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A Stunning Black and White Castle Shining in the Northern Alps Mountains.
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594.
It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
(Gojuu-Rokkai: From the outside, the building appears to have five stories. However, the interior has six stories.)
The castle’s exterior features a contrast of black and white colors, giving it a stately appearance. It is beloved by many as a symbol of Nagano Prefecture.
Matsumoto Castle has beautiful scenery throughout the year, featuring cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, beautiful leaves in the autumn, and snow in the winter.
The castle tower and cherry trees are illuminated during event periods. The reflection of the illuminated castle on the moat is a beautiful sight to behold.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms
Matsumoto Castle, spring
Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms, illuminated
Matsumoto Castle in autumn
Matsumoto Castle and the urban area, Northern Alps
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Yes, they are available in English, French, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Thai, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is. Matsumoto City Free Wi-Fi
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Yes.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Re-entry is not allowed.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
A must-see spot in Nagano.
The black and white castle looks stunning against the backdrop of the Northern Alps.
I was in a bit of a rush this time, so next time I definitely want to stay overnight in Matsumoto and take my time exploring.
Spring is hands down the best season to visit Matsumoto Castle. You get the snowy Japanese Alps in the distance and cherry blossoms everywhere nearby. How could this view not be stunning?
The weather was perfect when I visited, and the black-and-white contrast of Matsumoto Castle looked stunning against the backdrop of the mountains. The stairs inside the main keep are pretty steep, so be careful when you go up and down.
This is a national treasure castle with a wooden main keep.
It's beautifully lit up at night, and looks stunning both day and night. You have to take off your shoes to enter, since wearing shoes inside is not allowed. In winter, your feet can get really cold, so I recommend borrowing slippers from your hotel before you go.
They say this is the oldest of Japan's 12 original castles.
The black and white castle with the red bridge in front is such a striking contrast—really moving! 👍
