Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is one of the 12 castles preserved in modern Japan. Matsue is considered the second largest of them. Due to its dark fortress wall and dark facade elements, the castle is also called black. Another name of the fortress is Zuika castle, in honor of a small bird. The Pine Cove Castle is the third, but not the last, of his names.

The history of Matsue Castle

These lands were granted to Yoshiharu Horio as a token of the Shogun's appreciation for his support. In 1601, construction began. It lasted 10 years. For all the time of his existence, he had never participated in a battle. Since its construction was completed after the period of feudal wars. After Yoshiharu Horio, Matsue passed to the Matsudaira clan, who owned it for more than two hundred years.

1875 was the last year for many castles and forts. A decree was issued across the country - all defensive structures had to be destroyed immediately. Most of Matsue Castle was indeed dismantled or destroyed, with only the main tower remaining intact. But in the middle of the 20th century, a global restoration began, during which Matsue regained its original appearance and former grandeur.

Sights and legends of Matsue Castle

Matsue stands on the shore of a picturesque lake, and once every 12 years a festival takes place on its water surface. During the celebrations, festively decorated boats pass along the lake. For those who have not been able to admire this spectacle in person, there is a museum where you can see the holiday using video.

Before starting construction in Japan, it was customary to sacrifice to ancient spirits. It was believed that this way the owners of the future building would protect themselves from all adversities. The better the sacrifice, the greater the benefits. The legend of Matsue Castle says that the body of the most beautiful girl who lived in the village next to the construction site lies under the foundation of the fortress. But the spirits did not accept the sacrifice, but on the contrary, they sent a curse on the Horio family.

If you cross the bridge over the moat, which traditionally surrounds the fortress, you can get to the samurai quarter. There is a museum in one of his houses. The old mansion was indeed once the home of a samurai, so it has preserved quite a few items related to his life. There is another museum in the castle itself, it is dedicated to the weapons and armor of the same samurai. Here you can also learn the history of the Matsudaira clan, 10 generations of which were the owners of Matsue Castle.

There is a huge park around Matsue Castle, in spring it is surrounded by cherry blossoms, locals come here to admire it. There is also something to admire in autumn - Japanese mimoji maples do not leave anyone indifferent.