Matsumoto Castle Japan

Fast Facts

Location: 15 minutes walk from Matsumoto Railway Station
Time of Visit: Throughout the year, preferably around New Year
Preferred Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Closed from 29th Dec to 3rd Jan)
Admission Fee: 600
How to Reach: Reach Matsumoto Railway Station from Tokyo, Nagona, or Hakuba and then walk down
Nearest Railway Station: Matsumoto Railway Station
Nearest International Airport: Narita International Airport, Tokyo
Time required for sightseeing: 1 hour

Matsumoto Castle is an exquisite site during New Year. Make Matsumoto in Japan your winter vacation and revel at the sight of a snow covered wooden castle which is very rarely seen. The dark grey shade of the castle against the clear blue winter sky is straight out of a painter's canvas. You will remain transfixed for at least a quarter of an hour. The castle in the shape of a pagoda will keep you guessing.

Matsumoto Castle in Japan is the oldest wooden castle constructed in the 16th century. When you are in this wooden castle you are actually inside one of the national treasures of Japan. The main tower of Matsumoto Castle was constructed in the early 1590s. This castle built on flatland was used more for defense purposes rather than for residential reasons. Notice the outer walls carefully, and you will discover white plaster over black lacquer. From outside, it is five storey building, while from inside there are six levels. Behind the main tower a smaller tower was constructed with a roofed passageway connecting the two towers. This castle in the plains was fully complete in 1614.

After the Meji period (1868 1912), when Samurai rule came to an end many castles were brought down in accordance with government policies. Matsumoto Castle went into a state disrepair and was about to be sold off to a wealthy person, when the local inhabitants intervened. They collected funds and carried out extensive repairs for this castle and restored the castle to its earlier state. Japan Matsumoto Castle at present truly belongs to the people of Matsumoto city.

Hotels in Matsumoto

While in Matsumoto make yourself comfortable in Toko City Hotel, or Tokyu Inn. Toko city is a comfort hotel with 100 well appointed rooms offering amenities like air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, alarm clocks and satellite televisions. You can also put up in the 130 roomed Tokyu Inn. This comfort hotel also offers quality services and modern facilities to make staying a pleasure.

Go to Matsumoto any time of the year but preferably in the chilly winters to enjoy snowfalls on the roofs of Matsumoto castle. You will get your money's worth after visiting this National Treasure of Japan.



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