Bitchū Matsuyama Castle is classified as a mountain castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Okayama Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Bitchū Province. It is associated with the Mizunoya, Itakura clans. Dates in use: 1240 - 1874.

This original Edo period castle is not only the highest of all Japan's castles but it is also the shortest. The two-story main tower is accompanied by several turrets which all sitting atop their stone walls. It’s a long, long walk to the top of the mountain but worth it.

It was most unfortunate that major repairs were going on during my visit to the castle. As can be seen in the first picture, the two-story main tower is covered in scaffolding. In addition to restoration of the buildings of the castle, work was being done on several sections of the stone walls.

Timeline

1240	Akiba Shigenobu constructed a castle on a nearby peak.
1331	The castle was expanded upon to include its current site.
1575	The castle falls to the Mōri clan.
1600	The Nibori clan become lords of the area after the battle of Sekigahara.
1617	The Ikeda clan were transferred here.
1641	The Mizunoya clan were transferred here.
1695	The Ando clan were transferred here.
1711	The Ishikawa clan were transferred here.
1744	The Itakura clan were transferred here. Eight generations of the Itakura clan ruled this castle until its eventual decommissioning.
1868	The castle surrendered to Imperial forces.
1873	The castle was abandoned.

Historical recognition

Site	National Historic Site
Main Tower	Important Cultural Property
Nijuu Turret	Important Cultural Property
San no Hirayagura Higashi Wall	Important Cultural Property