Matsumoto Castle: Black Tower Surrounded by Japan’s Snowy Alps

By Kenneth Valencich / The Japan News

18:35 JST, December 10, 2024

Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s 12 “original structure” castles.

The main keep was built in the late 16th century and still stands today. The Kuromon Gate and Taikomon Gate were reconstructed in the 1990s.

The honmaru palace and ninomaru palace were not never rebuilt, but the ninomaru palace rooms are mapped out where the building once stood. The black, 6-floor tower has a stunning view of the Japanese Alps.