Castle Town "Matsumoto"

Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture with a population of 270,000. Matsumoto has long history after Matsumoto Castle was built in the early 16th century. In the Edo Age, Matsumoto developed as a castle town.

On the way from Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Castle, you will see a stone monument on a street. The stone monument is related to the well-known anecdote between UESUGI Kenshin and TAKEDA Shingen in the late 16th century.

At that time, TAKEDA Shingen and UESUGI Kenshin had several battles between them to expand their territories. In 1568, TAKEDA, who's base was in the Kofu area, currently in Yamanashi Prefecture, broke a collaboration contract with IMAGAWA and HOJYO, who's territories faced to the Pacific Ocean. As a result, TAKEDA could not get any salt due to an economic blockade of IMAGAWA and HOJYO. People in the TAKEDA territory had a serious problems.

After hearing about the hard situation of TAKEDA, UESUGI Kenshin, who's base was in the Naoetsu area, currently in Niigata Prefecture facing the Japan Sea, delivered salt to the TAKEDA's territory, even though UESUGI had battles against TAEDA. It is said this stone monument was used to yoke an ox carrying salt from UESUGI to TAKEDA at that time.

People in Japan praise UESUGI Kenshin's actions according to human justice with this anecdote. However, the fact seemed that he earned a lot of money by selling salt with a special price to TAKEDA.

Old houses to the south of Matsumoto Castle

To the south of Matsumoto Castle, a couple of old houses remain. During the Edo Age, merchants and craftsmen lived in this area. "Samurais" lived near the castle.

Matsumoto Castle has the original castle tower. This beautiful building is designated as national treasure of Japan. For the detail explanation of Matsumoto Castle, please visit the page of "Ruins of Matsumoto Castle":

http://www.geocities.jp/hande_japan/YourDestinations/Chubu/MatsumotoCastle_E.html

Matsumoto is located in the area of alluvial fan of "Metoba River" and has a lot of natural wells in the city. More than 15 natural wells are located there. It is fun to visit these natural wells in Matsumoto City.

Wells in Matsumoto

Some are new wells but some remains from the Edo Age. The well shown in the above right picture is located at the site of the palace of the feudal lords of Matsumoto.

To the north of Matsumoto Castle, "Former Kaichi School" is located. "Kaichi School" was opened in 1876. After the building had been used as school house for approximately 90 years, the building was moved to this place for conservation.

It was eight years after the Edo Age finished, when "Kaichi School opened. The Meiji Government of Japan tried to catch up with Western countries and westernization was one of the key priorities for them. Kaichi School was one of examples of westernization by the Meiji Government.

Inside of "Former Kaichi School"

Inside, the building looks like a palace building. Meiji Emperor and Empress visited the building in 1880. The room where they rested was kept as it was.
This building is designated as an important property of Japan.

How to get there
Matsumoto is located in the middle of Nagano Prefecture and also in the middle of Japan Main Island. Limited Express "Azusa" runs from Shinjyuku Station. It takes 2 1/2 hours. Also Limited Express "Shinano" runs from Nagoya Station with a 2 hour ride.

Official English Website:
http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/

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