Matsushiro Castle, Japanese flat castle in Nagano, Japan
Matsushiro Castle is a flat-style fortress in Nagano Prefecture with stone walls, deep moats, and restored gates positioned near the Chikuma River. The grounds are easy to walk through, with several buildings and open spaces connected by paths and grass areas.
The fortress was built in 1560 under Takeda Shingen's leadership as a strategic stronghold during the Kawanakajima battles between rival clans. The Tokugawa shogunate later renamed it, establishing the name it still carries today.
The tea houses on the grounds show how samurai lived during the Edo period, with their simple and refined approach to daily life. Walking through these spaces helps visitors understand the values that mattered to the warriors who lived here.
The site is open daily with free admission, and parking is available near the south entrance for visitors with cars. The paths are level and easy to walk, making it accessible for most visitors.
The fortress was known by its original name Kaitsu for much of its existence before receiving the name it carries today. This change marked a turning point in how the site was understood and its role in the region.
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