Matsumoto Castle

Location: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture   Map

Constructed: 1504

Matsumoto Castle

 

Description of Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a medieval castle situated in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in Japan. The citadel of Matsumoto was originally called Fukashi Castle. The first fortification on this strategic place was build in 1504 with subsequent construction much of it was completed by the late 16th century. It came in possession of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century and was ruled by 23 lords until feudal system with its samurai class was abandoned. Matsumoto Castle also acquired a nick name Karasu- jo or "Crow castle" after wing - like shape of the castle's roof. Second floor of the gate is home to Teppi Gura, a museum of warfare and weapons used in constant Japanese civil wars. In 1872, following the Meiji Restoration, the castle was sold at auction, and ran the risk of being dismantled. Matsumoto Castle is considered the National Treasure of Japan and is one of the four castles of original construction.

 

It is located in the plain of Matsumoto, marshy lands that forced the builders to make very solid the structures, which were used for it long logs fixed on the ground. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1594 and 1597 and its height reaches 30 meters, with six floors. It is supported on stone walls of 7 meters that, originally, had a wide pit under them. The two watch towers of the left wing were built in 1635, but the whole, in general, testifies to the period of peace established by the Tokugawa shogunate after the defeat of the followers of Toyotomi in the battle of Sekigahara and death on the site of Osaka by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1615. It is the period of passage from the military castles to places-symbol and prestige. The alternation of white and black bands along the walls, together with the elegant roof, give the whole structure great harmony. From its five-story tower you can enjoy the views offered by the fertile valley.

 

History

The castle has its origins in the Sengoku period, more precisely its construction was undertaken in 1504, fifteen years before the Château de Chambord in France. At that time, the Ogasawara clan had built a fort on the site, which was originally named "Fukashi Castle". Later, he had an important role in the Takeda Shingen clan and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Like many castles in Japan, it was never in the thick of battle. In addition to its dissuasive role, it was above all built to show the power of the clan in this period of attempts to dominate Japan. Having no kitchen room or latrines or anything, no lord or soldier lived in the castle. The carps of the moat have only a ceremonial role and join the general purpose of the building.

Description
The castle consists of two buildings, one with three floors and the other with five, both erected in the years 1593-1594. The two buildings rest on a powerful stone base and are surrounded by moats. Supposed to demonstrate the power of the masters of the place, they were designed as defense works. But from their summit, we enjoyed a unique view of the surroundings.

The ground being soft due to the presence of water, it was built on stilts with sixteen huge trunks hidden in its stone base. Because of the danger posed by rotting, they have been replaced by concrete pillars. Like most castles in Japan built during the Sengoku period when they had to be built quickly, the use of wood was preferred to that of stone. In order to protect it from the flames, the structure is covered with very thick plaster.

The Moon room (bottom right in the photo above) is later than the defensive castle and was made in 1633: it is said that it is possible to admire three moons thanks to the different reflections: in the sky, in moat water and in sake.

 

Parts of the castle

Tenshu (the donjon): it is certainly the most important part of the complex, consisting of a six-storey tower, even if from the outside it can only be counted five. The third level of the building is windowless and was designed as a secret level to hide in view of possible enemy infiltration. In times of war it was used as a dormitory for soldiers. The second floor is equipped with tategoshi, or grids containing the emblem of the lord of the castle, this floor was also used as housing for soldiers.