Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, also known as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, is one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved historic castles. Located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, it was originally constructed in the late 16th century, during Japan’s Sengoku period, and completed in 1614. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Matsumoto Castle has largely retained its original features, including its wooden interior and external walls. The castle was designated as a National Treasure of Japan in 1952, which helped ensure its preservation. Today, it is one of the 12 original feudal era castles in Japan remaining. 

Matsumoto Castle is a “hirajiro,” or flatland castle, meaning it was built on flat terrain rather than on a hill or mountain. It has a distinctive five-story donjon (main keep) with a unique tiered design, making it one of the few remaining castles in Japan with such a structure. While most castles in Japan were built on hills as a strategy for defense, by constructing Hirajiro castles on flat land, it allowed for more expansive and easily defendable spaces.  They often had multiple layers of moats, strong walls, and strategically placed gates to control access, many of which you can still see around Matsumoto castle.