ปราสาทมัตสึโมโตะ
Matsumoto Castle, located at 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a flatland castle whose great keep — built in 1593–1594 (Bunroku 2–3) by Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga — is the oldest of Japan's 12 surviving original tenshu and a National Treasure. Even after the 2015 restoration, it retains its founding form. Its black lacquered weatherboards and white plaster create the contrast that earned it the nickname «Crow Castle» (in opposition to Himeji's «White Heron Castle»). Only five Japanese castle keeps are designated National Treasures — Himeji, Matsumoto, Inuyama, Hikone, and Matsue — and Matsumoto's combination with the white ridges of the Northern Alps behind it, the mirror-still inner moat, and four-season changes (cherry blossoms in mid-April, fresh greens, autumn leaves, and snow) makes it the city's beloved symbol.
Highlights
- Great Keep (National Treasure) — built 1593–94, the oldest of Japan's 12 surviving originals; its black walls earn the «Crow Castle» nickname
- Inner Moat and Uzumi Bridge — the vermilion bridge on the northwest side framing the keep; mid-April cherry blossoms are the canonical composition
- Northern Alps Borrowed Backdrop — the white ridges behind the keep, especially stunning paired with cherry blossoms in April
- Evening Illumination — year-round from sunset to 22:00; the blue hour against the black keep is striking
- Honmaru Garden — seasonal flowers (peonies, wisteria, lotus) within the castle tour route
Quick Answers
Practical Information
- Access
- 15-min walk from JR Matsumoto Station. Or take a bus to «Matsumoto-jo / Shiyakusho-mae».
- Parking
- Otemon Parking (paid, ¥150/30 min).
- Admission
- Keep entry ¥700 (adult). Outer grounds free.
- Duration
- 30 min for exterior; 1.5 hr including the keep interior.
- Best Time
- Mid-April cherry blossoms with morning alpenglow.