Castle Town Only in Hokkaido
Matsumae is well-known as the southernmost town in the Hokkaido, and used to prosper as the center of Matsumae Domain, and is famous for ever beeing the only castle town in the Hokkaido. It has appeared since 1400's in Japanese's history, and has uniquely long history in the Hokkaido. The Matsumae used to flourish for catch of herring.
Visiting Matsumae Castle is a must to learn more about the storied past of Matsumae. A reference library inside the beautifully restored three-story tower of the castle provides lots of information. You can also embrace your inner samurai and experience life in 1850s Japan at the Matsumae Clan Mansion. The theme park features a replica village with traditional samurai and merchant houses. You can try on samurai armor or a beautiful kimono and wander the historic buildings. In summer, the town hosts the Matsumae Joka Jidai Matsuri, a festival where an army of "warriors" in samurai armor ride through the town on motorbikes.
Matsumae's signature dish reflects its seaside location. Matsumaezuke pickles are made of squid, herring roe, and kelp combined and pickled. All the ingredients that go into these pickles are harvested from local waters. Families in the town have been making these aromatic pickles for over a hundred years. The pickles are known for their distinctive scent and texture.
Visiting Matsumae Castle is a must to learn more about the storied past of Matsumae. A reference library inside the beautifully restored three-story tower of the castle provides lots of information. You can also embrace your inner samurai and experience life in 1850s Japan at the Matsumae Clan Mansion. The theme park features a replica village with traditional samurai and merchant houses. You can try on samurai armor or a beautiful kimono and wander the historic buildings. In summer, the town hosts the Matsumae Joka Jidai Matsuri, a festival where an army of "warriors" in samurai armor ride through the town on motorbikes.
Matsumae's signature dish reflects its seaside location. Matsumaezuke pickles are made of squid, herring roe, and kelp combined and pickled. All the ingredients that go into these pickles are harvested from local waters. Families in the town have been making these aromatic pickles for over a hundred years. The pickles are known for their distinctive scent and texture.
