MatsumotoOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Fukashi Fort to Matsumoto Castle Town

Matsumoto's origins trace back to 1504, when the Ogasawara clan constructed Fukashi Fort. This fortification served as a strategic stronghold in Shinano Province during the Sengoku period (late 15th to late 16th century), an era of territorial disputes among feudal lords. In 1582, Ogasawara Sadayoshi regained control and renamed the fort Matsumoto Castle, a name that would eventually be adopted by the city.

The main keep of Matsumoto Castle, with its black lacquer, was largely completed between 1593 and 1594 under the administration of Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga, vassals of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This construction laid the foundation for Matsumoto's development as a jokamachi, or castle town, where life revolved around the castle, serving as the administrative and military center for ruling clans like the Ogasawara, Ishikawa, and Toda. The city's location on a plain surrounded by mountains offered protection and control over transport routes across Honshu island.

The Edo Period and Modern Preservation Efforts

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Matsumoto developed as a regional economic hub. It became a center for the rice trade and a place where crafts for the samurai class and urban population thrived. The city's urban plan from this era, with its zoning for samurai, artisan, and merchant districts, still forms the historical framework of the center. Nakamachi Street, for instance, preserves the atmosphere of this period with its traditional kura warehouses.

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Matsumoto Castle faced demolition in 1872. Local residents, led by figures like Ichikawa Ryozo, rallied to save it, raising funds to purchase the castle. Despite their efforts, the castle deteriorated, leading to the "Great Meiji Renovation" from 1903 to 1913, initiated by Kobayashi Unari and Mayor Ori Yorinaga, to restore the structure. Matsumoto Castle was declared a National Treasure of Japan in 1936, recognizing its historical and architectural value.

• —Matsumoto Castle — This black-lacquered, five-story (with six internal floors) castle, nicknamed "Crow Castle," is one of Japan's oldest surviving original castles, dating back to 1593-1594. Explore its original wooden interiors, steep stairs, and numerous loopholes and openings designed for defense during the Sengoku period.
• —Matsumoto Castle Outer Moat — The moat encircling the castle is a defensive feature, with its inner section measuring approximately 60 meters wide, a distance chosen to be beyond the reliable range of matchlock guns. Swans, ducks, and koi can often be seen in the water.
• —Ote-mon Gate — This main castle gate was part of the castle's defensive system. While some gates were demolished after the Meiji Restoration, the Ote-mon Gate area has seen excavations and efforts to preserve its historical context.
• —Nakamachi Street — This merchant street is lined with traditional kura (storehouses) featuring black and white namako walls, built to be fire-resistant after major fires in the late Edo and Meiji periods. Today, it hosts a variety of shops, craft stores, cafes, and restaurants.
• —Nawate Street — Running parallel to Nakamachi Street across the Metoba River, this pedestrian lane has traditional-style shops and cafes. It is called "Frog Street" due to a play on words related to returning home after worship and buying items (kaeru in Japanese). Frog statues are present along the street.
• —Tenkoku-ji Temple — This temple offers a quiet space and a view of local religious practices. It represents the numerous temples and shrines that are part of the cultural fabric of Japanese cities.

The best times to visit Matsumoto are spring (mid-April to early May) for cherry blossoms, and autumn (October to early November) for clear skies and fall foliage. In spring, Matsumoto Castle Park has cherry blossoms, typically blooming in the first two weeks of April. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and Japanese maples around the castle grounds and in the surrounding Alps. September can be warm with occasional rainfall from typhoon remnants, but as the month progresses, humidity eases, and skies clear.

Summers (June to August) are warm, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 30.2°C (86°F). June and July experience a rainy season with higher precipitation. Winters (December to March) are cold, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of -5.4°C (22°F). Snow often dusts the castle. Winter can limit access to some Alpine day trips.

Matsumoto is accessible by train, with the Limited Express Azusa connecting it to Tokyo in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Matsumoto Airport also serves the city. Express buses from Tokyo (Alpico or Keio) are another option, taking around 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Once in Matsumoto, many of the city's main attractions, including Matsumoto Castle, Nakamachi Street, and Nawate Street, are within walking distance of each other and Matsumoto Station. Nakamachi and Nawate streets are a 5 to 10-minute walk from the castle and about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. The city center is pedestrian-friendly.

For local transport, the "Town Sneaker" bus (East Course) can take you from Matsumoto Station's Castle Exit to Nakamachi/Kura Chic Museum in about 5 minutes. It is advisable to use public transport or walk within the city center. Many shops on Nakamachi Street typically open from 10:00 to 19:00, with some restaurants staying open later.