The National Treasure Matsumoto Caste

With a backdrop of Northern Alps mountains, the national treasure Matsumoto Castle, with an imposing 5-layer, 6窶都tory castle tower built during the Bunroku period( 1592-1596), is located in Matsumoto city. Among existing castle towers, this is one of the oldest and designated as a national treasure castle, together with Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle and Inuyama Castle. (The Michelin Green Guide 3 stars, 2010 trip advisor Japan: the third rank of satisfaction rating) Both the tower and the main palace were surrounded by the inner moat, and the second palace site was between the inner and the outer moat. Beyond the outer moat, there was the outermost outworks of the castle. Thus Matsumoto Castle was renowned as a strategically excellent castle. Strolling through the castle town is another attraction. The street lines with storehouses with the wall covered with square tiles joined with raised plaster, Nawate shopping street and spring water wells are other tourist spots in the town.