Matsumoto Castle, also known as Crow Castle, is
one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It is one of the
most complete original castles, which means that it has
retained many of the buildings that constitute a feudal era
castle.
Matsumoto Castle is located in the
city of Matsumoto
in
Nagano Prefecture and is also known as Crow
Castle. It
is called Crow Castle because of the black exterior
and
elegant look. The two donjons are one the oldest in
Japan and have been designated as National
Treasures. The turrets that are located on the
grounds
have also been designated National Treasures.
Matsumoto Castle is a hirajo type, which means it is a
castle that was built on a plain instead of a hill or
mountain. The castle was built during times of war
and
had exchanged many hands, but in times of peace
structures were added to match those times. It has
also
become a spot that is popular during the cherry
blossom
season.
In 1504 a fort was built by Shimadachi Sadanaga of
the
Ogasawara clan and was originally called Fukashi
Castle. When the castle came under Ishikawa
Norimasa, he and his son built the towers and other
structures in that time. Much of the current look was
constructed around that time and it is said was
completed around 1593. During the Edo Period, the
Matsumoto Domain was established and the lords of
the
domain represent six different daimyo families. It was
during this time that the nickname Crow Castle came
about and the renaming from Fukashi to Matsumoto.
Please see below for tours that
include Matsumoto Castle:
