Japan's Oldest Surviving Castle Keep
Matsumoto Castle Keep holds an exceptionally important position in the history of Japanese castle architecture as a designated National Treasure. Built between 1593-1594, this castle keep is the oldest surviving five-story, six-floor wooden structure among Japan's 12 remaining original castles, maintaining its original form completely even after more than 430 years. Known affectionately as "Crow Castle" (Karasu-jo) for its black lacquered exterior, it embodies the rugged beauty of the Warring States period, and its silhouette against the majestic backdrop of the Japanese Alps is recognized as one of the most impressive views among Japanese castle architecture.
Architectural History from Warring States to Edo Period
The origins of Matsumoto Castle date back to 1504, when Shimadachi Sadanaga, a retainer of the Ogasawara clan, built Fukashi Castle. After passing through the eras of Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga, Ishikawa Kazumasa became the lord of Matsumoto Castle in 1590, and his son Ishikawa Yasunaga constructed the current castle keep. What's remarkable is the unique "connected complex-style keep" structure - the only one of its kind in Japan - combining the Warring States period structures of the Main Keep, Northwest Small Keep, and Connecting Gallery (1593-1594) with the Edo period additions of the Southeast Wing and Moon-Viewing Pavilion (1633-1634). This coexistence of architecture from two different eras embodies Japan's historical transition from warfare to peace.
Reasons for National Treasure Designation and Its Value
Designated as a National Treasure under the old law in 1936 and redesignated under current law in 1952, Matsumoto Castle Keep possesses outstanding value for several reasons. First, as Japan's oldest surviving five-story, six-floor keep, it represents the perfected form of Warring States period castle architecture. Second, its practical defensive structures designed for matchlock warfare - including 115 gun ports and arrow slits, 11 stone-dropping windows, and stairs with a maximum incline of 61 degrees - are completely preserved. Third, its innovative construction technique called "raft foundation method" supporting a 1,000-ton structure on soft ground is evaluated as a masterpiece of flatland castle architecture.
Spectacular Views Throughout the Four Seasons
Matsumoto Castle displays different beauty in each season. In spring (mid-April), approximately 300 cherry trees bloom in full glory, creating a stunning contrast with the black keep. Summer brings fresh greenery and the Taiko Drum Festival, autumn (late October to early November) adorns the castle with colorful foliage, and the snow-covered keep in winter resembles an ink painting. The reflection of the castle in the moat, known as "Upside-down Matsumoto Castle," especially during morning and evening hours, is a must-see sight for photography enthusiasts.
Cultural Attractions in the Surrounding Area
The area around Matsumoto Castle is filled with historical streetscapes. Nawate Street is an Edo-period shopping street known as "Frog Town," while Nakamachi Street features traditional storehouses with distinctive black and white "namako" walls. At Matsumoto City Museum of Art, visitors can admire works by world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, and at famous soba restaurants, you can savor authentic local flavors. All of these attractions are within walking distance, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this castle town.
Q&A
- How long does it take to visit Matsumoto Castle?
- It takes 45-60 minutes to tour the castle keep interior, and 1.5-2 hours including the entire castle grounds. During peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon, cherry blossom season), waiting times can extend up to 2 hours, so we recommend planning with extra time.
- Can I enter the castle keep with a wheelchair or stroller?
- Unfortunately, the castle keep has no elevator and features steep stairs with a maximum incline of 61 degrees, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs or strollers. However, the inner bailey is wheelchair accessible, allowing you to admire the keep from outside.
- Is there an English guide service available?
- The Alps Language Service Association (ALSA) provides free English guide tours. You can apply at the guide station at Matsumoto Castle Park entrance. Additionally, English-speaking staff are always available at the tourist information center.
- When is the least crowded time to visit?
- Weekdays right after opening (8:30-9:30) or before closing (15:30-16:30) are the least crowded times. You can enjoy a leisurely visit by avoiding weekends, holidays, and tourist seasons.
- Where are the best photo spots?
- The area near Uzumi Bridge on the west side is most popular, offering beautiful contrast between the vermillion bridge and black keep. Along the southwest moat, you can photograph the "upside-down Matsumoto Castle" on windless days, and from the south side, you can capture magnificent photos with the Japanese Alps as backdrop.
References
- Matsumoto Castle Official Website
- https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/
- Visit Matsumoto (Matsumoto City Official Tourism Site)
- https://visitmatsumoto.com/
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1356/
- Go! NAGANO (Nagano Prefecture Official Tourism Site)
- https://www.go-nagano.net/
- Agency for Cultural Affairs National Treasure Database
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/
Basic Information
| Name | Matsumoto Castle Keep (National Treasure) |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture |
| Construction Year | 1593-1594 (Main Keep, Northwest Small Keep, Connecting Gallery), 1633-1634 (Southeast Wing, Moon-Viewing Pavilion) |
| Structure | Wooden five-story, six-floor, connected complex-style keep |
| Height | 29.4 meters (Main Keep) |
| National Treasure Designation | March 29, 1952 |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-17:00 (Regular), 8:00-18:00 (Golden Week, Obon) |
| Admission | Adults: ¥1,200 (e-ticket), ¥1,300 (same-day ticket) |
| Access | 15-20 minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station |
| Annual Visitors | Approximately 500,000 |
Nearby heritages
- Matsumoto Castle
- Marunouchi, Ote 2-chome, Matsumoto City
- Peacock Pattern Ribbon
- 2-21 Ote 3-chome, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Collection of Folk Religious Materials
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City
- Farming Tools Collection
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City
- Tanabata Doll Collection
- 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City
- Former Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank Matsumoto Branch
- 3-70-5 Ote, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Matsumotokan Toilet Building
- 7-39 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Matsumotokan Old Building
- 7-39 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Japan Episcopal Church Matsumoto Holy Cross Church
- 200-1 Kaichi 1-chome, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
- Old Koana Family Main Building
- 319-1 Kitafukashi 1-chome, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture