Matsumae Castle

Welcome to Matsumae Castle, a unique historical site located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. This is not just any castle; it is the only Japanese-style castle ever built in Hokkaido and the center of the island's only true…

The first and perhaps most significant structure you encounter is the Honmaru Gomon, the main gate to the inner sanctum of the castle. This is the only part of the original castle buildings to have survived both the Boshin War…

While the original keep was destroyed by fire in 1949, the 1961 reconstruction serves as an excellent museum dedicated to the history of the Matsumae clan and the development of the region. Inside, you can find a wealth of…

No audio guide to Matsumae would be complete without discussing its legendary cherry blossoms. Matsumae Park, which encompasses the castle grounds and the surrounding hills, is one of Japan's premier 'sakura' viewing spots. …

To truly understand Matsumae, you must taste it. The town's most famous culinary export is Matsumae-zuke, a traditional preserved food made from dried squid ('surume') and kombu kelp, seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. …

The prosperity of Matsumae was inextricably linked to the 'Kitamaebune,' the merchant ships that traveled the Sea of Japan during the Edo period. These ships were not just transporters; they were mobile businesses, buying and…

As you wander through the streets surrounding the castle, notice the unique layout of the town. Unlike the grid patterns found in many later Hokkaido cities, the streets of Matsumae are full of subtle curves and strategic dead…

As we conclude our tour of Matsumae Castle, we leave with a deeper appreciation for this northern sentinel. We have walked through the original Honmaru Gomon gate, explored the history of the Matsumae clan in the reconstructed…