Matsuyama Castle - Ehime prefecture

Posted on May 11, 2007 by Jamie

In 1602, Kato Yoshiaki began building his castle in the Matsuyama plains (in Ehime prefecture). The five-story castle atop a 132m hill in the center of Matsuyama was completed in 1627. In the 1635, the third Tokugawa Shogun appointed Matsudaira Sadayuki (the first Tokugawa Shogun’s nephew) to Matsuyama Castle. In 1639 Sadayuki reduced the main castle from five-stories down to three stories. The rumour has it that he did this in order to downplay his close connection to Shogun family and to avoid claims of favouritism for having such a grand castle. However, it was probably due to a more practical concern such as the foundation couldn’t support a five-story castle.

In 1784 lightening destroyed the main tower and it was rebuilt many years later in 1854. During the Meji Revolution, Matsuyama supported the Shogun until he returned power to the Emperor. Later, the old shogun asked for support again, and the lord of Matsuyama was later dishonoured for his actions against the Emperor.

Today, the castle is one of the symbols of Matsuyama. It is known throughout Japan as one of three multi-wing castles atop a mountain. You can either hike up the 132m hill or take a rope-way (chair lift) up. One of the first gates you come to has a sign that was funny: “TONASHI Gate – this unusual doorless gate was constructed to confuse invading enemies”. I mean, do you think the enemy would say “oh wait, this can’t be the way in… there is no door!” I wonder if it worked. You can view the castle grounds for free; however, admission into the main castle tower costs 500 yen. On the castle’s birthday (January 15th, I believe) admission is free! The main castle is museum with Samurai armour and art work. From the third floor of the castle, one can have a magnificent 360 degree view of the Matsuyama city.

A residence complex for the lord of Matsuyama was constructed mid-way up the hill called “Ninomaru”. Later the lord of Matsuyama’s changed his residence from Ninomaru to a French-styled villa called “Bansuiso”. Today, the ruins of Ninomaru have been renovated by redesigning the floor plan of the buildings into a stunning water garden and citrus tree garden, with a tradition Japanese tea ceremony. Below the castle is a beautiful moat filled with koi fish, swans, ducks and turtles. The moat was originally the outer most defence of the castle. It is very enjoyable to walk around these beautiful places, especially in early April during hanamiJapanese tradition of celebrating sakuraRefers to both ornamental cherry trees and their blossoms. - cherry blossom trees - every April. People get together and drink sake while watching the sakura leaves and the newly arriving spring. (cherry blossom viewing festival). Many people have hanami party up on the castle grounds or underneath a cheery tree along the moat.