Take a tour of Matsumoto Castle in Japan – part of the World’s Greatest Attractions series by GeoBeats.


Usually, castles are associated with Europe, but Matsumoto Castle proves that there’s no monopoly.

This elegant tiered black structure makes for a formidable defense.

It's unique in that most Japanese castles are on hills, not flat ground.

Matsumoto Castle was originally a home for a daimyo, a lord of the samurai.

A magnificent piece of history and architecture, its black color is what gives it the nickname, "Crow Castle".

Matsumoto has the honor of being one of four castles to be called National Treasures of Japan.