Matsumoto and the Crow Castle

Matsumoto or Crow Castle is so named because of its unusual black painted screens (most Japanese castles are lighter in colour). It's also notable because it's one of the few original castles in this country. Most have been destroyed at one time or another

Autumnal colours in front of Matsumoto castle

Matsumoto castle, captured in black-and-white infra red

Castle-themed vending machine...

A very young samurai

HDR view from inside the second floor of the castle

As you progress up though its six floors the size of the room diminishes and the steps leading upwards are higher and significantly steeper, thus making harder for invading troops to attack the defenders. It's a tight fit and the steps are very steep - and you have to do it in socks making it even harder to negotiate on foot.