Matsumae Castle stands in the town of Matsumae in southern Hokkaido and is known as the northernmost castle in Japan. Built as the seat of the Matsumae clan, the castle played an important role in the history of Hokkaido, particularly during the Edo period when the Matsumae domain governed the southern part of Ezo, the historical name for Hokkaido.
The castle is also a valuable cultural heritage site where visitors can explore the history of the Matsumae domain and learn about the region’s relationship with the Ainu people.
The origins of Matsumae Castle date back to 1606, when Matsumae Yoshihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae domain, constructed a castle known as Fukuyama Castle. Yoshihiro laid the foundations of the Matsumae domain as an independent feudal territory and established the Matsumae family as its ruling clan.
Yoshihiro had audiences with both Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and played an important role in establishing the Matsumae domain as a feudal lordship in early modern Japan.
The castle remained under the Matsumae family for generations, although there was a significant interruption between 1807 and 1821, when the Tokugawa shogunate placed the domain under direct control. During this period, Matsumae Akihiro, the domain lord, was transferred to Yanagawa in present-day Fukushima Prefecture. The Matsumae family returned to its territory in 1821.
As foreign vessels increasingly approached Japan in the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate ordered the construction of a new castle. Under Matsumae Takahiro, construction began in 1849, and the new fortress was completed in 1854.
The castle was designed as a defensive stronghold appropriate to the changing circumstances of northern Japan. Its location and fortifications reflected the growing importance of Hokkaido as a strategic frontier during the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Matsumae Castle was drawn into the turbulent events surrounding the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1868, forces loyal to the former shogunate occupied the castle during the conflict that followed the Meiji Restoration.
The following year, government forces recaptured Matsumae Castle. The fighting formed part of the broader Battle of Hakodate, one of the final major conflicts of the Boshin War.
The original castle tower survived until 1949, when it was destroyed by fire. The present castle tower was reconstructed in 1960, recreating the appearance of the historic structure and preserving the castle’s distinctive presence in the Matsumae landscape.
One particularly important feature is the castle gate, which survives from the historic period. Together with the reconstructed tower and remaining elements of the castle grounds, it provides a tangible connection with Matsumae’s feudal past.
The reconstructed castle tower houses the Matsumae Castle Museum, where visitors can discover the history and culture of the Matsumae domain.
The exhibits include historical documents, weapons, cultural artifacts, and materials related to the Matsumae clan. The museum also presents materials relating to the Ainu people, offering visitors a broader perspective on the history and culture of southern Hokkaido.
Matsumae Castle is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the historic castle grounds are transformed by flowering cherry trees, creating a striking contrast between the castle architecture and the delicate blossoms.
The Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival is held during the flowering season, bringing events and food stalls to the area and making spring one of the most popular times to visit.
Autumn brings another beautiful transformation, as colorful foliage surrounds the historic buildings and castle grounds. The changing scenery allows visitors to appreciate Matsumae Castle in different ways throughout the year.
Matsumae Castle has experienced war, political upheaval, and fire throughout its long history, yet efforts have continued to preserve and restore its historic character.
The reconstruction of the castle tower in the 1960s was an important part of these preservation efforts. Today, the castle and its museum continue to introduce the history of the Matsumae domain and the development of Hokkaido to new generations.
Matsumae Castle offers a different perspective on Hokkaido from the modern cities and natural landscapes for which the island is famous. Its history reaches back to the early Edo period and connects the region with the Tokugawa shogunate, the Matsumae domain, the Ainu people, and the dramatic transition from feudal Japan to the modern era.
Combined with the beauty of its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, the castle provides a memorable destination for travelers interested in Japanese history, traditional architecture, and the cultural heritage of southern Hokkaido.
9:00 - 17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Open April 10 - December 10
*Closed for winter from December 11 to April 9.
Matsumae Castle Museum
Adults (high school students and older) 360 yen
Child (elementary/junior high school student and older): 240 yen
Matsumae Castle Museum and Matsumae Clan Residence common admission ticket
Adult (high school student or older) 620 yen
Child (elementary/junior high school student and older): 420 yen
Free of charge for infants.
15 cars free Parking lot next to Matsumae Town Hall (History Oasis)
Hakodate Bus: 10 min. walk from Matsushiro Bus Stop.
By car Approx. 80 min. from JR Kikonai Stn.