Matsumae Castle

Area

Hakodate / Onuma Matsumae-gun

Category

History

Matsumae Castle locates on the southwestern coast of Hokkaido. It is the last castle built in Japan. The castle was originally built in 1606. In 848, the government appointed Matsumae as an important city in naval security, and in 1854 the castle was repaired and upgraded. In 1949, the castle burned down in a fire, but was rebuilt in 1961. The castle is designated as a nationally designated historic site. This is one of the earliest spots in Hokkaido where cherry blossoms bloom. To celebrate, a cherry blossom festival is held in April, and you can see the flowers blossom throughout the castle grounds. In August, the Joka-Jidai Festival is held, motorcyclists dressed in ancient armor drive through the streets of Matsumae.

Basic Information

Address

144 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido

Phone

0139-42-2216

Hours

9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. (last entry at 4:30p.m.)

Closed

Closed from Dec. 11 to Apr. 9

Fee

General: ¥360
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥240
Toddlers: free

Website

http://www.asobube.com/database.cgi?dbnum=8&dbkonum=0

Access

FromHakodate Station (JR Hakodate Main Line)

【Hakodate Sta.】Hakodate Bus Matsumae-go / for Matsumae-shucchojo
→【Matsushiro Bus Stop】walking distance to Matsumae Castle

FromKikonai Station (JR South Hokkaido Railway Line and Hokkaido Shinkansen)

【Kikonai Sta.】Hakodate Bus Kikonai~Matsumae / for Matsumae-shucchojo
→【Matsushiro Bus Stop】walking distance to Matsumae Castle