Artist/Designer: Japanese
Project Location: Matsumoto, Japan
Style/Period(s):
Momoyama Period(1573–1615)
Primary Material(s):
Wood, Stone, Tile
Function(s):
Castle
Related Website(s):
Significant Date(s):
1592
Additional Information:
Matsumoto Castle (松本城, Matsumoto-jō) is one of Japan's most well-preserved and iconic original castles, recognized for its black wainscoting and unique architecture featuring both a secondary donjon and a turret attached to its main keep. Constructed between 1592 and 1614 during a period of unrest, it was later expanded with moon-viewing turrets after peace was established. Located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and formerly known as Fukashi Castle, it served as the Matsumoto Domain's seat under the Tokugawa shogunate. Its wooden interiors and stone foundations remain intact, earning it designation as a National Treasure and making it one of Japan's twelve surviving tenshu.
A notable feature of Matsumoto Castle is the Inui Keep (乾小天守, Inui Kotenshu), which connects to the Great Keep through a Roofed Passage, forming a "linked keep" layout. In contrast, the Southeast Wing and the Moon-Viewing Tower are directly attached to the Great Keep, creating a "compound keep." Matsumoto Castle uniquely combines both layouts, setting it apart as a distinctive example of Japanese castle architecture.
Artist:
Shimadachi Sadanaga
Address:
4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
Significant Dates:
Constructed: Initial fortification built during the Eisho era (1504–1520); major expansions carried out between 1590 and 1594.
Renamed: Officially renamed "Matsumoto Castle" by Ogasawara Sadayoshi in 1582.
Key Additions: Tenshu, Small Yagura, Watari Yagura, and Tsukimi Yagura constructed under Ishikawa Kazumasa and Yasunaga (1590–1594).
Major Restoration: Extensive repairs and preservation efforts initiated in the Meiji era and continuing into the modern period.
Current Status: Declared a National Treasure of Japan, preserving its original design and structure.
Books in Print / Resources:
・Mitchelhill, J., & Green, D. (2018). Samurai Castles: History / Architecture / Visitors' Guides. La Vergne: Tuttle Publishing.
・Turnbull, S. (2017). Matsumoto Castle. In Samurai in 100 Objects. United States: Pen & Sword Books Limited.
・Turnbull, S. (2003). Matsumoto. In Japanese Castles 1540-1640. United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing Ltd.
Category:
Castle
Tags:
Japanese Interior, Japanese Architecture, Matsumoto Castle, Wood, Nagano, Japan
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