Mountain Castle in the Sky - Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

See
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Guide

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle – Honmaru – Highlights

Honmaru

Within the compound where the castle tower and two-story turret are located, there was a time, when only the castle tower and two-story turret were remaining. In 1997, the fifth and sixth one-story turrets, south and east gates, mud wall, and other areas were restored to recapture their original aspects.

Honmaru East Gate

This roofed gate is made of wood, with a traditional tiled roof. It is located to the east of the castle tower and connects to the rear door of the Honmaru. There is only one sliding door inside the Honmaru, showing that no one was usually inside the Honmaru.

Roofed Gate Supported by Crossarm Braces

This roofed gate is made of wood, with a traditional tiled roof and hinged doors. It is located to the side of front of the two-story turret and connects to the back gate of the Honmaru. Descending from here takes you to in front of the rear gate (Karametemon) ruins.

Two-Story Turret (National Important Cultural Property)

This building consists of a two-story building with two levels in which large natural boulders have been used to form the turret base, and is still present at the site together with the castle tower. This turret served to strengthen defense at the rear of the castle tower, and was also constructed to allow for fleeing from the castle in an emergency by either of the two exits, to the south and north, passing through the back of the castle tower and the rear compound.

Alleyway Gate

This is a wooden small back gate (Uzumemon) with a single sliding door. Opening from side of the sixth one-story turret to outside the castle, this small gate was plastered into mud wall.

Return to “See” Top