Taiko Turret
This is the "Taiko" (drum) Turret. It caps off the western edge of an 80ft. long defensive wall that consisted of 16 gun turrets and three separate points from which soldiers could drop stones on invading enemies.
Central Donjon
Matsuyama Castle
Small Donjon
This smaller tower served as the main defense turret to protect the castle from frontal and rear attacks. It's of the many structures that were destroyed during WWII.
Rooftop View
Matsuyama Castle is located on top of the 433 ft. Katsuyama Hill in the center of the city. Two separate rings of defensive stone walls were also constructed further down the hill.
When the original castle was completed in 1627, the main tower had five distinct floors. Unfotunately, it was struck by lightning on New Year's day in 1784 and burned to the ground. The present day three-story tower was completed in 1854.
Small Donjon, South Turret, East Turret
South Turret, East Turret
Legend has it that many of the stones that were used to build the castle's foundation were brought to the construction site by women who carried them in small baskets on their head.
South Turret
South Turret Sunset
Lanterns
Matsuyama City, Shikoku
Castle Wall Shadow