2022-10-31 / Last updated : 2022-10-31 Sylvain Sightseeing

Visit Matsumoto: Sightseeing in the heart of Nagano Prefecture – Japan

Matsumoto City is located just a few hours from Tokyo and has all the charm of a countryside town. Sightseeing in Matsumoto provides a variety of tours for you to discover within an authentic Japan off of the usual tourist beaten path. From its history, culture, cuisine and nature to its ancestral traditions, a visit to Matsumoto is an authentic getaway into the heart of Japan. Matsumoto Discovery: Castle and Historic Districts The city’s National Treasure is a true architectural and historical marvel. Matsumoto Castle is one of only five castles in Japan listed as a “National Treasure” and is worth a visit on its own! The castle attracts tourists […]

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 […]

2022-01-13 / Last updated : 2022-01-13 Kevin Kato Events

Lasers Light Up Matsumoto Castle in the City’s Latest Spectacle

In Matsumoto you’ll find an array of entertaining events going on throughout the year. From the Ice Sculpture Festival in winter to the summertime Bon-Bon Dance Festival, it seems there’s always something going on. Yet the good people here are always looking for new ways to spice things up, and this winter they’ve done it again. So dress warm and come out to watch as lasers light up Matsumoto Castle in the city’s latest spectacle. Firing Lasers at Japan’s Oldest Castle Tower I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about it. Maybe I’m old-fashioned (or boring), but spraying our town’s greatest treasure with a bunch of […]

2021-03-05 / Last updated : 2022-06-15 Kevin Kato Sightseeing

Matsumoto’s Other National Treasure: The Historic Kaichi Elementary School

For most people the name Matsumoto brings to mind countless beautiful mountains and one beautiful castle. The mountains are part of Chubu-sangaku National Park. The castle was designated a National Treasure in 1952 – and for over sixty-five years was the only one in town. But in 2019 the Historic Kaichi Elementary School was added to that short list. So after enjoying the famed beauty of the castle, take a walk up the road and check out Matsumoto’s “Other” National Treasure. Japan’s Ministry of Education was created in 1871 by the new Meiji government, and wasted no time getting to work. In 1872 a series of educational system reforms was […]

2020-10-09 / Last updated : 2021-12-11 Sylvain History

Matsumoto Castle: The National Treasure through Modern Times (From 1871 to now)

The scheduled end of Matsumoto Castle (1871 and 1872) From September 1870, people were allowed to enter the castle freely for the first time since its construction. Then in 1871, Matsumoto Castle was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly formed national government who sold the castle at auction in 1872. The castle keeps were then scheduled for demolition. Matsumoto Castle rescued by local residents (From 1872 to 1901) Upon hearing of the planned demolition, a group of local residents led by Ichikawa Ryozo began collecting donations and raising funds in order to save the castle from destruction. They obtained permission to organize several events around the castle. Thanks to […]

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 […]