National Treasure Matsumoto Castle

4.5

"Matsumoto Castle is said to feature Japan's oldest surviving five-storied six-floor pagoda. It is one of the few castles designated as a National Treasure, and maintains the image of the past. The black and white contrast of the castle rising amid the Alps in the background is beautiful, and the castle has become a symbol of Matsumoto City. In addition to the castle facilities of the Sengoku period, such as the stone drops meant to rebuff invaders, or samurai windows or the gun slits, there are exhibits such as the ""Matsumoto Castle Gunhouse"" centered around matchlock guns, and artifacts unearthed during the ninomaru palace excavation performed from 1979-1984. In the precinct, you'd do well to see the black gate with eave roof tiles marked with the family crests of historical castle lords, or the taiko gate which was restored in 1999."

Spot details

Address: Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Marunouchi 4-1 Map
Area: Hakuba / Azumino Area
Phone: 0263322902
Hours: 8:30-17:00(Last entry16:30)
Closed: 12/29-31
Fees: [Admission fee]
[Adult] 700yen
[Small, Junior High School Students] 300yen
Parking Lot: Available(110spaces)
※200yen per hour (100yen for each additional 30 minutes)
Credit Card: Available(VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, DISCOVER, Diners Club, JACCS)
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available (Matsumoto City Free Wi-Fi)
Average budget: [Lunch] 1-1,000yen
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Not allowed inside the castle tower, allowed inside the Honmaru garden
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Pets are not allowed in the paid area

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

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Review

Another beautiful Japanese original castle

Reviewed : 2023.05.21

In contrast to Himeji castle, Matsumoto castle is black, and is often called the Black Crow because of its colour. Good photos are taken from near the red bridge. It is also lit up at...
Not worth the time, stairs are way too steep if you have bad knees

Reviewed : 2023.05.15

The outside view of the castle with a lake is good to take photos. The castle inside is just not worth it. You have to remove your shoes and stairs are very very steep, hard to climb. Also, when you...
Nice views at the top...just go slowly

Reviewed : 2023.05.14

WE really enjoyed the castle. The views from the top are nice, but the trick is to get there. You will need to remove your shoes before entering the castle and they will provide a plastic bag so...