Matsuyama Castle (Iyo)

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Matsuyama Castle (松山城, Matsuyama-jō^?) is a flatland-mountain castle that was built in 1603 on Mount Katsuyama, whose height is 132 meters, in Matsuyama city in Ehime Prefecture (the former Iyo Province). It is not to be confused with Bitchū Matsuyama Castle. The main castle building has been designated a National Treasure of Japan.

[edit] History

This castle was originally built by Kato Yoshiaki in 1603. It had a large five-story tenshu, or keep, which was moved to Aizu Castle when Kato was transfered there in 1627. The next lord, Tadachika Gamoh, died in 1635, shortly after completing the ninomaru. After Tadachika, Matsudaira Sadayuki became the new lord. He completed a new tenshu in 1642. His heirs continued to rule the castle after his death. However, on New Years Day, 1784, this tenshu was struck by lightning and burned down. The current tenshu was built between 1820 and 1854. The castle survived the Meiji restoration, but parts of it were destroyed by bombing from American forces during World War II. Since 1966, the city of Matsuyama has been working to restore the castle.

[edit] Today

In Matsuyama, the Tenshukaku, or the main building of the castle was viewed from almost all places. The castle is accessible from the city central via Matsuyamajō Ropeway, a chairlift, or on foot.