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Matsumoto Castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano prefecture is one of only five castles in Japan that has been designated as a “National Treasure of Japan’. Standing as a prime example of a ‘hirajiro’ (flat castle) for its use of an extensive system of moats and interconnected walls as opposed to being built on elevated position. 

The castle was completed in 1593 with a height just shy of 30 metres its structure reflects many historical periods of war and peace. An example is the main keep which although presented as five stories contains a secret sixth floor which was used to store ammunition during sieges. In contrast a ‘Tsukimi-yagura’ (Moon-Viewing Room) was built during the peaceful Edo Period in 1633. 

In 1872 the castle was nearly destroyed, following the Meiji Restoration and abolishment of the feudal system the castle was scheduled for demolition. But due to local protests from residents the Castle was purchased back.

In modern times Matsumoto Castle is a cultural hub for locals and visiting tourists with peak times around April and August. Coinciding with the Cherry Blossom Season and Summer Festivals respectively.

Matsumoto Castle was meant as a brief morning pit stop on my commute from Nagano to Matsumoto Airport for our flight to Sapporo. It was an early start much like the rest of my trip at 5:30am where I boarded the train to the castle. It was a cool crisp -6 degrees celsius (yikes) when I arrived and with my backpack and full suitcase in hand I racewalked over to the castle.

Stunned is an understatement. The location was drop dead gorgeous. At the time of our visit Japan had been experiencing a large amount of snow throughout the country particularly in the northern areas where the castle is located. Matsumoto City had experienced a large dusting the day before and the fresh white snow contrasted beautifully with the black appearance of the castle's Architecture. Additionally the weather was very overcast which although would normally bother me instead gave the scene a strong duotone colour palette. Using the reflection of the Moat I captured the castle doing my best to hide all signs of modern life to let the castle shine.

Blast from the Past!

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Matsumoto Castle at dawn after a dusting of snow, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture