Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyamajo) is one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. It is located on Katsuyama (Mount Katsu), a steep hill in the city center, that provides visitors to the castle with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.
Matsuyamajo was constructed between 1602 and 1628. In 1635, the castle was assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the Tokugawa, and remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening.
View from the tower
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Castle Ropeway and Chairlift
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In spite of the castle's steep hilltop location, a ropeway and chairlift make it easily accessible. Riding the single-chair, barrier-free chairlift is a pleasant way to ascend Katsuyama. The castle itself provides an excellent, original example of feudal castles and is one of only three that boast multiple wings. Inside, some exhibits offer information on Matsuyama's history and the feudal period.
Ninomaru Garden lies just below Matsuyama Castle. This garden park is arranged to observe the floor plan and layout of Matsuyama Castle's outer buildings, which are no longer standing. Many of the original castle foundations remain visible, and the former castle layout is further rendered by gardens and ponds. Ninomaru Garden can be reached in a 15-20 minutes walk from Matsuyama Castle by a walking path.
Ninomaru Garden
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