Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is my second favourite castle in Japan. What makes it special is that it is one of the most original and complete castles. Its black walls make it unique and has earned it the nickname 'crow castle'.
The castle began construction in 1592 and it has since become one of four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan.

Matsumoto-jo

The castle interiors have been turned into a museum displaying armor and weapons from when the castle was built.

Some of the armor on display inside the castle

I visited Matsumoto-jo as a stop over in winter from Kanazawa to Nakanojo. It was very cold inside the castle and especially cold at the top! But its worth the climb up the steep stairs to see the view from the top and the narrow windows where archers once defended the castle.

View from the top

Matsumoto-jo also has one more feature which makes it unique - a moon viewing platform. This was added during a time of peace in 1635 when it was deemed safe to add an unprotected section to the castle. Moon viewing parties are still held every year in Autumn and it is said that 'the moon can be seen three times from the moon viewing room. Once in the sky, once in the water below and once on your cup of sake.

The moon viewing platform from inside the castle

Matsumoto-jo is beautiful and in my opinion, high on the 'must see' list. It is only a 15 minute walk from the train station and easy to access. I am definately going back for a second visit.

G