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Built around 400 years back, the Matsumoto castle is one of the few surviving castles of Japan, and serves as a vital tourist destination of the country. Formerly named the Fukashi Castle, this 16th century monument spreads across 96 hectares with its black walls and wings that have earned it the name of "Crow Castle". The castle is an exclusive piece of architecture with its covered passages that can puzzle the intruders as they try to enter the towers. With the panoramic Alps as its backdrop, the Matsumoto castle is one of the finest specimens of a 'hirajio', or flatland castle. Though it had survived the wars, it was on the verge of being dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. However, the initiative of the local residents spared the monument and it is today safely treasured as a heritage building of Japan. How to reach Matsumoto Castle: Matsumoto falls on the Chuo Main Line between Tokyo and Nagoya. A few trains run there from Tokyo which is around 2 1/2 hours away. The alternative would be to take a train to Nagoya and then shift to the JR Chuo line on which the city falls. The bus ride is an enjoyable one as it passes through scenic locales in the 3 hour ride from Tokyo. the bus route also connects the place to the Centrair airport. The town has a small local airbase, and one can even commute by rail from the new Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya. Rail roads also connect Matsumoto to the Narita Airport. Accommodations in Matsumoto: The city has a number of hotels to accommodate its surging crowd of tourists. With the Alps in its backdrop, and the JR Matsumoto Station in front, the Matsumoto Tokyu Inn Hotel gives every facility for making it a favorite comfort and business hotel for the visitors. Located in the centre of the city, the Buena Vista Hotel is another popular accommodation due to its amenities and accessibility. Tourist attractions in Matsumoto: Apart from the historic Matsumoto Castle discussed above, the city has a number of other destinations to offer to its tourists. The summer festivals Taiko and Takigi No hosted in the castle are added pulls for the visitors during the season. Situated at a height of 800 meters, the Shiroyama Park is a beautiful sprawling ground. The Matsumoto City Alps Park has a 995 meter-long Dream Coaster to give the visitors a thrilling ride. The former Kaichi School building is another place to visit in the city. The mountain range bordering the city is itself a major attraction for the visitors.
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