From Australia

I went to Matsue Castle for volunteer guiding. Soon after arriving there, an elderly couple asked me a guide to the castle. They were from Australia. 

The husband asked me many questions. I answered him as much as I could, but I hardly answered for some specific questions. I have to study more about Matsue Castle. 

He really liked Kurosawa movies. That was one of the reasons they came to Japan. We talked about Kurosawa films like Seven Samurai, Kagemusha and Ran. He said he liked hose riding scenes in battles. 

Click to vote →
                        にほんブログ村

Matsue Castle Just Designated as a National Treasure

Matsue Castle main tower was designated as a national treasure by the culture ministry today. 

The main tower is 30m tall. It's the second largest castle among 12 remaining castle in Japan. 

The 400 years old castle is the symbol of Matsue city and many residents are pleased the designation. 

にほんブログ村

Preservation of Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle has been nominated for a National Treasure recently. The castle deserves for the title because it is one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan. But if some people didn't try to preserve the castle, it would disappear now. 

The castle was once about to sell at a auction in Meiji era. For Meiji government, these castles were symbols of Tokugawa government or feudalism, so they were trying to sell castles. Buyers wanted to buy them as useful materials, like iron for nails or wood for burning fuel. 

Some wealthy farmers managed to purchase the castle and save it from destruction. Their efforts made it possible for the castle tower to survive until now and at least it was nominated as a National Treasure. 

にほんブログ村

Increasing Visitors

Visitors to Matsue Castle have been increasing since the castle was recommended to be a national treasure in May 15. I was born and raised here, Matsue, so I'm really glad to hear the news. 

The authorities and citizens here have to use this opportunity to make the castle and our city popular tourist spot. This should boost city's economy otherwise our city can't survive this sever economic conditions. 

にほんブログ村

Matsue Castle 2

Matsue Castle is the second largest, the third tallest (30m) and the six oldest among the remaining castles in Japan.

The castle is looked five stories from outside, but it has six stories inside. The base floor has a well and food storage for preparing battle. And you can see 360-degree view of Matsue city from the top of the tower, so the soldiers could find enemies easily. But the truth is that the castle never faced any battles. The castle was built after major civil war in Japan.

Matsue Castle 1

Matsue Castle is the symbol of the traditional castle town of Matsue. Matsue is the capital city of Shimane prefecture which is located in the west part of Japanese mainland.

The castle was built over a five year period, from 1607 to 1611, by Hirio Yoshiharu, the feudal lord of the Matsue-Han.

Matsue Castle is over 400 years old and is one of the very few remaining original castles, only twelve remaining, of Japan. Most of the hundreds of original castles were destroyed due to earthquakes, fires, wars and political reasons. You can see many Japanese castles here in Japan, but most of them are concrete or modern constructions. 

The castle was being sold at a price of 180 yen in 1875. The price was only as the same value as 6,000 kg of rice at the time. Local farmer Katsube Motoemon and others bought and saved the castle.