Matsunami Castle, Noto Town (Ishikawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Highlights, Access, and Nationally Designated Scenic Gardens: A Thorough Explanation
Matsunami Castle, located in Noto Town, Hōsu District, Ishikawa Prefecture, was the residence of the Matsunami clan, a branch of the Hatakeyama clan who ruled Noto Province during the medieval period. For approximately 100 years, it played a central role in Oku-Noto. Although it fell during Uesugi Kenshin’s invasion of Noto in 1577, it is now a castle ruins park, preserving valuable remains, including the nationally designated scenic garden of the former Matsunami Castle. This article provides a detailed explanation of Matsunami Castle, from its history and highlights to access methods.
History of Matsunami Castle
Construction and the Establishment of the Matsunami Clan
Matsunami Castle is said to have been built in 1474 by Hatakeyama Yoshitomo, the third son of Hatakeyama Yoshimune, who served as the governor of Noto Province. During this period, Noto Province was under the established rule of the Hatakeyama clan, who, as shugo daimyo (provincial governors), had Nanao Castle as their base.
Upon entering the Matsunami region, Hatakeyama Yoshitomo adopted the name Matsunami and built his own independent power base. Matsunami was the center of Wakayama Manor, the largest manor in Noto Province during the medieval period, and was an economically and politically important location. It is believed that the Matsunami clan, as a branch of the main Hatakeyama family, was entrusted with governing the Oku-Noto region.
Development of the Matsunami Clan and Castle Construction
Matsunami Castle was developed as the residence of the Matsunami clan for generations, starting with the first lord, Yoshitomo. Utilizing the hilly terrain, it was a flatland castle with multiple enclosures centered around the main keep, and its defenses were strengthened by moats and earthworks.
The Matsunami clan ruled Oku-Noto from Matsunami Castle for approximately 100 years, maintaining their power as a powerful samurai family in the region. The castle town was lined with the residences of the retainers, and its location along the Matsunami River, a transportation hub, fostered active economic activity.
The remains of a Muromachi-style garden discovered through archaeological excavations indicate that the Matsunami clan was not merely a local samurai family, but possessed a high level of cultural sophistication. The existence of a dry landscape garden is valuable evidence that Kyoto’s culture extended to the Noto region.
Uesugi Kenshin’s Invasion of Noto and the Fall of the Castle
In 1576 (Tensho 4), Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo Province began his invasion of Noto. The Hatakeyama clan, the governors of Noto Province at the time, were weakened by internal conflict, and Kenshin seized this opportunity to conquer Noto.
In September 1577 (Tensho 5), the Uesugi army besieged Nanao Castle and, after a fierce battle, captured it. Upon receiving news of the fall of Nanao Castle, Matsunami Castle’s sixth lord, Matsunami Yoshichika, prepared for a siege, but was attacked by forces led by Nagasawa Mitsukuni, a retainer of Uesugi Kenshin.
Having lost its main base, Nanao Castle, and with no prospect of reinforcements, Matsunami Castle found itself isolated and without support. After a fierce siege, Matsunami Yoshichika committed suicide, and Matsunami Castle fell. This marked the end of the Matsunami clan’s rule, which had lasted for approximately 100 years.
After the Fall of the Castle and Up to the Present
Shortly after pacifying Noto Province, Uesugi Kenshin died of illness, and Noto Province subsequently came under the control of Oda Nobunaga. It is believed that Matsunami Castle ceased to exist and was abandoned with the end of the Sengoku period.
Since the Edo period, the castle site has been used as farmland and forest, but the remains such as earthworks and moats have remained relatively well preserved. Excavations conducted from the Showa to Heisei periods uncovered building remains and garden structures, leading to a renewed appreciation of Matsunami Castle’s historical value.
In 2012, approximately 4,000 square meters, including the building complex and garden remains, were designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty as the “Former Matsunami Castle Garden.” Currently, it is maintained as a castle ruins park, with walking paths and information boards, providing visitors with a place to learn about its history.
Structure and Layout of Matsunami Castle
Utilization of Location and Topography
Matsunami Castle is a flatland castle built on the tip of a hill located on the north bank of the Matsunami River. It skillfully utilized the hilly terrain running parallel to the Matsunami River, with a natural moat on the south side and artificial moats and earthworks on the north, east, and west sides for defense.
The layout, which took advantage of the elevation differences of the hills, created a disadvantageous terrain for attackers and was easily defended even with a small force. The castle’s size is standard for a medieval local lord’s residence, but it is characterized by the inclusion of cultural facilities such as gardens.
Layout of the Main Enclosure and Baileys
The main enclosure (Honmaru) is located where the martial arts hall now stands, and a stone monument marking the site of the Honmaru has been erected. Multiple baileys were arranged around the Honmaru, each separated by moats and earthworks.
