🕓 2024/8/12
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Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle that boasts the oldest surviving five-story, six-floor keep in Japan, with its current form completed in 1594. The castle is renowned for its distinctive black lacquered exterior, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle" or "Black Castle." The striking contrast between the black lacquer and white plaster, set against the backdrop of the Northern Alps, creates a breathtaking view. The keep is a five-story, six-floor wooden structure and is known as Japan’s oldest remaining interlinked multi-wing castle keep.
In this article, we will explore the overview, history, and highlights of Matsumoto Castle. Enjoy discovering the charm of this magnificent castle.
Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle known for having the oldest surviving five-story, six-floor keep in Japan, with its current form completed in 1594. The castle is famous for its distinctive black lacquered exterior, which has earned it the nickname "Crow Castle" or "Black Castle." The striking contrast between the black lacquer and white plaster, set against the backdrop of the Northern Alps, is regarded as a breathtaking sight. The keep is a five-story, six-floor wooden structure and is recognized as Japan’s oldest surviving interlinked multi-wing castle keep.。
Originally built in 1504 as Fukushima Castle, it was developed into its current form through the Sengoku period. The main structures of the castle were completed in the early Edo period, and it served as the stronghold of the Matsumoto Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1872, many castles across Japan were ordered to be dismantled by the Meiji government, but Matsumoto Castle’s keep was preserved thanks to the efforts of local residents and the city government.
After undergoing numerous restorations, the castle continues to maintain its majestic appearance. Notably, a major restoration project carried out from 1950 to 1955 restored the keep and other key structures. Further reconstructions of gates and walls were conducted in the 1990s, and repairs were made after damage from the 2011 earthquake.
Matsumoto Castle is one of the five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan, distinguished by its unique black walls and five-story, six-floor keep. Inside the castle, visitors can explore steep wooden staircases and gun ports, and enjoy stunning views of Matsumoto City and the Northern Alps from the observation deck on the sixth floor. The castle grounds also feature a teahouse and a museum, providing an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Matsumoto Castle has a long history dating back to the Sengoku period, and it has been preserved by many people over the centuries. Below is a detailed explanation of its history.
1. Beginnings of Construction and the Sengoku Period
The history of Matsumoto Castle dates back to the early Sengoku period. It was originally built as Fukashi Castle by the Ogasawara clan, the governors of Shinano Province, during the Eisho era (1504-1520). Fukashi Castle, which was the precursor to Matsumoto Castle, was constructed on the site where the current castle stands. During the Tenbun era (1532-1555), Takeda Shingen of Kai Province began his invasion of Shinano.
In 1550, Fukashi Castle was captured by the Takeda clan. Shingen appointed his retainer Baba Nobuharu as the castle's lord, making Fukashi Castle a key stronghold for controlling Shinano. Shingen used the castle as a base to govern the surrounding region.
2. Renaming to Matsumoto Castle and Construction of the Keep
After the fall of the Takeda clan in 1582, Matsumoto Castle was taken over by Oda Nagamasu, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. Later, in 1585, Ishikawa Kazumasa, who had switched allegiance from Tokugawa Ieyasu to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was transferred to Matsumoto in 1590. Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga carried out extensive renovations, developing both the castle and the surrounding town.
Kazumasa planned the construction of Matsumoto Castle’s keep, a project that was completed by his son Yasunaga. Between 1592 and 1594, the main keep (Dai-tenshu), Inui small keep (Inui-ko-tenshu), and connecting passages were completed. This group of keeps played a crucial role as a defensive base against Ieyasu, laying the foundation for Matsumoto Castle as a modern castle.
3. Matsumoto Castle During the Edo Period
During the Edo period, Matsumoto Castle served as the administrative headquarters of the Matsumoto Domain. After the Ishikawa clan, the castle was ruled by several other clans, including the Ogasawara, Toda, Matsudaira, Hotta, and Mizuno clans. During the Mizuno clan’s rule, the castle’s defenses were further enhanced, and much of the structure that remains today was established.
Throughout the Edo period, Matsumoto Castle was used as the administrative center of the domain, and various renovations and expansions were carried out by the lords. For example, the Ninomaru Palace was rebuilt, and residences within the castle were improved. Additionally, the domain lords established academic institutions and infrastructure for disaster prevention, contributing to the social development of the region.
4. Preservation Efforts After the Meiji Period
After the Meiji Restoration, Matsumoto Castle faced the threat of demolition due to the government’s abolition of feudal domains and the subsequent ordinance to dismantle castles. In 1872, the castle keep was put up for auction, but local citizens, led by Ryozo Ichikawa, succeeded in buying it back. Ichikawa led preservation efforts, including holding the Matsumoto Exposition to raise funds, which ultimately saved the keep from destruction.
