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Matsumoto Castle in autumn, reflected in a moat.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle

The Matsumoto Castle is a historic castle in the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It was built of stone and wood and is surrounded by a moat filled with water. Due to its black exterior and the "spreading wings", the Matsumoto Castle (Japanese: 松本城, Matsumoto-jō) is also know as "Crow Castle" (烏城, Karasu-jō).

Along with Himeji Castle in the Hyōgo Prefecture and Kumamoto Castle in the Kumamoto Prefecture, the castle is considered one of Japan's three premier castles.

Matsumoto Castle in Japan reflected in a calm moat.

The origin of the castle dates back to 1504. At that year in the Sengoku period Shimadachi Sadanaga of the Ogasawara clan started building a fort on the site. The original name for the fort was "Fukashi Castle".

Matsumoto Castle reflected in a calm lake with a red bridge.
Matsumoto Castle reflected in a moat, with tourists taking photos.
Matsumoto Castle in autumn, reflected in a moat.
Matsumoto Castle, a large black and white Japanese castle with people walking toward it.
Tourists ascending a steep, wooden staircase inside Matsumoto Castle.

The castle has six floors, but only five can easily be seen from the outside. The third floor, unlike the other floors, has no windows. That is why it was called "Dark Floor" or "Hidden Floor". This level was mainly used as a warehouse.

Matsumoto Castle's dark third floor, also known as the 'Hidden Floor,' described on an informational sign.
Dark interior of Matsumoto Castle, showing a large, dark room with many thick, dark wooden pillars and a polished dark floor.
Silhouetted figures looking out a Matsumoto Castle window.
Tourists with backpacks looking out a window at Matsumoto Castle.
High-angle view of Matsumoto Castle grounds, showing a person walking on a path through an autumnal garden.
Matsumoto Castle view with moat, autumn trees, and city skyline in background.
Matsumoto Castle grounds with autumn foliage, city, and mountains in the background.
Matsumoto Castle grounds viewed from above, showing visitors walking on paths among autumnal trees and a mountain backdrop.
Matsumoto Castle, viewed from the outside, on a sunny day.
Low-angle view of a Japanese castle roof.
Japanese maple tree with red and orange autumn leaves.
Numerous bonsai plants in bloom displayed on tables under a tent.
A display of bonsai chrysanthemum plants in various colors and sizes.
Yellow chrysanthemum bonsai tree in a brown pot.
Close-up of pink chrysanthemum flowers with yellow centers.
Close-up of a dense cluster of dark red chrysanthemum flowers.
Samurai warrior on horseback in a Japanese battle reenactment.
A fallen samurai warrior mannequin in traditional Japanese armor.
Samurai actors in traditional dress perform a fight scene.
Matsumoto Castle keep and stone wall reflected in water.

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