Matsue Castle

Welcome to Matsue Castle, also known as 'Chidori-jo' or the Plover Castle, owing to its distinct architectural silhouette that resembles the wings of a plover bird. As we stand here in the shadow of this formidable fortress, it…

Our journey begins at the massive stone walls, or 'ishigaki,' and the reconstructed Otemon Gate. While the gate itself is a modern restoration, the stone walls are original, showcasing the 'uchikomi-hagi' style where naturally…

We now stand directly before the main keep, or 'tenshu.' This is the architectural heart of Matsue. The dark, weathered wood you see is original from the 1600s. …

The first and second floors of the interior function as a museum, housing a remarkable collection of authentic artifacts from the castle's history. Here, you can see 'yoroi' (samurai armor) and 'kabuto' (helmets) that belonged to…

In the lower levels of the keep, we find some of the most critical functional features of the castle. Among them is a 24-meter deep well located directly within the basement. …

As we ascend toward the top, the stairs become increasingly steep—nearly vertical in some sections. This was another intentional defensive feature. …

We have finally reached the top floor, the 'Tengu-no-ma' or Goblin’s Room. This is the command center of the castle, a high-ceilinged space with 360-degree views of the surrounding domain. …

As we descend from the heights of Matsue Castle, we carry with us a deeper understanding of what it means for a building to be 'original.' We have touched the scorched wood that has stood since 1611, climbed the defensive stairs…