This blog offers a clear and concise introduction to Matsumoto Castle, celebrated for both its historical significance and striking visual beauty. The dramatic contrast between its black-painted walls and white plaster detailing is a work of art in itself.
Matsumoto Castle is the oldest among a handful of castles that have survived for over 400 years since Japan’s Warring States Period, a time when nearly 3,000 castles dotted the landscape. Uniquely, it is the only castle in Japan where architectural styles from both wartime and peacetime eras coexist.
Whether you’re a traveler, a visiting professional, or a student eager to explore Japanese culture, Matsumoto Castle offers a warm welcome. Unlike many castles perched on hills that require a mini-climb, Matsumoto Castle stands proudly on flat ground—making it easily accessible. If the description below sparks your curiosity, we invite you to stop by and capture a fantastic photo opportunity.
1. Does this intrigue you?
If you’re unfamiliar with Japanese castles, we’ve prepared a brief introductory chapter just for you. And if it doesn’t quite resonate, no problem—feel free to skip ahead to Chapter Two, where you’ll decide whether to experience this aesthetic marvel in person, much like how Mount Fuji reveals different faces depending on your vantage point.
1.1 A Top Castle for Historical Value and Visual Beauty?
- Matsumoto Castle is one of the most popular castles in Japan for its historical value and visual beauty. Unlike many castles that are located on flat mountains and require mini-climbing, Matsumoto Castle stands on flat ground and is easily accessible, making it a good choice even for those who are not confident in their physical strength.
1.2 Japan’s Oldest Castle Surpassing a World Heritage Site?
- Matsumoto Castle is a renowned landmark, often mentioned alongside the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle. They stand in stark contrast: Himeji’s brilliant white walls in the west of Japan versus Matsumoto’s striking black walls in the east. They are also the only two five-story castle keeps to have survived, with Matsumoto Castle’s keep believed to be the oldest. This makes it an essential stop for any castle enthusiast.
2. Do These Messages Spark Your Curiosity?
If the previous section didn’t quite capture your interest, no worries—we’ve explored each theme a bit further below. If anything catches your eye, I’d love for you to stop by!
2.1 Architecture and Craftsmanship
🏰Japan’s Only Castle with a Moon-Viewing Turret?
- Even though it’s a castle, Matsumoto Castle has a unique turret built for a different purpose: enjoying the moon. It was actually constructed to welcome the third shogun, but the visit was never realized due to a sudden accident before his arrival. This makes Matsumoto Castle the only one in Japan where architectural styles from the periods of war and peace coexist. Why not gaze at the moon from here, and experience something truly special, like the saying “once in a blue moon”?
2.2 Fashion
👘The Perfect Castle for Fashion Enthusiasts?
- The high-contrast aesthetic of Matsumoto Castle makes it a popular backdrop for fashion posts online. Many style-conscious visitors use its unique look to elevate their photos. The “upside-down Matsumoto Castle,” perfectly reflected in the moat, offers a stunning and ethereal background, especially during sunrise and sunset. For a shot with an exquisite color scheme, be sure to include the castle and the vermilion-colored bridge over the moat. So, if you’re proud of your fashion, don’t miss this perfect photo opportunity!
2.3 Art
🗻Scenery as Beautiful as Mount Fuji?
- The high contrast of Matsumoto Castle’s black painted walls and white plaster is a work of art in itself. For art lovers, a walk around the castle with the keep at the center is highly recommended. Just as Mount Fuji shows different views from different angles in the famous series One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Hyakkei), you might be able to create your very own photo book: One Hundred Views of Matsumoto Castle.
2.4 Food
🍞The Lost Samurai Cuisine — Perfect for Gourmet Travelers?
- For many food lovers, horse sashimi is a popular choice around Matsumoto Castle, but you should also try miso bread, a local favorite. Although it was made throughout the country at the end of the samurai period as a preserved food for the army, today it is a valuable traditional pastry that only remains in this region. The unique combination of miso and bread, the lost samurai meal, may be surprisingly delicious, even to foreign gourmets.
2.5 The Japanese
🔪A Terrifying Tale in Matsumoto Castle’s History?
- During Japan’s Warring States Period, there were said to be about 3,000 castles, but over the past 400 years, that number has drastically decreased. The government issued several policies to dismantle them, and only a handful, including Matsumoto Castle, remain as they were back then.A major reason for its survival was the strong support of its citizens. Therefore, it’s a huge taboo to speak ill of Matsumoto Castle while you are there. You might even feel a sense of fear that you’ll be sentenced to crucifixion or seppuku on the spot! Why? Because the current lords of Matsumoto Castle are its citizens.
Thank you & Afterwards
Thank you very much for reading to the end of this issue. If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us at the Help Desk.🔶Gold💎R71005.v.4b.4b.4b/+
