feudal era

2023-07-07 / Last updated : 2023-07-07 Kevin Kato History

Matsumoto’s Old Kaido Roads: On the Trails of History

During the Edo Era (1603-1868) the Japanese landscape was marked by an extensive network of old kaido roads– rugged trails used as transport routes, pilgrimage paths, and roads for the feudal lords traveling to and from Edo. There were five major kaido emanating outward from the capital city, and while none of these five ‘Go-Kaido’ passed through Matsumoto, four other important kaido did. These trails of history have largely been either paved over or simply lost to the march of time, but remnants of evidence do remain. Today we’re going to find them as we take a walk along Matsumoto’s old kaido roads. Zenkoji Kaido Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s […]
2022-02-25 / Last updated : 2022-03-16 Sylvain Sightseeing

Architecture and Historical Buildings of the Castle Town

Matsumoto City is famous for its feudal castle, whose achitecture and history represents all the greatest things that characterize Japan. But this ancient castle and its architecture is only one of many historical buildings within the city. Discover the architecture and the very tangible historical buildings of the castle town. Matsumoto Castle Year of construction: 1593 With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan. Matsumoto Castle’s architecture is characteristic of the Sengoku period (Warring States Period). The castle tower’s elegant, imposing appearance and dominant black outer walls earn it the nickname “Crow Castle”. The castle’s history is intrinsically […]
Private Tour Matsumoto Castle
2020-09-25 / Last updated : 2022-02-15 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: Origin and History of the National Treasure (From 1504 to 1871)

Fukashi Castle (From 1504 to 1582) In ancient times, the region of Matsumoto was called Fukashi. Thus, the original castle built by Lord Shimadachi Sadanaga in 1504 was named Fukashi Castle. The location of the castle was not chosen by chance. This site is said to have been divinely selected and is believed to be a sacred place. Matsumoto Castle (From 1582 to 1590) In 1582, after being momentarily chased away from the domain, Lord Sadayoshi Ogasawara returned to capture Fukashi Castle by cleverly subverting the castle’s defenders. He then had the fortress renamed Matsumoto Castle. The construction of the current Matsumoto Castle (From 1590) In 1590 Ishikawa Kazumasa was […]