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Trivia Quiz on Matsumoto Castle: Fun Facts about Nagano’s Famous Castle [For Seniors]
Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, is known for its distinctive black appearance and was built sometime between the late Sengoku period and the early Edo period.
In this article, we’ll present a series of fun facts about Matsumoto Castle—designated as a National Treasure—in a quiz format!
The questions focus on everything from the castle’s origins and its lords to the structures of the castle and its gates.
There are many details that many people may not be familiar with, so take this opportunity to deepen your knowledge!
Some items will also help you enjoy your visit to Matsumoto Castle even more, so please look forward to it.
Trivia Quiz on Matsumoto Castle: Fun Facts about Nagano’s Famous Castle [For Seniors] (1–10)
Besides the Kuro-mon (Black Gate) and the Ote-mon (Main Gate), what is the name of the other gate at Matsumoto Castle?
- sluice gate
- Kokomon Gate
- Taiko Gate
See the answer
Taiko Gate
The Taiko Gate of Matsumoto Castle is a gate built at the castle’s eastern entrance. The current Taiko Gate was reconstructed in 1999 and is said to use hinoki cypress that is 400 years old and pine that is 140 years old.
In 1550, which warlord expelled Nagatoki Ogasawara and brought under his control the predecessor of Matsumoto Castle?
- Takeda Shingen
- Oda Nobunaga
- Date Masamune
See the answer
Takeda Shingen
In 1550, Takeda Shingen advanced on Fukashi Castle, the predecessor of Matsumoto Castle, expelled Ogasawara Nagatoki who had controlled the castle until then, and brought most of Shinano Province under his rule.
In a certain movie, which one destroyed Matsumoto Castle?
- Mechagodzilla
- Mothra
- King Ghidorah
See the answer
King Ghidorah
In the 1964 film Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, there is a scene where Matsumoto Castle is destroyed by King Ghidorah. This movie marks King Ghidorah’s first appearance, and it is said that the first real-world building he ever destroyed was Matsumoto Castle.
In what year was the main keep of Matsumoto Castle first designated as a National Treasure?
- the year 1928
- the year 1936
- the year 1945
See the answer
the year 1936
The keep of Matsumoto Castle was designated an Old National Treasure in 1936 under the Law for the Preservation of National Treasures, recognizing the castle’s cultural and historical value. Later, in 1952, it was newly designated as a National Treasure under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.
In what year is the castle that served as the predecessor to Matsumoto Castle said to have been built?
- Year 1504
- the year 1575
- the year 1600
See the answer
Year 1504
Matsumoto Castle is a castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and its predecessor, Fukashi Castle, is said to have been built in 1504. The castle’s main keep is designated as a National Treasure and is the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan.
What is the height in meters of the main keep of Matsumoto Castle when measured from the top edge of the stone wall?
- 25m
- 29m
- 34m
See the answer
25m
The height of Matsumoto Castle’s main keep measured from the top edge of the stone wall—that is, the height of the building portion—is about 25 meters. This makes it the second tallest in Japan after Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. Incidentally, if measured from the bottom of the stone wall, it is about 29 meters.
What is the alternate name of Matsumoto Castle that Matsumoto City introduced as “actually incorrect”?
- Swallow Castle
- Crow Castle
- White Heron Castle
See the answer
Crow Castle
Matsumoto Castle is often called the “Crow Castle,” a nickname derived from its black exterior walls. However, according to the city of Matsumoto, the term “Crow Castle” lacks historical basis, and they have published a statement about this on their website.