Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of only a dozen castles whose main keep dates from before 1868, and a climb through it shows two eras in one building. The main keep and its smaller second donjon went up between 1592 and 1614, years when a castle still had to be ready to fight, while the moon-viewing turret added in 1635 belongs to a calmer age when a lord could build for pleasure. Inside, steep stairs and low ceilings lead past displays of armor and weapons, so take the climb slowly. The castle is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride from JR Matsumoto Station.