Matsumae Castle, Japanese castle in Matsumae, Japan.
The castle stands on elevated grounds with stone walls and features a central three-story concrete tower reconstructed in 1960 to match historical specifications.
Built in 1606 by Matsumae Yoshihiro under Tokugawa shogunate orders, the fortress controlled all passage between Hokkaido and mainland Japan until the Meiji period.
The castle grounds contain 10,000 cherry trees representing 250 varieties, making it a significant location in the Japanese cherry blossom viewing tradition.
Visitors can access the castle museum from April through December, with extended hours during the spring cherry blossom festival from late April to May.
This northernmost Japanese castle remains the single traditional Edo period fortification in Hokkaido, incorporating both military defense features and administrative functions.
Location: Matsumae
Inception: 1606
Founders: Matsumae Yoshihiro
Architects: Ichikawa Ichigaku
Fee: Yes
Charge: 360 JPY
Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan, 松前氏城跡
Website: https://town.matsumae.hokkaido.jp/bunkazai/detail/00001681.html
GPS coordinates: 41.42983,140.10839
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:04
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