Matsumoto-jo Castle - a national treasure
The moon-viewing turret and all sorts of crenelations for stones, arrows, bullets and such still remain. The battlements and the scarce windows are all parts of the historic war strategies which display the intense power struggle of the times.
- Adults 500 yen (includes entrance fee for the Japan Folklore Museum) /Open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Entrance closes at 4:30 p.m.) / Closed for year-end and New Year's holidays / 0263-32-2902
- 15-min. walk from Matsumoto station.
On the 2nd floor of the Matsumoto-jo Castle tower is an exhibit of 106 historic guns as well as references regarding modern weapons. The adjoining Japan Folklore Museum is divided into many sections of interesting displays related to history, folklore, archaeology, art, nature, and old clocks. The collection amounts to about 29,000 items. Visitors should be prepared to spend lots of time at the exhibit as well as the castle.
Former Kaichi School - an important national asset
Classes were held for 90 years in this building until 1963. It is now used as a museum of education with 600 reference items on display.
- Adults 300 yen / Open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (entrance closed at 4:30 p.m.) / No holidays March - November, closed Sundays and national holidays December - January, closed for year-end and New Year's holidays / 0263-32-5725
- Take Matsumoto Dentetsu Bus and get off at Shiyakusho-mae. Walk 10 min.
Matsumoto High School (under the former system), Museum of High Schools (under the former system)
- Free admission (Adults 300yen for the Museum) / Open 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Closed Mondays, year-end and New Year's holidays / 0263-35-6226
- Take Matsumoto Dentetsu Bus and get off at Shonan Koko-mae.
