Matsumoto Castle is one of five designated national treasure castles in Japan.
Japan has only twelve castles with an existing main castle tower. Matsumoto Castle is one of them. Only Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle have a five-tiered existing main castle tower, while the other ten castles have two or three-tiered main castle towers.

Matsumoto Castle was originally built in the early 16th century. In 1590, ISHIKAWA Kazumasa started to improve the castle. The main castle tower, other main buildings and gates were built in 1594.

Matsumoto Castle used to have three baileys and currently only the main bailey remains with surrounding motes. The second bailey partially remains. And the sites of these two baileys are open to the public as a castle park.

To the east of the main castle tower, "Taikomon" Gate is located. The gate rebuilt in 1999 was located between the third bailey and the second bailey. After passing through "Taikomon" gate, you will arrive at "Kuromon" Gate. The moat between the third and the second bailey was filled and you are able to go to "Kuromon" Gate directly. However, it would be recommended to go to "Kuromon" Gate through "Taikomon" Gate.

After passing through "Kuromon" Gate, the main castle tower of Matsumoto Castle can be seen.

The main castle tower is connected to the "Inui" small main castle tower, "Tatsumi" and "Tsukimi" Turrets. These buildings are covered by black wood plates. The view is the same as it was in the Edo Age.

A view from the inside of the main castle tower is also nice. The picture shown in the below left shows the inside of the main bailey of Matsumoto Castle. The marks on the grass shows the site of the castle palace.

As the original castle tower has fewer windows, the inside of the castle was very dark. Electrical lighting is prepared for visitors, but you can imagine how dark it was in the Edo Age.

Sun light from windows is very impressive. The surfaces of wooden window frames and pillars are wave-shaped. Those were marks shaved with an adz (an axe like tool with a curved blade) when Matsumoto Castle was built.

From the top floor of the main castle tower, you can look down on"Inui", the small main castle tower. It was a very spectacular view. If it is fine and a clear day, you will see the Northern Japan-Alps mountain range from the castle tower. This view will also be very spectacular.

How to get there
Matsumoto Castle is located to the north of Matsumoto Station. It is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Limited Express "Azusa" runs from Shinjyuku Station. It takes 2 hours and half. Also Limited Express "Shinano" runs from Nagoya Station with 2 hours ride.

Official English Website:
http://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/lang/

Other Historical Sites near by:
Castle Town Matsumoto
"Daio Wasabi" Farm in Hotaka
Azumino Area