Sixth Floor
(1) Guardian Deity of Matsumoto Castle
A shrine just below the roof of the Great Keep is dedicated to a deity named Nijūroku-yashin, who is said to be a guardian of Matsumoto Castle. Legend states that Nijūroku-yashin appeared before a castle guard one evening in the form of a beautiful woman. She declared that the castle lord would prosper if an offering of rice was made on the twenty-sixth night of each month. This practice is said to have begun sometime after Toda Yasunaga (1562–1633) was given control of the castle in 1617.
(2) Cantilever Roof
Cantilevers between the beams and upper rafters support the heavy weight of the tile roof. The underlying principle of this technology is that of a lever: as shown in the diagram, the cantilevers rest on the purlins of the exterior walls, creating a fulcrum. The load of the tiles is balanced by the effort applied through the crossbeams at the center of the roof.
This type of technology was used in temple architecture beginning in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). A smaller version of these cantilevers can also be seen on the fourth floor of the Inui Keep.
| 桔木 |
Cantilever |
| 垂木 |
Upper Rafter |
| けしょう垂木 |
Purlin |
| テコ |
Lever |
| 力点 |
Effort |
| 支点 |
Fulcrum |
| 作用点 |
Load |
(3) The “Missing” Balcony
During repairs in the 1950s, it was discovered that the outer portion of the sixth floor was originally designed as a veranda with railings. It was later enclosed, perhaps in consideration of Matsumoto’s harsh winters or the risk of damage from rain and wind.
Items on Display
National Treasure Designation Certificate from 1952 (Replica)
Although Matsumoto Castle was first designated a National Treasure in 1930, it was redesignated in 1952, when new cultural preservation laws were implemented following World War II (1939–1945). All five structures of the castle (the Great Keep, the Inui Keep, the Roofed Passage, the Southeast Wing, and the Moon-Viewing Tower) are included in the designation.
Petitions by Ichikawa Ryōzō (Replicas)
In the 1870s, Matsumoto Castle was at risk of being auctioned off and demolished. A local activist named Ichikawa Ryōzō (1844–1908) sent several petitions to the prefectural governor in an effort to save the castle. He argued that the sale should be postponed for 10 years in order to host public exhibitions on the castle grounds. As a result, five exhibitions featuring fine art, crafts, and new technologies were held between 1873 and 1876.
Ichikawa is one of two individuals commemorated on a monument near the entrance to the main bailey.