Matsumoto Castle
(Source: pixta)
Black Castle Tower
The highlight is certainly the castle tower (tenshu). It retains almost the same appearance as when it was built in 1500. The lord of this castle, Ishikawa clan, was serving the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. All of the Hideyoshi's castles were black, so it is said that this black castle is a symbol of Ishikawa's loyalty to Hideyoshi.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Interior of the Castle Tower
The castle tower displays armor, matchlock guns and tools for making bullets. There are various measures and traps that defend the castle throughout the tower, such as the throwing of rocks on top of the enemy who are climbing the stone walls called "ishi-otoshi" and the narrow and steep staircases to repel the enemy's advance.
(Source: pixta)
View from the Top
From the top of Matsumoto Castle, you can see that the castle is surrounded by a well-maintained park, beautiful town and mountains in the distance. The red bridge is gracefully reflected in the moat, making this a perfect spot to take a photo.
(Source: pixta)
Omotenashi Tai (Hospitality Squad)
Between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, you are greeted by "Omotenashi Tai" or the Hospitality Squad who are in costumes like ninja and warriors. You can take photos of them or be in photos with them. It will make a good keepsake of your trip.
(Source: 殿上人日記)
Cherry Blossoms with the Castle
Matsumoto Castle is also famous for its stunning cherry blossoms. About 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and double-flowered cherry trees bloom around the castle and the moat from early through mid-April. A graceful atmosphere is created at night when Matsumoto Castle is lit up and framed by the stunning cherry trees.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Matsumoto Castle Park
The surrounding area of the castle is maintained as Matsumoto Castle Park. The plants in the park, surrounding mountains and the castle create a perfect scenery. A variety of views can be seen throughout the changing season, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, wisterias in the summer, autumnal colors in the fall and the snow-covered Northern Alps in the winter, so you will want to visit in every season.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Castle Town
A five-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle, there are two shopping streets called Nawate-dori and Nakamachi-dori. This quaint castle town has been there for more than 400 years, and historic simple black and white earthen-walled houses still remain in the area. There are a wide variety of shops, such as western- and Japanese-style confectionery shops, antique, folk art stores and specialty shops on these streets for you to enjoy.
(Source: pixta)
(Source: pixta)
Black Castle Tower
The highlight is certainly the castle tower (tenshu). It retains almost the same appearance as when it was built in 1500. The lord of this castle, Ishikawa clan, was serving the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. All of the Hideyoshi's castles were black, so it is said that this black castle is a symbol of Ishikawa's loyalty to Hideyoshi.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Interior of the Castle Tower
The castle tower displays armor, matchlock guns and tools for making bullets. There are various measures and traps that defend the castle throughout the tower, such as the throwing of rocks on top of the enemy who are climbing the stone walls called "ishi-otoshi" and the narrow and steep staircases to repel the enemy's advance.
(Source: pixta)
View from the Top
From the top of Matsumoto Castle, you can see that the castle is surrounded by a well-maintained park, beautiful town and mountains in the distance. The red bridge is gracefully reflected in the moat, making this a perfect spot to take a photo.
(Source: pixta)
Omotenashi Tai (Hospitality Squad)
Between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, you are greeted by "Omotenashi Tai" or the Hospitality Squad who are in costumes like ninja and warriors. You can take photos of them or be in photos with them. It will make a good keepsake of your trip.
(Source: 殿上人日記)
Cherry Blossoms with the Castle
Matsumoto Castle is also famous for its stunning cherry blossoms. About 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and double-flowered cherry trees bloom around the castle and the moat from early through mid-April. A graceful atmosphere is created at night when Matsumoto Castle is lit up and framed by the stunning cherry trees.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Matsumoto Castle Park
The surrounding area of the castle is maintained as Matsumoto Castle Park. The plants in the park, surrounding mountains and the castle create a perfect scenery. A variety of views can be seen throughout the changing season, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, wisterias in the summer, autumnal colors in the fall and the snow-covered Northern Alps in the winter, so you will want to visit in every season.
(Source: PhotoAC)
Castle Town
A five-minute walk from Matsumoto Castle, there are two shopping streets called Nawate-dori and Nakamachi-dori. This quaint castle town has been there for more than 400 years, and historic simple black and white earthen-walled houses still remain in the area. There are a wide variety of shops, such as western- and Japanese-style confectionery shops, antique, folk art stores and specialty shops on these streets for you to enjoy.
(Source: pixta)
