Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure along with Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Matsue Castle. The castle tower is believed to have been built around 1593, making it the oldest remaining castle in Japan with a five-storied, six-storied castle tower. It features a two-color outer wall painted with white plaster and black lacquer. When the snow piles up on the mountains behind the castle, the blackness of the castle and the whiteness of the snow make it even more spectacular.