Matsumoto Castle

On our way home for Takayama we made a short detour to Matsumoto to see this amazing castle. Here is a little history on the castle:

Matsumoto Castle (松本城, Matsumoto-jō^?) is one of Japan's finest historic castles. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep or tenshukaku, which was completed in the late 16th century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto is a flatland castle because is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers but on a plain. Its complete defenses would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats and gatehouses.