Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, and is one of Japan's most famous castles. The castle was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the best preserved castles in Japan.
The castle has six floors and a basement, and is built on a hill overlooking the city. It was designed to be easily defensible, with narrow stairways and trapdoors to impede invaders. The castle is also known for its unique architecture, including the "Moon Viewing Room" with its curved ceilings and the "Creaking Floor" which was designed to alert guards of any intruders.
The castle's museum displays a variety of historical artifacts, including armor, weapons, and artwork from the Edo period. Visitors can also climb to the top of the castle for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Matsumoto Castle is especially popular during the spring when cherry blossoms bloom and in the fall when the leaves change color. It is a popular destination for tourists and is also used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.