Matsushiro Castle Ruins

Overview

Matsushiro Castle is said to have been built as a base for the Takeda side during the Kawanakajima Battles, where Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin vied for dominance over Shinano. Utilizing the Chikuma River as its outer moat, it served as a natural fortress and was originally called "Kaizu Castle (Kaizu-jo)". Later, when the Sanada clan became the Matsushiro feudal lords, a 100,000-koku castle town developed around Matsushiro Castle. Following the castle's abandonment in the Meiji period, its structures were demolished, leaving only the stone walls for a long time. However, in 1981 (Showa 56), it was designated as a national historic site along with the new palace (Sanada residence). Subsequently, the Nagano city government conducted environmental improvement works, and in 2004 (Heisei 16), the yaguramon (tower gate), wooden bridge, stone walls, earthen ramparts, and moats were restored. Matsushiro Castle Ruins attracts many tourists as a historical site associated with the Sanada clan. Visitors can explore the remaining stone walls, moats, and yaguramon, immersing themselves in the history and culture of the Sanada family. The surrounding area also boasts numerous historical sites and cultural facilities related to the Sanada family, making it a must-visit spot for history buffs. Matsushiro Castle Ruins is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with the surrounding area blooming beautifully around mid-April. Many tourists visit during cherry blossom season to enjoy the blossoms.