Matsumoto Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Nagano Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Shinano Province. It is associated with the Ishikawa, Ogasawara, Mizuno, Toda clans. Dates in use: 1504 - 1871.

The contrasting black lacquered & white plastered walls enhance what is arguably Japan's most visually stunning castle. The biggest threat to this castle wasn't samurai warfare or even WWII bombing. The cash-strapped Meiji government auctioned it as scrap in an attempt to raise funds. It is now a National treasure.

Himeji castle's maze-like layout may easily eclipse those of any other, but what Matsumoto castle lacks in the intricacy of its defences, it makes up for in the bad-assedness of its main tower. Its darkened & purposeful construction is softened by the airy Tsukimi Yagura, the Moon-viewing turret.

Timeline

1504	Fortifications were first built by the Ogasawara clan. The site was known as Hayashi castle. Later, new fortifications were established in front of Hayashi castle and were known as Fukashi castle. This was the forerunner to what is now Matsumoto castle.
1550	Takeda Shingen attacked & took control of Fukashi castle.
1582	Following the instability of Oda Nobunaga's assassination, the Ogasawara clan retook the castle. The castle name was then changed to Matsumoto castle.
1590	Expansion of the castle commenced under the direction of the Ishikawa clan.
1597	The main towers were completed.
1613	The Ogasawara clan were transferred here.
1617	The Toda clan were transferred here.
1633	The Etchizen branch of the Matsudaira clan were transferred here.
1634	The Tsukimi & Tatsumi turrets were added to the main & lessor central towers.
1638	The Hori clan were transferred here.
1642	The Mizuno clan were transferred here.
1726	The Toda clan were once again installed here as lords of the domain.
1727	The palace of the main enclosure burnt to the ground. A palace was rebuilt but in the secondary enclosure.
1871	The castle was decommissioned.
1872	Many of the remaining gates were torn down.
1876	The palace of the secondary enclosure burnt to the ground.
1903	Restoration of the main tower began as it was on the verge of collapse.
1913	Restoration of the main tower was completed.
1960	The Kuromon Ichinomon Gate (Yagura style) was restored.
1990	The Kuromon Gate (Korai style) was restored.
1999	The Taiko Gate underwent a complete reconstruction.

Historical recognition

Site	National Historic Site
Main Tower	National Treasure
Inui lesser Tower	National Treasure
Watari Turret	National Treasure
Tatsumi Tsuki Turret	National Treasure
Tsukimi Turret	National Treasure