto, in the Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto Castle (松本城 / Matsumotojô) is a historical treasure and one of Japan's premier tourist attractions. It is one of the twelve original castles in Japan, still retaining its original keep, and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
Nicknamed the "Crow Castle" (カラス / Karasu) due to its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle boasts a rich and fascinating history. Its construction began during the Sengoku period (1477-1573), an era marked by numerous military conflicts between Japanese provinces. The main keep (天守 / Tenshu) was completed in 1593, and the castle took its current form in 1633 with the addition of the Moon Viewing Tower.
Throughout the year, various festivals take place here, including taiko drum concerts, Noh theater performances, the autumn soba festival, and a winter ice sculpture festival.
What Can You See at Matsumoto Castle?
Matsumoto Castle has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to explore most of its historical structures.
Download our Matsumoto Castle map to help you navigate this historical site!
Here are some must-see highlights:
1. The Main Keep
The main keep (天守 / Tenshu) of Matsumoto Castle comprises five buildings:
- Daitenshu (大天守): The grand keep stands at 29.4 meters tall. Notably, the third floor is hidden and windowless, giving the appearance of five floors from the outside, though it actually has six floors inside. The sixth floor served primarily as a watchtower.
- Inui Kotenshu (乾小天守): The small inui keep was 16.8 meters tall but was destroyed and never rebuilt. Only a plaque marks its location.
- Watari Yagura (渡櫓): This 12-meter-high passage connects the grand and small keeps and serves as the main entrance to the structure.
- Tsukimi Yagura (月見櫓): The Moon Viewing Tower, standing at 11.1 meters, is open on three sides to create a spacious feel. At night, the moon reflects beautifully on the pond below.
- Tatsumitsuke Yagura (辰巳附櫓): This 14.7-meter-high tower, between the main keep and the Moon Viewing Tower, was designed for arquebusiers to fire on approaching enemies.
2. Kuromon: The Black Gate
The Kuromon (黒門) or Black Gate is the main entrance to the castle's inner grounds. Built in the 1590s, this impressive gate features tiles adorned with the emblems of the different ruling families of the castle.
3. Taikomon: The Drum Gate
Originally constructed in 1595, the Taikomon (太鼓門) served as a drum tower for signaling messages and marking the hours. It was dismantled during the Meiji period and reconstructed in 1999 using historical materials.
4. The Honmaru and Ninomaru Palace Ruins
The ruins of the main residence (本丸御殿 / Honmaru Goten) and the secondary residence (二の丸御殿 / Ninomaru Goten) showcase the castle's former opulence and administrative importance. Though destroyed by fires, the foundations remain visible, offering a glimpse into feudal life.
5. Uzumi Bridge
The Uzumi Bridge is a much more modern structure and is not designated as a national treasure. It adds a charming touch of vermillion to the black castle, but its future is uncertain as it didn't exist during the Edo period. The city provides limited information about it, and crossing it is prohibited due to its poor condition.
The History of Matsumoto Castle
The Origins: Fukashi Castle
Matsumoto Castle was originally named "Fukashi Castle" (深志城 / Fukashijô), built in 1504 by the Ogasawara clan. In 1582, it was renamed "Matsumoto Castle" by Lord Ogasawara Sadayoshi, supported by many former vassals and Tokugawa Ieyasu under Toyotomi Hideyoshi's command.
The Sengoku Period
During the Sengoku period (1477-1573), the castle saw many changes in ownership and significant improvements, especially under the Takeda and Toyotomi clans. The main keep and other defensive structures were added during this time.
The Edo Period
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Matsumoto Castle enjoyed relative stability under Tokugawa rule. Notable additions include the Moon Viewing Tower, built in 1633.
The Meiji Era and Modernization
With the abolition of the feudal system in the Meiji era (1868-1915), Matsumoto Castle nearly faced demolition. However, local residents' efforts saved and restored it, turning it into a symbol of the region and a major tourist site.
Festivals at Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, attracting visitors from Japan and around the world. Here are some notable events:
Spring
- Cherry Blossom Night Illuminations and Castle Lighting
- Begins 3 days after the cherry blossoms bloom
- Runs for 8 days from 5:40 PM to 9:00 PM
- Light Corridor with Cherry Blossom Illumination Around the Pond
- Begins 3 days after cherry blossoms bloom
- Runs for 10 days: Sunday to Thursday from 6:40 PM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 6:40 PM to 10:00 PM
- Artillery Demonstration: May 21, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 11:40 AM and 1:40 PM to 2:00 PM
Summer
- Taiko Drum Festival: July 29-30, 2023
- Noh Performance by Takigino School: August 8, 2023, from 5:40 PM to 8:40 PM
- Kimono Day: August 11-16, 2023; free entry for those in kimono, yukata, or jinbei
Autumn
- Shinshu Soba Festival: Early October. Soba (buckwheat noodles) is a regional specialty.
- Artillery Demonstration: October 15, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 11:40 AM and 1:40 PM to 2:00 PM
- Chrysanthemum Festival: October 28 - November 12, 2023, from 8:40 AM to 5:00 PM
- Matsumoto Castle Special Week: November 3-10, 2023, featuring various activities
Winter
- Winter Protection for Trees Installation: December 1, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Kodamatsu Decorations at Black Gate and Drum Gate: December 13, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Castle Exterior Cleaning: December 28, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:40 AM
- New Year Celebration: January 1-3, 2024
- Ice Sculpture Festival: Late January 2024
- Fire Prevention Day: January 26, 2024
