Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CASTLES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 96 2026
Matsumoto Castle

Flatland castle keep in black and white lacquer beside a wide moat, with the Northern Alps behind. Visitors climb steep wooden stairs through the keep's floors, see firearms and displays, and walk the moat and grounds.

Highlights

  • Five-story main keep
  • Moon-viewing tower
  • Wide moat

Good to know

  • E-tickets bought online reduce waiting time
  • Shoes removed and carried inside the keep
  • Keep stairs very steep and narrow

Also in Japan

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