The main gate (Otemon) is thought to have been located on the east side of the Honmaru, and the remains of a Muromachi-style garden have been excavated in this area. The placement of the garden near the main gate suggests it served as a welcoming place for visitors and was intended to demonstrate the authority of the castle lord.
Remains of Moats and Earthworks
Even today, the remains of moats and earthworks are well-preserved within the castle park. In particular, the moats on the north and east sides are relatively well-preserved in depth and width, making them valuable resources for understanding the defensive system of medieval castles.
Although parts of the earthworks have collapsed, sections of their height and structure can still be observed, providing insights into the castle construction techniques of the time. These remains have been preserved and maintained through archaeological excavations, making them accessible to visitors.
The Value of the Nationally Designated Scenic Spot “Former Matsunami Castle Garden”
Discovery of a Dry Landscape Garden
The most noteworthy remains at the Matsunami Castle site are the Muromachi-style dry landscape gardens discovered during excavations in the Heisei era. Located near the site of the main gate, these gardens, along with the surrounding buildings, cover an area of approximately 4,000 square meters.
A dry landscape garden is a style of Japanese garden that expresses the landscape of mountains and water using stones and sand without water. The Matsunami Castle garden employs a unique technique of arranging flat pebbles vertically to represent the flow of water; this technique is considered unparalleled.
Significance in Garden History
The Former Matsunami Castle Garden is a valuable example demonstrating the existence of a full-fledged dry landscape garden at the castle of a local samurai during the Muromachi period. Traditionally, dry landscape gardens were thought to be limited to temples and residences of powerful daimyo in Kyoto. However, it has become clear that sophisticated garden design techniques were also employed in the Noto region.
The garden’s composition and stonework techniques suggest the possibility of involvement by Kyoto gardeners and indicate that Kyoto culture spread to Noto. This is important evidence of cultural exchange during the medieval period and the high cultural level of the Matsunami clan.
Designation as a National Place of Scenic Beauty
In 2012, the former Matsunami Castle Garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. This was a result of a comprehensive evaluation of its historical value as a garden, the excellent state of preservation of the remains, and its value as an indicator of local samurai culture.
While Ishikawa Prefecture is known for famous gardens such as Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, this is an extremely valuable example of a garden associated with a medieval castle. Currently, development is underway to balance preservation and public access, allowing visitors to imagine the garden’s appearance in its heyday.
Highlights and Points of Interest at Matsunami Castle
Main Enclosure Site and Monument
A monument marking the “Matsunami Castle Site” stands on the site of the main enclosure, where the martial arts hall now stands. This was the central part of the castle and the location of the lord’s residence. From the area around the monument, you can see the townscape of Noto and the Matsunami River, allowing you to imagine the view the former lord saw.
The main enclosure is located at the highest elevation within the castle park, giving a real sense of its strategic importance for defense. Traces of earthworks remain around it, making it an important point for understanding the structure of a medieval castle.
Visiting the Garden Remains
The garden remains, located near the Otemon Gate site, are the main highlight of Matsunami Castle. After archaeological excavations, preservation and restoration work was carried out, allowing visitors to examine the stonework and layout. The unique water flow representation using flat stones arranged vertically is a valuable technique not seen elsewhere.
When visiting the garden, you can reflect on the garden design techniques and aesthetics of the Muromachi period, as well as the cultural refinement possessed by local samurai. Information boards are also installed, allowing you to learn about the garden’s features and historical background.
Remains of Moats and Earthworks
As you stroll through the castle ruins park, you can see the remains of moats and earthworks in various places. In particularly well-preserved areas, you can appreciate the depth of the moats and the height of the earthworks, experiencing the defensive system of a medieval castle.
Well-maintained walking paths allow for safe viewing of the remains. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the autumn leaves are beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons and historical remains simultaneously.
Matsunami Castle Information Center (Former Matsunami Station Building)
The former Matsunami Station building is now used as an information center for learning about the history of Matsunami Castle. Here, the history of Matsunami Castle, the genealogy of the Matsunami clan, and the results of archaeological excavations are displayed, deepening your understanding when you visit before or after visiting the castle ruins.
The station building itself is a valuable railway heritage site from the Showa era and an interesting facility for learning about the transportation history of Noto. It serves as a hub for comprehensively learning about the region’s history and culture.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
If you are visiting Matsunami Castle by public transportation, the nearest station is Anamizu Station on the Noto Railway Nanao Line. From Anamizu Station, take the Hokutetsu Okunoto Bus bound for “Suzunari-kan” or “Matsunami Castle Ruins Park Entrance” and get off at the “Matsunami Castle Ruins Park Entrance” bus stop.
The castle ruins park is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. The route along the road south of Komeri (a home improvement store) is easy to follow, and there are signs. Since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Private Car
By private car, it is about 15 minutes from the Noto Airport IC on the Noto Toll Road and about 30 minutes from the Anamizu IC on the Noto Satoyama Expressway. Located along National Route 249, access is relatively easy.
