Matsumoto Castle

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Matsumoto Castle

A Stunning Black and White Castle Shining in the Northern Alps Mountains.

4.50 14

Last update :

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.

Highlights

  • A symbol of Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City, the castle has also been designated as a national treasure.
  • The oldest still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures.
  • The castle features a beautiful contrast of black and white colors, with the Northern Alps mountains as a backdrop.
  • No shoes allowed on inside of the castle tower.

Photos

  • Matsumoto Castle

    Matsumoto Castle

  • Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms

    Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms

  • Matsumoto Castle, spring

    Matsumoto Castle, spring

  • Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms, illuminated

    Matsumoto Castle and the springtime cherry blossoms, illuminated

  • Matsumoto Castle in autumn

    Matsumoto Castle in autumn

  • Matsumoto Castle and the urban area, Northern Alps

    Matsumoto Castle and the urban area, Northern Alps

Official FAQs

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?)

A

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?

A

Yes, it is. Matsumoto City Free Wi-Fi

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Reviews

14

If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.

    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! 👍

Details

Name in Japanese
松本城
Postal Code
390-0873
Address
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano
Telephone
0263-32-2902
Closed
December 29 – 31.
Hours
8:30am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
※Hours are 8:00am - 6:00pm during Golden Week and the summer
※Opening hours may change for January 1st-3rd.
Admission
Adults 1,300 yen. Elementary and junior high school students 400 yen. Pre-school children free.
Access
About 20 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Station on the JR Shinonoi Line
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)