Beautiful Castle, But Not for Everyone
Matsumoto Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. The striking black exterior, the surrounding grounds, and the reflections in the moat make it a wonderful place to visit and photograph. The castle has a genuine historic feel and is far more authentic than many other castles that have been heavily reconstructed.
However, visitors should be aware that the interior is not suitable for everyone. The wooden staircases inside are extraordinarily steep, narrow, and, at times, quite claustrophobic. Going up is challenging enough, but coming down requires considerable care. A slip could easily result in a serious fall, particularly for older visitors or anyone with mobility issues.
That said, the steep staircases are part of the castle’s original character and history, so they do provide an authentic glimpse into how these structures were built centuries ago.
Overall, a fascinating and beautiful historic site that is well worth visiting, but it is important to know what to expect before climbing to the upper levels.
Unlike many other rebuilt castles in Japan, this is an original castle, one of Japan's twelve original keeps. You can really feel the age and authenticity as you climb through the interior.
The exterior and the surrounding moat are impeccably kept and look very classy.
The wooden stairs inside are incredibly steep and narrow (almost like ladders in some spots). You’ll need to take your shoes off at the entrance, so wear nice socks!
They have free English-speaking volunteer guides, they are very friendly and knowledgeable.
The night illumination and light projection are a must-see. The reflection of the castle in the moat during the show is perfect for photos.
The public castle was a great place to visit at night. There were very few people, and the views were amazing. The castle was lit up, and the reflection on the water made it even more beautiful. I highly recommend going at night.
The exterior of the castle was my highlight along with the staff. The grounds were beautiful and I have a huge appreciation for the beautiful structure that is 3x older then our country! Truly impressive.
We only just stumbled across this castle and last minute decided to stop as we were passing through and so pleased we did! We ended up buying a ticket and entering the castle - line was minimal but as we left we could see the line growing, so possibly worth purchasing online and getting there early.
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most stunning castles I've visited in Japan. Its striking black exterior against the backdrop of the mountains creates a breathtaking view, especially on a clear day. Walking around the castle grounds feels like stepping back in time, with every angle offering a picture-perfect scene.
The castle is beautifully preserved, and the peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate Japan's rich history and architecture. A must-visit if you're in Nagano Prefecture—don't forget your camera, as the photos truly turn out amazing!
