ABOUT
About this spot
Matsumoto Castle, the symbol of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, is a National Treasure that boasts the oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story keep in Japan. Its greatest feature is the "jet-black keep," with white plaster on the upper walls and black lacquered boards on the lower. On clear days, the majestic Northern Alps in the background are reflected in the moat, creating a breathtaking view. You can tour the inside of the keep, whose highlights include arrow slits and stone-dropping openings designed for real combat, and extremely steep staircases with a gradient of up to about 61 degrees. You can feel the lives and battle wisdom of the samurai of the time firsthand. In spring, about 300 cherry trees bloom, making this a popular hanami spot, and in winter the snow-covered keep and its illumination create a dreamlike scene, so every season brings fresh wonder. Why not combine a stroll through the castle town with an elegant moment steeped in history?
Last updated March 29, 2026