A Turret Rebuilt from the Evidence of the Stones
The Matsuyama Castle Taiko Gate North Adjoining Turret (松山城太鼓門北続櫓) is a single-storey timber turret of 1972 in Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 3, 2024 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a single-storey timber building with a tiled roof and a building area of 19 square metres; registration number 38-0192.
Reading a Lost Turret from the Stones
The Matsuyama Castle Taiko Gate North Adjoining Turret is a single-storey turret running north along the stone wall from the upper floor of the Taiko Gate (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
According to the Agency's commentary, the north turret had already disappeared before the wartime damage, but the shape of the surviving wall, the dressing of the top of its capstones and the nearby stone steps showed that a turret had stood there, and it was rebuilt to match the exterior of the South Turret.
The Agency records that it was rebuilt in timber in 1972.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registers it as one of the turrets that make up the Taiko Gate enclosure, for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look at the exterior matched to the South Turret, and keep in mind that it was rebuilt from the evidence left in the stonework (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
According to Matsuyama City, the paths up the castle hill are steep and the thresholds of the gates and turrets remain high. Opening hours, fees and access are covered on the Matsuyama Castle group page.
Q&A
- When was the North Adjoining Turret built?
- It was rebuilt in timber in 1972 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Was it lost in the war?
- The Agency records that it had already disappeared before the wartime damage.
- What evidence was used?
- The shape of the wall, the dressing of its capstones and the nearby stone steps.
- How was its appearance decided?
- It was made to match the exterior of the South Turret.
- When was the Matsuyama Castle Taiko Gate North Adjoining Turret registered?
- On December 3, 2024 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Matsuyama Castle Taiko Gate North Adjoining Turret (松山城太鼓門北続櫓) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2024/12/03 (Reiwa 6) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, tiled roof, 19 m² |
| Owner | Matsuyama City |
| Public Access | On the paths up the castle hill (see the group page for access) |
References
- Matsuyama Castle Taiko Gate North Adjoining Turret (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00015258
Last verified: 2026.10.19