Culture
A National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle
Varsha VaswatiAlso known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black stony exteriors, Matsumoto castle is iconic in being one of the only 4 castles..
Matsumoto Castle
Also known as "Crow's Castle" because of its unusual black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of the three most beautiful castles in Japan, along with Himeji and Kumamoto Rule of the Takeda clan and later the famous Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The wooden interior of Matsumoto Castle offers an authentic experience that is different from what you get in many other castles rebuilt from reinforced concrete. The castle's most interesting features include steep wooden stairs, openings for archers, and an observation deck on the sixth floor of the main tower with great views of the surrounding city.
In spring, Matsumoto Castle is a popular spot for the cherry blossom. Many visit the extensive castle grounds and the park for a walk. Hundreds of cherry trees stand along the outer moat and are in full bloom in mid-April each year.
Overview
Address
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873 (Map) (Directions)Hours
8:30 - 16:30 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
8:30 - 16:30
Tuesday
8:30 - 16:30
Wednesday
8:30 - 16:30
Thursday
8:30 - 16:30
Friday
8:30 - 16:30
Saturday
8:30 - 16:30
Sunday
8:30 - 16:30
Holidays
8:30 - 16:30
Website
Highlights
Kuromon Gate
There are two magnificent black-colored gates leading to the castle. Black was considered the best color at the time and lended itself to a formal image. The Ichi no Mon, or outer gate, would lead people to the palace. Among its eaves, visitors can see the family crests of successive lords of the castle. The Ninomon, or inner gate, is located after crossing the inner moat. One of its interesting features are the small windows where matchlock pistols may be fired from.
Honmaru Goten ruins
The ruins of the Honmaru palace are marked by roof tiles in the Honmaru Garden. In the past, the castle consisted of 5 main buildings that were divided into about 60 rooms. In 1726, a fire destroyed Honmaru Goten and the lord at the time never rebuilt the palace, instead electing to move the palace affairs to Ninomaru Palace.
Ninomaru Goten ruins
The Ninomaru Palace is thought to have been built following the completion of the Keep, around 1594. In the Meiji Period, the Ninomaru Palace was used as Chikuma Prefectural Office, but a fire occurred on June 19, 1867, and the entire building was burned down. In 1979, a research excavation began and the Ninomaru Palace ruins were restored and now they are open for public viewing.
General Amenities
- Information Counter
- Free guides/pamphlets
- Coin lockers
Access
It’s a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. There is a bus available for 200 yen.
Related Articles
17 articles
Museums
Exploring Matsumoto Castle
Sarah MathewsI believe Matsumoto Castle should be on everyone's Japan itinerary. It is one of the four castles designated as National Treasures..
9
Historical
Views of Matsumoto Castle
Gloria TicconiIn Japan's northerly Nagano prefecture, Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure of Japan.
11
Historical
Magnificent Matsumoto Castle
Anne LauenrothMagnificent Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's 12 remaining original castles, dating back to the 16th century.
Matsumoto Castle in 4K
Gonzague Gay-BoucheryHighly recommended all year long, Matsumoto Castle is one of these marvels of Japan that everybody needs to visit once in their..
15
Historical
Matsumoto Castle in Photos
Leslie TaylorMatsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is not only one of Japan's most ancient castles, it is also one of the most beautiful.
14
Street & Urban
Matsumoto Castle Area
Cathy CawoodThe area around Matsumoto castle has a very traditional atmosphere, and is a pleasant place for a stroll.
Culture
Matsumoto Castle's Tea Ceremony
Akira MatsuoThe Matsumoto Castle tea ceremony is being held on August 6th and 7th. Ikegami Hyakuchikutei, a historical Japanese house with gardens,..
12
Culture
Inside Karasu-jo
Elena LisinaMatsumoto Castle is one of Japan's five original standing castles. Its wood interior, darkened by time, is severe and functional...
19
Matsumoto Castle in Winter
Jessica A PajeMatsumoto Castle in Winter. Snowfall at the castle in mid-February and a quick tour inside!
8
Bonsai Chrysanthemum Display
Mandy BartokIf you're visiting Matsumoto Castle this autumn, be sure to check out the display of bonsai chrysanthemums on the north side..
Museums
The Original Matsumoto Castle
Leslie TaylorMatsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is not only one of Japan's most beautiful castles, but it is also one of the few originals,..
Historical
Trip to Matsumoto Castle
Rebecca BourkeIf you can manage to tear yourself out of the glorious onsen at KAI Matsumoto, why not check out the nearby Matsumoto castle?
Activities
Matsumoto Castle Illumination 2021-2022
Past EventThe Matsumoto Castle Illumination event preserves the castle structure by utilizing projection mapping technology in lieu of standard..
Culture
Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2025
The Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival has been running for over 30 years now, with a variety of skillfully designed works..
Activities
Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping 2022-2023
Past EventA special winter event brings the beauty of digital art to Matsumoto Castle, with a variety of stunning projection mapping displays..
Historical
Matsumoto Grand Taiko Festival 2024
An introduction to the raw and elegant sound and fury of the Matsumoto Taiko Festival
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Matsumoto Castle
Near Matsumoto Castle
Accommodation
Wellness Travel in Japan’s Northe...
Take a break from your everyday routine with a healing retreat in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Here, cultural heritage, bountiful..
Accommodation
Matsumoto Backpackers Hostel
Matsumoto Backpackers is a budget friendly hostel in the heart of Matsumoto with a traditional home feel.
Accommodation
Hotel M Matsumoto
In Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, Hotel M is a conveniently located, inexpensive hotel, mainly with capsules..
Food
Laboratorio Cafe & Shop, Matsumoto
Laboratorio Cafe & Shop offers homemade English muffins and handcrafted goods just a few minutes walk from Matsumoto Castle in Gunma...
Food
Healthy Penguin Cafe
Matsumoto is Nagano Prefecture's second-largest city. If you're visiting as a vegetarian or vegan (or if you just love delicious..
Food
Bistro Kotsuna Seta in Matsumoto
In Matsumoto in Japan's Nagano prefecture, Bistro Kotsuna Seta offers excellent French-Japanese fusion cuisine at very affordable..
Culture
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Appreciation, representation, learning and communication are the four" "fundamental themes" "of the Matsumoto City Art Museum (Matsumoto-shi Bijutsu-kan),..
16
Culture
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a castle town with more than 400 years of history as a crossroads and place of commerce. Matsumoto is both a cultural..