Introduction to Matsumoto Castle: Matsumoto Castle is one of the twelve existing castles in Japan. The castle, Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Hikone Castle are also known as the four national treasures of Japan. In 1930, it was designated as a national historic site of Japan. In 1936, five buildings in Matsumoto Castle were designated as national treasures in accordance with the National Treasure Preservation Act at that time.