Legends can be quite interesting, but I also like to know the reasons they were established. There are often elements of truth that reveal principles and values. I recently learned about some of the legends of Matsumoto Castle after visiting there. This unique castle in Nagano is a place I highly recommend you visit when you’re in Japan.
This is the third in a series of posts about Nagano because there are many reasons to visit. Not only is Nagano accessible by train and bus from Tokyo, it has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in all of Japan.
Why You Must Visit Matsumoto Castle
When you visit Nagano, a stop at Matsumoto Castle is a must. It’s special for many reasons:
- It’s one of the oldest surviving original castles in Japan.
- It has 5 levels (and a sixth secret level).
- It symbolizes the city’s rich samurai history and highlights the strategic brilliance of the samurai era.
- Its unique black and white architecture earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.”
- The surrounding moat and the background beauty of the Japan Alps make for a stunning and picturesque scene.
- Local residents prevented it from being destroyed during the Meiji Era.
- It was designated as a national treasure due to its historical and architectural significance.
The Legend of the Master Artisan
Beyond its impressive features, Matsumoto Castle is also a place rich with fascinating legends. While the castle is a magnificent architectural feat, its construction wasn’t without its challenges. Legend has it that during the construction of the castle’s main tower, a vital beam was found to be 15 centimeters too short. The other carpenters were shocked and dismayed, but a mysterious artisan, who had been loafing around and only whittling wooden pegs, stepped forward. He gathered over 100 workers and had them separate into two groups to pull ropes attached to both ends of the beam. He stood in the middle and, at just the right moment, hit the beam three times with a large mallet. When they measured the beam again, it was exactly 15 centimeters longer than before. This miraculous feat earned him the respect of all the workers, who thereafter referred to him as a master carpenter.
Finding the Truth behind the Myths
The true story behind this legend isn’t about the wood itself, but rather about the people. The more I dig into stories of Japanese success, the more I see people who developed skills through repetition, becoming masters of their craft. This tale speaks to the reverence people had for the master artisans whose skills were so great that they were believed to be almost magical. It shows how deeply the community valued the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into building this incredible national treasure.
Other legends of Matsumoto Castle also reveal deep-seated values. For example, the tale of the “tilting castle” tells of a curse from a farmer, Kasuke Tada, who led a tax protest before being executed. People believed the castle tilted to the west from his frustrated stare, but the real reason was the rotting of a wooden pillar. Just like the artisan’s tale, this story shows us how people used legends to express their awe, fears, and frustrations, weaving real events into captivating tales that endure.
I hope this exploration of ingenuity and local pride inspires you to see the magnificent Matsumoto Castle with your own eyes. When you visit, you’ll be walking on the same grounds where these legends were born, experiencing a piece of history that is both beautiful and full of captivating stories.
