Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is one of only 12 castles still standing in what is now Japan. Matsue is considered the second largest of them. For its dark fortress wall and dark elements of the facade, the castle is also called black. Another name of the fortress is Zuyka castle, in honor of a small bird. Pine Bay Castle is the third but not the last of its names.

History of Matsue Castle

The lands here were given to Yoshiharu Horio as a token of gratitude for the support of the shogun. Construction began in 1601. It lasted 10 years. For all the time of its existence, it has never participated in battles. Since its construction was completed after a period of feudal wars. After Yoshiharu Horio, Matsue passed to the Matsudaira clan, who owned it for over two hundred years.

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

Sights and legends of Matsue Castle

Matsue stands on the shore of a picturesque lake. Once every 12 years, a festival takes place on its water surface. During festive events, festively decorated boats pass along the lake. For those who did not manage to admire this spectacle live, there is a museum where you can see the holiday with the help of video.

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

If you walk across 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 quite a few items related to his life have been preserved in it. There is another museum in the castle itself, it is dedicated to the weapons and armor of all the same samurai. Here you can also learn the history of the Matsudaira clan, whose 10 generations were the owners of Matsue Castle.

There is a huge park around Matsue Castle, in spring it is buried in cherry blossoms, locals come here to admire it. There is also something to admire in autumn - Japanese mimoji maples leave no one indifferent.