Moonrise & swan reflect in the moat of Matsumoto Castle, built 1592-1614. Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Moonrise, a swan and red bridge reflect in the moat of Matsumoto Castle, which was built 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.

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Filename: 1810JP2-092.jpg
Copyright: Tom Dempsey
Image Size: 3024x4032 / 2.8MB; Art Work Honshu Japan PhotoBest architecture art building love reflect reflection water
Contained in galleries: 2018 Oct 10-Nov8: JAPAN all, Matsumoto Castle, JAPAN favorites

Moonrise, a swan and red bridge reflect in the moat of Matsumoto Castle, which was built 1592-1614 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain, in Matsumoto. Matsumotojo's main castle keep and its smaller, second donjon were built from 1592 to 1614, well-fortified as peace was not yet fully achieved at the time. In 1635, when military threats had ceased, a third, barely defended turret and another for moon viewing were added to the castle. Interesting features of the castle include steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, openings for archers, as well as an observation deck at the top, sixth floor of the main keep with views over the Matsumoto city.