🗺️ Matsumae Castle

Matsumae Castle was built by the Matsumae clan under the orders of the shogunate as a fortress for northern defense. Its official name is "Fukuyama Castle," and it was completed in the first year of the Ansei era (1854) during the late Edo period, making it one of the last constructed buildings in Japanese castle architecture. The only remaining structure, the main gate, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After the Meiji Restoration, the original tenshu (keep) was destroyed in a fire in Showa 24 (1949). The current tenshu was restored in Showa 35 (1960) and is built of reinforced concrete. The interior of Matsumae Castle now serves as a paid exhibition facility, featuring an observation area that offers a distant view of the Tsugaru Strait, making it quite popular among tourists. The area surrounding the castle has been developed into Matsumae Park, which has been selected as one of the "One Hundred Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." It is a very popular cherry blossom viewing location, featuring about 10,000 cherry trees of approximately 250 varieties, including local Matsumae varieties. These trees bloom in succession from early, mid, to late season, providing beautiful floral scenery to enjoy for an entire month.

The northernmost castle in Japan. The remaining structure, the Honmaru Gate, is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The restored Tenshu now serves as the "Matsumae Castle Museum," which is open for visitors. Around the castle, approximately 10,000 cherry blossom trees are planted, providing beautiful cherry blossom scenery to enjoy for an entire month.