Discover the history, architectural ingenuity and cultural significance of Matsumoto Castle in this talk by Kashiwazawa Yukikazu, Director of the Matsumoto City Tourist Information Centre in Nagano Prefecture.

Home to one of only 12 original castle keeps surviving in Japan today, Matsumoto Castle is among the country’s five castles designated as a National Treasure. Built from 1590 onwards by Ishikawa Kazumasa, a former senior retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle emerged during a pivotal period in Japan’s unification and reflects the shifting balance of power between rival warlords.

Unlike many famous Japanese castles, Matsumoto is a flatland castle (hirajiro), built on a plain rather than atop a hill or mountain. Its builders developed remarkable engineering solutions to support the approximately 1,000-ton wooden keep, creating one of the finest surviving examples of late-16th-century castle architecture.

This talk explores the castle’s origins, strategic importance and innovative design that has enabled it to survive for more than four centuries. The event also offers a timely opportunity to learn about the castle before major seismic reinforcement works, expected to begin from 2029, restrict access to the main keep for several years.

This talk forms part of a wider programme exploring the history and culture of Matsumoto including a talk and demonstration on the city’s Oshi-e-bina doll-making tradition on Friday 31 July and family workshops on making Matsumoto Tanabata dolls on Saturday 1 August.

The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized in collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

About the speaker

Kashizawa Yukikazu

Kashiwazaki Yukikazu is Director of the Tourist Information Centre at the Matsumoto Tourism & Convention Association. A graduate of Waseda University’s School of Commerce, he previously served as a Matsumoto City official, including as Director of Yoshikawa Community Centre, and later chaired the Nagano Prefecture Public Hall Management Council. He brings extensive experience in local government and regional community engagement.

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Booking essential | Admission free