Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle (松本城), also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, is a historic castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Built in the late 16th century, it is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure.

The castle’s unique architecture features a main keep, or donjon, that appears as a five-story structure from the outside, but has six floors including the basement. The donjon was designed to serve both residential and military purposes, with each floor having a distinct function. The castle complex also includes several turrets and towers, such as the Inui Kotenshu (small keep) and Tsukimi Yagura (moon-viewing tower), which were used for defense.

Visitors to Matsumoto Castle can explore the castle’s interior, which houses a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the castle’s history and the samurai era in Japan, including weapons, armor, and swords. The top floor of the donjon offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and mountains.

The castle is particularly beautiful in the spring, from early to mid-April, when the cherry blossom trees in the surrounding park are in full bloom. The castle is also illuminated at night, creating a romantic and atmospheric setting. Throughout the year, various events are held at the castle, such as the Matsumoto Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and the Matsumoto Castle Autumn Leaves Festival in fall.

Getting there

By Train

From Tokyo:

• Take the JR “Azusa” limited express from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station
• Journey time: About 2.5 hours
• Cost: 6,620 yen (covered by Japan Rail Pass)

From Nagoya:

• Take the JR Ltd. Exp. Shinano to Matsumoto Station
• Journey time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cost: 5,510 yen for non-reserved seats

From Matsumoto Station

• Walk: About 15 minutes
• Bus: Take the “Town Sneaker” North Course bus to Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae stop (10 minutes)

By Highway Bus

• From Tokyo (Shinjuku Bus Terminal):
• Direct bus to Matsumoto Bus Terminal
• Journey time: About 3 hours
• Cost: 3,900 yen

By Car

• About 3 km (15 minutes) from Matsumoto Exit on the Nagano Expressway

Parking

• Municipal Matsumoto Castle Gate Parking: 5-minute walk, 150 yen/30 minutes
• Municipal Kaichi Parking: 5-minute walk, 200 yen for first hour

Matsumoto Castle is easily accessible on foot from central Matsumoto, with convenient public transportation options available from the main station.

Details

Hours	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM April 29th to May 7th / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM August 11th to 16th / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM January 1st to 3rd / 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission	Adults: 700 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 300 yen
Phone	+81 263-32-2902
Address	4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873
Official Website	https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/eng