So this is not recent, but two weekends ago I visited the renowned Matsumoto Castle.  Matsumoto Castle is known for being the oldest castle in Japan.  Many other castles have been completely re-done over the years.  I am not exactly sure how much of Matsumoto castle has been re-done (lots has) but it still holds on to the claim of being the oldest built in 1504.  Once you have paid to go into the castle 600 yen ($6-7.00), you can take advantage of the free English tours that are provided.  The day I went there were few foreigners so I the tour guide all to myself.

The castle was built as a fortress next to a place.  The castle appears to have 4 levels from the outside, but in reality it has 5.  This is one of the unique and interesting things about the castle.  The 4^th floor is small shorter in height with no windows while the 5^th floor is extra tall.  If the castle was attacked and the hold of the castle was failing the Samuri would retreat to the 4^th floor and wait to ambush the enemy who were on their way to what they believed to be the 4^th floor to kill the lord.

Above the 5^th floor where the lord’s rooms where there is a look out with views in every direction.  Getting from floor to floor in the castle is no easy task.  There is a wooden staircase that leads from one floor to the next all very steep, in order to slow enemies as they attacked, easy to go down, difficult to go up in full armor.  Additionally, on each floor once you came up from the stairs you had to walk around most of the floor before reaching the next staircase, again to slow down intruders.

The castle is currently surrounded by one moat filled with coe fish.  Back when the castle was constructed there were two moats.  One where the current lies, and another farther out connected to a river that runs through town.  Within the outer moat but outside the inner moat is where the historical town of Matsumoto existed.  Within the inner moat in addition to the castle was a palace, which has since burnt down.

While the castle had excellent constructed defenses they were never needed.  The castle was never attacked mainly due to its construction coinciding with the change of rule.

The castle was first restored in the early 1900’s due to the efforts of a local high school principle.  The high school raised funds to preserve the castle.  During these efforts the principle introduced baseball to Matsumoto and they played ball where the palace had once been.   

Today the castle is a national treasure and well protected.  When you enter the castle everyone must take off their shoes.  An attendant gives you a plastic bag to carry your shoes in and keep the dirt that may fall off of them in the bag.  When I took my shoes off I realized that I was wearing a brand new pair of white socks.  I shook my head, of all days to wear new white socks.  After my amazing adventure through time and architecture I left the castle, only to notice that my socks were clean.  I walked all over a 500 year old wooden castle in brand new white socks could barely tell.