OLDEST - Surviving Wooden Keep in Japan - Matsumoto, Japan
Posted by: 
denben
N 36° 14.324 E 137° 58.137
53S E 766811 N 4014516
Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture. It is Japan's oldest surviving wooden keep.
Waymark Code: WM17QJD
Location: Nagano, Japan
Date Posted: 03/24/2023
Views: 2
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. It is unique for having both a secondary donjon and a turret adjoined to its main keep. The castle structures, in combination with their characteristic black wainscoting, give off an air of grandeur and poise. It was the seat of the Matsumoto domain.
Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614. Both these structures were well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle.
The wooden interior of Matsumoto Castle provides an authentic experience unlike that felt at many other castles rebuilt of ferro-concrete. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with nice views over the gardens, the red bridge, the city and the mountains.
Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats, and gatehouses. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00; 8:00 to 18:00 around Obon and Golden Week (end of April to the beginning of May)
Closed December 29 to 31
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