In the following years, the keep deteriorated, with damage to the exterior and foundation becoming a concern. In response, Yuuya Kobayashi established the Matsumoto Castle Preservation Society, which organized fundraising campaigns. From 1903 to 1913, restoration work was carried out to repair the leaning keep and other damaged areas.
In the Showa era, Matsumoto Castle was designated a historic site in 1930, and in 1936, the keep was designated a National Treasure. Between 1950 and 1955, extensive restoration work was conducted, including reinforcing the keep’s foundation with reinforced concrete. This restoration was carried out under the Cultural Properties Protection Law, ensuring the preservation of Matsumoto Castle in its current form.
5. Matsumoto Castle Today
Today, Matsumoto Castle is open to the public as a National Treasure, and its beautiful keep and castle grounds are popular attractions for tourists. Numerous events are held annually, with the castle becoming especially lively in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. The keep is also illuminated at night, creating a magical scene for visitors to enjoy.
Built between the Sengoku and Edo periods, Matsumoto Castle features a unique black-lacquered keep and beautiful gardens, among other attractions. Here are the main highlights of Matsumoto Castle:
■ The Main Keep (Tenshu)
The main keep of Matsumoto Castle is Japan’s oldest surviving five-story, six-floor wooden keep and is designated as a National Treasure. It was constructed between 1593 and 1594. The black-lacquered exterior, which gives the castle its nickname "Crow Castle," is particularly striking. The contrast between the annually repainted black lacquer and white plaster is stunning, especially against the backdrop of the Northern Alps.
The foundation of the keep is reinforced with 16 supporting base pillars and a raft structure (ikada-jigyo) technique. This method evenly distributes the weight of the keep to prevent the stone foundation from settling. The stone walls of the keep base are constructed using a traditional method called nozura-zumi, where natural stones are carefully fitted together, preserving the historical value of the structure.
■ The Main Keep and Tsukimi Yagura
Matsumoto Castle’s main keep and Tsukimi Yagura form Japan’s only surviving interconnected keep complex. The main keep, built for defense, reflects the wartime architecture of the Sengoku period. In contrast, the Tsukimi Yagura, an elegant addition from the peaceful Edo period, was built between 1633 and 1638 as a pavilion for enjoying the evening views. This structure symbolizes the transition from a time of war to a time of peace.
■ Taiko Gate and Kuro Gate
The Taiko Gate and Kuro Gate serve as important entrances to Matsumoto Castle. The Kuro Gate, in particular, is a prestigious gate, named after the color black, which was considered the highest rank at the time. The roof of the gate is adorned with tiles bearing the family crests of the successive lords of the castle, which visitors are encouraged to look for. The Taiko Gate was designed as a critical part of the castle’s defense, strengthening its fortifications.
■ Honmaru Garden
Honmaru Garden is located within the inner moat and is accessible with a paid admission. The garden showcases beautiful flowers throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and wisteria in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Visitors can also meet the “Matsumoto Castle Hospitality Team,” dressed in armor, ninja outfits, or princess costumes, and take free photos with them.
■ Uzumi Bridge
Uzumi Bridge, a red bridge spanning the western side of Matsumoto Castle, is a popular photo spot due to its beautiful contrast with the black castle. From the bridge, you can capture stunning photos of the castle alongside the swans that inhabit the moat. While the bridge is currently closed to pedestrian traffic, its beauty still makes it worth a visit.
■ Light-Up
Matsumoto Castle’s main keep is illuminated daily from sunset until 10 p.m. The sight of the keep glowing against the dark sky is truly breathtaking, especially during events like the Night Cherry Blossom Festival. The illuminated castle offers a different charm from the daytime view, attracting many visitors.
■ Seasonal Events
Matsumoto Castle hosts various events throughout the year. In spring, the Night Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the beauty of the blossoms alongside the illuminated keep. In summer, traditional events like the Taiko Festival and Noh performances are held. Autumn features the Castle Festival, and in winter, the Ice Sculpture Festival brings a different kind of beauty to the castle grounds.
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Matsumoto Castle has captivated many people with its historical significance and stunning scenery, from the Sengoku period to the present day. The black-lacquered keep boasts a unique beauty among Japanese castles, and the view of the castle against the backdrop of the Northern Alps is truly striking. The history of its preservation, driven by the efforts of local residents and the city government, is a source of pride for the community.
Today, Matsumoto Castle is open to the public as a National Treasure, welcoming many visitors. By visiting this historical site, you can experience the culture of past Japan and the atmosphere of the Sengoku period.