Matsumoto Castle

A little history lesson: In the 17th Century during the Muromachi period, Japan underwent some political changes meaning that provincial lords began to build castles at strategic points in their domain as a mean of protection. These acted as their homes and as military headquarters should the domain come under attack, which happened a lot because Japanese history is particularly bloody. Lots of fathers killing sons, and brothers killing each other, and uncles killing newphews- all for supremacy and to guarantee their domination.

Hence, many towns and cities have still have a castle, though some of them have been extensively rebuilt after World War II. This castle in Matsumoto is apparently the oldest surviving one in Japan, though Im sure I've read that in the phamplet of Inuyama castle too. Nevertheless, I really liked it because it had a certain air of charm about it. The surrounding grounds would have been really pretty in the spring when the flowers come into bloom, but the views of the Japanese Alps were amazing. The only criticism is that it didnt have a wooden walkway around the top like Inuyma castle, which would have given better, unobstructed views of the surrounding areas.