Australia
USA
The "black crow" castle
Follow in the footsteps of samurai at Matsumoto Castle, one of the best preserved original castles in Japan.
Known as the "black crow" thanks to its dark wood, Matsumoto Castle is six storeys high and unusual for having a secondary donjon and turret attached to the main keep. It is possible to climb up inside the castle building via a series of very steep staircases. Do watch your head; as the samurai coats of armour inside the castle attest, people were a lot smaller when the castle was built in the late 16th century!
The castle is a hirajiro which means it was built on a plain rather than on top of a mountain and today the castle sits in the centre of Matsumoto City. There is a pretty vermillion bridge in the castle grounds, and in spring it is a popular cherry blossom spot.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
-
A superior 14-night itinerary for those who want to discover Japan's exciting arts scene in comfort and style.
Japan Arts Trail
Explore the buzzing capital Tokyo, take a scenic walk around Naoshima's art house projects, relax in the gardens of Matsue's Adachi Museum and discover exquisite textile art at the foothills of Mount Fuji on this superb arts trail across Japan.
Tour Gallery
Other Art & architecture experiences
View more >
Tokugawa art in Nagoya
See the art treasures of the Tokugawa Shogun and beautiful gardens in Nagoya
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
