Matsumoto Castle: The Crow Castle

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Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest original castles, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its striking black exterior and rich history.

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Matsumoto-jō Castle

Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior, is a stunning example of a Japanese castle. Completed in the late 16th century, it's one of Japan's oldest original castles, boasting a five-tiered, six-story keep and rich samurai history.

A brief summary to Matsumoto-jō Castle

4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Marunouchi, Nagano, 390-0873, JP
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Matsumoto-jō Castle.

Purchase e-tickets online in advance to reserve a specific entry time and save money.
Visit during off-peak seasons or early mornings to avoid large crowds, especially during Golden Week and Obon holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for climbing steep and narrow stairs inside the castle.
Take off your shoes before entering the castle and carry them in the bag provided.
Check out the reflection of the illuminated castle in the moat at night for a beautiful view.

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Getting There

Walking

From JR Matsumoto Station, the castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk north. Follow the main street, Ote-machi, straight towards the castle. You'll pass shops and restaurants along the way. The castle will become visible in the distance as you approach. There are no costs associated with walking to the castle.
Public Transport

From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Town Sneaker bus (North Course). The bus ride takes about 5 minutes. Get off at the Matsumotojo-mae (Matsumoto Castle) bus stop. The fare is ¥200 per ride. A one-day pass for the Town Sneaker bus costs ¥500 and includes discounts to some attractions.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at JR Matsumoto Station. The taxi ride to Matsumoto Castle takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥800 - ¥1200. Taxi fares may vary depending on the time of day.
Driving

If driving, use the Nagano Expressway and exit at the Matsumoto Interchange. From the interchange, it's about a 15-minute drive to the castle. Several parking lots are available near Matsumoto Castle. The Municipal Matsumoto Castle Gate Parking Area costs ¥150 per 30 minutes. The Municipal Kaichi Parking Area costs ¥200 for the first hour and ¥100 per 30 minutes thereafter.

Discover more about Matsumoto-jō Castle

Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure of Japan, stands as a remarkable testament to the country's feudal era. Often called 'Crow Castle' (Karasu-jo) because of its distinctive black exterior, it is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. This majestic structure, with its five-tiered, six-story main keep, dates back to the late 16th century and showcases sophisticated defensive designs.The castle's origins trace back to the Sengoku period when it was known as Fukashi Castle. The castle served as a crucial military base, allowing the Matsumoto clan to defend their territory. Over the centuries, the castle came under the control of various powerful samurai, including Takeda Shingen, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Akutagawa family, affiliated with the Koga style of ninjutsu, served the lords of Matsumoto Castle as ninjas starting in the 1600s.Today, visitors can explore the castle's well-preserved wooden interiors, climb its steep staircases, and admire displays of armor and weaponry. The views from the top floor observation platform offer panoramic vistas of Matsumoto City and the Japanese Alps. The castle grounds feature picturesque gardens and a wide moat where swans swim. The castle is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in mid-April when over 300 cherry trees bloom around the moat.