A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Matsumoto Castle

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Matsumoto Castle
2. History of Matsumoto Castle
3. Highlights of Matsumoto Castle
   

Introduction

Matsumoto Castle is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, boasting the oldest surviving five-story, six-level castle tower in Japan, completed in its current form in 1594. It is characterized by its distinctive black lacquer exterior walls, earning it the nickname “The Black Crow Castle” (Karasu-jo). The contrast between the black lacquer and white plaster is strikingly beautiful, and the scenery with the Northern Alps in the background is considered a breathtaking sight. The tower is a five-story, six-level wooden structure and is known as the oldest surviving connected compound-style tower in Japan.

In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to the overview, history, and highlights of Matsumoto Castle. Please enjoy the full charm of Matsumoto Castle.

Overview of Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, boasting the oldest surviving five-story, six-level castle tower in Japan, completed in its current form in 1594. Its distinctive black lacquer exterior walls have earned it the nickname “The Black Crow Castle” (Karasu-jo). The contrast between the black lacquer and white plaster is strikingly beautiful, and the scenery with the Northern Alps in the background is considered breathtaking. The tower is a five-story, six-level wooden structure and is known as the oldest surviving connected compound-style tower in Japan.

Originally built as Fukashi Castle in 1504, it passed through the Sengoku (Warring States) period and was developed into its current form. The main structures of the castle were completed in the early Edo period, and during the Tokugawa shogunate, it functioned as the base of the Matsumoto domain. In 1872, under orders from the Meiji government, many castles were demolished, but through the efforts of local residents and the city government, Matsumoto Castle’s tower was preserved.

After undergoing numerous restorations, it still maintains its magnificent appearance today. In particular, the large-scale restoration work carried out from 1950 to 1955 restored the tower and other major structures. Gates and walls were also rebuilt from the 1990s onward, and damage from the 2011 earthquake has also been repaired.

It is one of only five castles designated as National Treasures in Japan, distinguished by its unique black walls and five-story, six-level tower. Inside the castle, visitors can find steep wooden staircases and shooting windows, and from the observatory on the sixth floor, beautiful views of Matsumoto City and the Northern Alps can be enjoyed. Tea rooms and a museum are also located within the castle grounds, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture.

History of Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle has a long history spanning from the Sengoku period to the present day, and has been protected by many people. The details are explained below.

　 1. The Beginning of Construction and the Sengoku Period

The history of Matsumoto Castle dates back to the early Sengoku period. During the Eisho era (1504-1520), the Ogasawara clan, who served as the provincial governors of Shinano, built what was then called Fukashi Castle. Fukashi Castle was the predecessor of Matsumoto Castle and was constructed at the present location of Matsumoto Castle. During the Tenbun era (1532-1555), Takeda Shingen of Kai Province launched his invasion into Shinano Province.

In 1550, Fukashi Castle was captured by the Takeda clan. Baba Nobuharu, a retainer of Shingen, was placed as the castle keeper, and Fukashi Castle became an important stronghold for controlling Shinano. Shingen placed this castle under his control and used it as a base for governing the Shinano region.

　 2. Renaming to Matsumoto Castle and Tower Construction

After the fall of the Takeda clan in 1582, Matsumoto Castle was handed over to Oda Nagamasu, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. Subsequently, in 1585, Ishikawa Kazumasa left Tokugawa Ieyasu to become a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and in 1590, he was transferred to Matsumoto. Large-scale renovations were carried out by Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga, advancing the development of the castle complex and castle town.

Ishikawa Kazumasa planned to build the tower of Matsumoto Castle, and his son Yasunaga carried on this project. From 1592 to 1594, the main tower, Inui sub-tower, connecting turret, and other major structures were completed. This tower complex served as an important defensive stronghold against Ieyasu, laying the foundation of Matsumoto Castle as a modern castle.

　 3. Matsumoto Castle During the Edo Period

During the Edo period, Matsumoto Castle functioned as the administrative center of the Matsumoto domain. After the initial Ishikawa clan lords, the castle was governed by the Ogasawara, Toda, Matsudaira, Hotta, and Mizuno clans, among others. During the Mizuno era in particular, the outer moat was expanded and the castle complex was maintained, establishing the foundation of the present-day Matsumoto Castle.

Throughout the Edo period, Matsumoto Castle was used as the administrative center of the domain, with renovations and expansions carried out by successive lords. For example, the Ninomaru Palace was rebuilt and residences within the castle were maintained. Social infrastructure such as academic institutions and disaster preparedness were also advanced by successive lords.

　 4. Preservation Efforts Since the Meiji Era

After the Meiji Restoration, Matsumoto Castle faced the threat of demolition following the Castle Abolition Order. In 1872, the tower of Matsumoto Castle was put up for auction, but it was bought back through the efforts of local citizens including Ichikawa Ryozo. Ichikawa promoted preservation activities for the tower, raising funds by hosting the Matsumoto Exhibition, which saved the tower from destruction.

