Chubu Wide-area Tourism Portal Site -- Travel to Ten Thrilling Scenic Sites This showcases sightseeing destinations in Japan's Chubu region (the prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, and Shiga).

Nagano Prefecture Chushin Area

Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure of architectural importance. It transmits the styles of the Momoyama period. It is also called Crow Castle because of the way the lacquer-black castle stands against a grand Northern Alps in the background. The current castle tower, which was built during 1593 to 1594, is the oldest among the fivefold castle towers that still exist to this day and the visitors can take a look inside. The castle was once used as a conquest of Matsumotodaira by Takeda Shingen. The place is also known as a scenic spot for cherry blossoms in the spring.