Matsumoto Castle

Welcome, students of history, to the formidable and elegant Matsumoto Castle, one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and a designated National Treasure. Often referred to as 'Karasu-jo' or 'Crow Castle' due to its…

As we approach the castle, our first encounter is with the extensive water-filled moat that surrounds the main complex. This was the first line of defense, designed to prevent enemy troops and cavalry from reaching the base of…

Standing directly before the main keep, we can analyze the most famous feature of Matsumoto Castle: its black exterior. Unlike the famous white 'Heron' castle of Himeji, Matsumoto’s choice of black was both practical and symbolic. …

Entering the castle, we must remove our shoes, following a tradition that protects the original wooden floors. Be prepared for the cold in winter, as the interior is not heated, reflecting the authentic conditions of the samurai…

On the southeast side of the main keep, we find a structure that stands in beautiful contrast to the rest of the fortress: the Tsukimi-yagura, or Moon-Viewing Pavilion. Built in sixteen thirty-three by the third generation of the…

Near the Black Gate, you will find a plaque or 'relief' honoring two men who are essentially the reasons we can stand here today: Ichikawa Ryozo and Kobayashi Unari. In eighteen seventy-two, following the Meiji Restoration,…

As we conclude our tour of Matsumoto Castle, we return to the quiet gardens of the inner bailey. We have climbed the steep stairs of defense, admired the protective black lacquer of the facade, and learned of the incredible…

In closing, Matsumoto Castle is a testament to the fact that cultural treasures are only as strong as the people who value them. Its black walls and steep stairs are a physical record of the ingenuity and determination of the…