Matsumoto Castle

Attraction > Castle

Matsumoto Castle (in Japanese: 松本城 Matsumoto Jou) is one of Japan's premier castles that stands in the city of Matsumoto Japan. "Premier" means that it is one of only three "Original" castles still standing in Japan, the other two being Himeji and Kumamoto. Before the castle was built a "fortress / stronghold" was built called "Fukashi Castle". No one quite knows what happened to that castle but later on another Daimyou (King) and his son started to build Matsumoto Castle. It is believed much of the castle was completed by 1593–94. The castle actually never saw any "action" or threats against it (probably because it is so massive and has excellent defenses) but throughout time various clans and their Daimyou ruled the Matsumoto area from within the great castle. The "Main Keep" (in Japanese: "tenshukaku") maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. Matsumoto Castle is a "flatland castle" (and not a "hill top" castle) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.