Matsuyama Castle on Katsuyama Hill

Hard to believe that the castle is standing on what was originally two hills filled in by local Japanese for their feudal lord so he could build this magnificent castle.

Mastuyama Castle at Night

Matsuyama Castle - One of the top ten original Samurai Castles in Japan

Matsuyama Castle is one of the top ten original Samurai Castles in Japan. It is in excellent condition and has been lovingly maintained by the City of Matsuyama. The castle has never suffered from combat which is what it owes to its existence. At the time of the Meiji Restoration, the Warlord at the Castle sided with the rebellion against the emperor. However, the warlord conceded defeat and turned over the castle to the Emperor's representative and sought penance at a local Buddhist Temple. Forgiveness was granted.

Matsuyama Castle and Castle Compound

Matsuyama Castle is one of the top ten castles in Japan. It is also one of the few remaining castles that has not been reconstructed but is of original construction, which means that the castle was never completely destroyed and rebuilt. A history of the castle can be found HERE.

Spiders, Rice, Outdoor Water Heaters and Matsuyama Castle

Sei-noh!, Matsuyama Joe! (get ready to have your picture taken)

Cherry Blossom Festival, Matsuyama Castle

Representatives of the City

Springtime - Matsuyama Castle

Katsuyama Castle Hill

Originally 2 hills. The space between the hills was filled in by the residents of the community during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. After that was done, construction of the castle began. Matsuyama castle is one of the finest castles in Japan. It has never suffered from prolonged periods of conflict, which has kept it intact. Beneath the castle lies what remains of the castle barracks, which today is a park for visitors and has past history of the castle on display.

Sakura festival - Matsuyama Castle

View from Tokyo Dai-ichi

The view from Tokyo Dai-ichi hotel in Matsuyama. It is quiet yet impressive. The castle is well preserved because it was never in any battles. The castle hill was originally two hills that were filled in to create the one hill as it stands today. This was done during the construction period in the early 1600's.

Castle Mascot

The castle mascot is named “kun Yoshiaki” after Yoshiaki Kato, lord of Matsuyama. His costumed mascot is part of local celebrities represented at public functions.

View from Castle Tower

The summit of Katsuyama hill is 132m above sea level. The castle adds another 30m to the height. On clear days the castle can be seen from Honshu Island.

Portrait of a Samurai

During restoration that occurred between 2004 and 2006, this portrait of a Samurai was discovered on the back surface of plank siding. It is believed to have been drawn between the years of 1848 and 1854 when reconstruction occurred due to fire.

Round Heaven and Princess Pine

“Round Heaven” and “Princess Pine” are the names of the fish that decorate the crests of the castle. In June of 2006 the Mayor of Matsuyama decreed that they are “residents of the castle.” In keeping with the theme of guardians of sacred places in Japan, “Round Heaven” has his mouth open (ah or alpha) and “Princess Pine” has her mouth closed (um or omega). The fish were replaced after 81 years of exposure to the elements. Replica’s of the fish that decorate the castle roof are on display in the lower entrance to the rope way at the bottom of Katsuyama hill. They are the same size as the fish that decorate the Castle Roof.