Subsequently, as the tower’s deterioration progressed and issues such as exterior damage and foundation decay became apparent, Kobayashi Unari took the lead in establishing the “Matsumoto Castle Tower Preservation Society” and launched a fundraising campaign. Restoration work was carried out from 1903 to 1913, repairing the tower’s tilt and damaged sections.

In the Showa era, Matsumoto Castle was designated as a Historic Site in 1930 and the tower was designated as a National Treasure in 1936. Subsequently, a major dismantling and restoration project was carried out from 1950 to 1955, reinforcing the tower’s foundation with reinforced concrete. This restoration was carried out under the Cultural Properties Protection Law and was a crucial measure to preserve the castle’s surviving form.

　 5. Matsumoto Castle Today

Today, Matsumoto Castle is open to the public as a National Treasure, and its beautiful tower and castle complex are a popular spot for tourists. Numerous events are held throughout the year, and it is particularly lively during spring as a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. The tower is also illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical landscape.

Highlights of Matsumoto Castle

Built from the Sengoku period through the Edo period, this castle features many highlights including its distinctive black lacquer tower and beautiful gardens. Here, we introduce the major highlights of Matsumoto Castle in detail.

　■ Castle Tower (Tenshu)

The tower of Matsumoto Castle is the oldest five-story, six-level wooden castle tower in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. This tower was built between 1593 and 1594. Its most distinctive feature is the exterior walls coated with black lacquer, earning it the name “The Black Castle.” The contrast between the black lacquer, repainted annually, and the white plaster is strikingly beautiful, set against the Northern Alps backdrop.

The tower’s foundation is reinforced with 16 foundation support pillars and a technique called ikada-jigyo (raft foundation). This distributes the tower’s weight evenly to the ground, preventing the stone walls from sinking. The stone walls of the tower base are built using a technique called nozura-zumi, which uses natural stones, preserving their historical value.

　■ Main Tower and Moon-Viewing Turret (Tsukimi Yagura)

The main tower and moon-viewing turret of Matsumoto Castle form Japan’s only connected compound-style tower complex, comprising buildings constructed in different eras. The main tower features a sturdy design built for battle, retaining the vestiges of the Sengoku period. In contrast, the moon-viewing turret was added during the Edo period and represents the elegant aesthetics of peacetime. The moon-viewing turret was built between 1633 and 1638 and was used as a facility for enjoying nighttime views.

　■ Taiko Gate and Kuro Gate

The Taiko Gate and Kuro Gate serve as important main gates of Matsumoto Castle. The Kuro Gate in particular is a gate of great prestige, deriving its name from the color black, which was considered the most prestigious color of the time. The roof tiles bear the family crests of successive castle lords, so be sure to look for them when you visit. The Taiko Gate was designed as a key element of Matsumoto Castle’s defense, playing a role in strengthening the castle’s protection.

　■ Honmaru Garden

The Honmaru Garden is located inside the inner moat and can be viewed for a fee. In this garden, beautiful flowers bloom with each season: cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and wisteria in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter, offering scenic views throughout the four seasons. Additionally, the “National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Hospitality Squad” appears in armor, ninja, and princess costumes, and free photos can be taken together.

　■ Uzumi Bridge

Uzumi Bridge is a red bridge spanning the west side of Matsumoto Castle, offering a beautiful contrast with the jet-black castle and making it a popular photography spot. From this bridge, visitors can capture the beautiful castle alongside the swans living in the moat. Although the bridge is currently closed to foot traffic, its beauty makes it worth visiting.

　■ Nighttime Illumination

The tower of Matsumoto Castle is illuminated every day from sunset until 22:00. The beauty of the tower emerging from the darkness is a sight worth seeing, and visiting during cherry blossom viewing events or seasonal events makes for a particularly magical experience. The illuminated Matsumoto Castle shows a different charm from its daytime appearance, attracting many tourists.

　■ Seasonal Events Throughout the Year

Matsumoto Castle hosts various events throughout the year. In spring, the “Night Cherry Blossom Viewing” event is held, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms alongside the illuminated tower. In summer, traditional performing arts events such as the “Taiko Drum Festival” and “Takigi Noh” (firelight Noh performances) are held. In autumn, the “Castle Festival” takes place, and in winter, the “Ice Sculpture Festival” is held, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of each season.

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Summary

Matsumoto Castle has captivated countless people with its historical value and beautiful scenery from the Sengoku period to the present day. Its black lacquer tower boasts a unique beauty among Japan’s castle architecture, and the landscape with the Northern Alps in the background strikes the hearts of all who visit. The history of its preservation through the efforts of local residents and the city government is deeply tied to regional pride.

Today, Matsumoto Castle is open to the public as a National Treasure and welcomes many tourists. By visiting this castle, which served as a stage of history, you can feel the atmosphere of Japan’s past culture and the Sengoku period.