Family Crests of the Matsumoto Lords
Historically, Japanese families have shown their familial connections using emblems called kamon. These family crests appear on anything from formal kimonos to battle standards, household possessions, and even houses. Often, the symbols chosen for kamon are drawn from nature, such as the imperial household’s stylized chrysanthemum, or a combination of geometric figures, like the three-diamond logo of the Mitsubishi company.
Below are the kamon of the samurai families who ruled Matsumoto Castle. Several of these emblems can be seen on the circular end caps on the inner eaves of the Kuromon Gate.
| Crest | Family Name | Crest Name | Description |
| Ishikawa Family (1590–1613) | sasa rindō | Gentian flowers with five leaves resembling those of bamboo | |
| Ogasawara Family (1613–1617) | sangai-bishi | Three overlapping diamonds | |
| Toda Family (1617–1633) | hanare muttsu-boshi | Six stars spaced to represent a filled circle | |
| Matsudaira Family (1633–1638) | maru ni mitsuba aoi | Three leaves of futaba aoi (Asarum caulescens) enclosed in a circle | |
| Hotta Family (1638–1642) | kuromochi ni tate mokkō | Vertical bird’s nest on a black mochi cake | |
| Mizuno Family (1642–1725) | maru ni tachi omodaka | Vertical threeleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria trifolia) enclosed in a circle | |
| Toda Family (1726–1869) | hanare muttsu-boshi | Six stars spaced to represent a filled circle |