Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle Review

Large, well-kept, and mighty, Matsuyama-jo is one of the cooler castles in Japan. Inside you can watch footage of the post-World War II reconstruction; the hand labor is astonishing, from the shaping and joining of wood to the stamping out of straw wattle for the walls. There are no concrete, no rebar, and only enough nails to hold down the floorboards. Dark-wood passageways carry the smell of old smoke, from the numerous fires the castle has suffered. For daytime visits, ride the ropeway up and wander around with a delightful wax-paper parasol. Hit the lovely garden just west of the castle, and exit from there to Ichiban-cho, a few blocks west of Laforet.