The castle ruins park has a parking lot that is free to use. The main keep ruins are just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot, making it easy to visit.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Matsunami Castle, we recommend visiting nearby tourist attractions as well. Within Noto Town, you can find the Jomon period Mawaki Ruins, the beautiful coastline of Tsukumo Bay, and the Ika no Eki Tsuku Mall.
Furthermore, towards Anamizu Town, you can find the Anamizu Castle Ruins and Keta Taisha Shrine, and towards Wajima City, you can find the Wajima Morning Market and the Shirayone Senmaida Rice Terraces, among other representative tourist spots of the Noto Peninsula. Why not visit Matsunami Castle as part of a trip to enjoy the history and nature of Noto?
Points to Note When Visiting Matsunami Castle
Clothing and Preparations for Visiting
While the castle ruins park has well-maintained walking paths, some areas are uneven, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Please be especially careful after rain, as the ground can become slippery.
In summer, the sun is strong, so it’s a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen. In winter, there is a possibility of snow and ice, so please take precautions against the cold and ensure your footing is safe.
Visiting Hours and Facility Information
While the castle ruins park is generally open to visitors, the Matsunami Castle Information Center (former Matsunami Station building) has specific opening hours. For detailed information, we recommend contacting the Noto Town Tourism Association or the Noto Town Hall.
The park has restrooms and rest facilities, but there are no restaurants or shops. It’s advisable to bring your own drinks and other necessities.
Photography and Manners
Photography is generally permitted within the castle ruins park, but please be considerate of other visitors. The garden remains are particularly valuable cultural assets, so please do not enter restricted areas and be careful not to damage the remains.
If you wish to use a drone for photography, we recommend checking with the Noto Town Hall or relevant organizations in advance. Restrictions may apply from the perspective of cultural property protection and safety management.
The Charm of Matsunami Castle and Future Preservation and Utilization
A Valuable Heritage Site Conveying the Culture of Local Samurai
The greatest charm of Matsunami Castle lies in its status as a valuable heritage site that conveys the life and culture of local samurai during the medieval period. While castles from the Sengoku period are often emphasized for their combat and defensive aspects, the garden remains of Matsunami Castle indicate that samurai also led cultured lives.
The fact that a full-fledged Muromachi-style garden was created in Noto, far from Kyoto, speaks to the breadth of cultural exchange at the time and the high level of education among local samurai. This provides important insights into understanding Japanese medieval history.
As a Hub for Understanding Noto’s History
Matsunami Castle is an interesting historical site even when viewed in isolation, but its understanding deepens when placed within the overall history of Noto Province. Matsunami Castle is an important base for learning about the history of Noto from the medieval period to the Sengoku period, including the rule of the Hatakeyama clan based at Nanao Castle, the Wakayama-sho manor system, and Uesugi Kenshin’s invasion of Noto.
Noto Town is focusing on the preservation and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, including Matsunami Castle, and is using it to promote local history education and tourism. For visitors, it is a valuable place to systematically learn about the history of Noto.
Expectations for Future Preservation and Utilization
The former Matsunami Castle Garden, designated a national scenic spot, requires appropriate preservation and management. At the same time, it is important to disseminate information to let more people know about the value of Matsunami Castle and to improve the viewing environment.
New methods of historical experience, such as the creation of restored CG using digital technology and the recreation of the castle and gardens using VR/AR, are also expected. Furthermore, it is hoped that Matsunami Castle will contribute to regional revitalization by promoting its use in local history education and as a tourism resource.
Summary
Matsunami Castle in Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a medieval castle that served as the residence of the Matsunami clan, a branch of the Hatakeyama clan, for approximately 100 years. Although it fell during Uesugi Kenshin’s invasion of Noto in 1577, the site is now a castle ruins park, with remnants such as moats and earthworks remaining.
Of particular note is the Muromachi-style dry landscape garden discovered during archaeological excavations in the Heisei era, which was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2012. The unique technique of arranging flat stones vertically to represent flowing water is unparalleled and is considered a valuable historical artifact in garden design.
Matsunami Castle is a valuable historical site demonstrating the high cultural level of local samurai in the medieval period and is an important base for learning about the history of Noto. It is accessible by public transport and private car, and visiting it along with other nearby tourist attractions allows you to fully enjoy the history and nature of Noto.
Within the castle ruins park, walking paths have been constructed, allowing visitors to view the stone monument marking the site of the main keep, garden remains, moats, and earthworks. The information center, housed in the former Matsunami train station, offers insights into the history of Matsunami Castle and the results of archaeological excavations.
When visiting the Noto Peninsula, be sure to stop by Matsunami Castle and experience the history and culture of medieval samurai. The nationally designated scenic garden remains are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
