Soon after the Meiji Restoration, most of the Japanese castles were marked for demolition because they were perceived as symbols of the old power. A mistake that led to the loss of many invaluable vestiges… Even the Matsumoto Castle, an architectural jewel from the Sengoku period, was going to be demolished, with the lumber and fittings sold as construction materials.

Fortunately, a group of locals led by Ichikawa Ryōzō managed to rent the castle’s main tower for a series of events and exhibitions, in 5 years raising enough money to buy the castle for their city…

Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Unusual bell tower in Nagasaki