Matsumoto Castle

One of Japan's five premier original castles and the oldest surviving six-story wooden keep in the country, its distinctive black walls and contrasting white plaster earning it the nickname "Crow Castle." Built in the late 16th century during the Sengoku period, the interior preserves steep wooden staircases, gun ports, and arrow slits that reveal its martial origins, while upper floors display samurai armor and matchlock firearms. The top floor offers sweeping views of the Japanese Alps on clear days. The castle moat reflects the tower beautifully, especially during cherry blossom season in mid-April or when the mountains behind are dusted with fresh snow in winter.