Fukuyama: Discover Matsumae’s History and Culture

Fukuyama is the former name of the town that was renamed Matsumae in 1940. In 1954, the new Matsumae Town was formed through the merger of Matsumae Town, Ōshima, Kojima, and Ōsawa. The two years mark different steps: first the change of the town’s name, and later the formation of the new municipality. Cultural highlights associated with Matsumae range from a traditionally built castle and temples to traditional performing arts and a specialty visitors can prepare themselves.

Castle history between two dates

Matsumae-Fukuyama Castle was completed in 1854 and was Japan’s last castle built in the traditional style. A reconstructed reinforced-concrete keep was completed in 1960 and is called the Matsumae Castle Museum. The dates mark different chapters: the completion of the castle and the later reconstruction of the keep. For those interested in architectural history, this distinction offers a useful point of entry. The name Matsumae-Fukuyama Castle also brings both place names together in a single designation.

Temple district and stone inscriptions

Ryūun-in draws attention to individual structures: its main hall, built in 1842, and its residential and utility buildings survived the Hakodate War; the wooden structures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The temple is associated with Matsumae’s Teramachi. This temple district was selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site; five temples shape a historic landscape that is well suited to a stroll. The history of specific wooden structures and the character of an entire temple district thus offer two distinct perspectives.

In Matsumae Park, the Hokuō Stone Inscription Grove contains 120 stone inscriptions and is one of Japan’s largest inscription groves. This number gives the site a cultural profile distinct from that of the castle and temples: here, the focus is on an extensive collection of inscriptions. Those interested in historic writing and commemorative culture will find a theme of its own.

Traditional heritage and a local specialty

Matsumae Kagura has a history of more than 300 years and is passed down at shrines in Matsumae. On March 8, 2018, the tradition was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Matsumae’s cultural heritage therefore extends beyond historic buildings: alongside castles and temples, it includes a traditional performing art. Its designation and long history give the tradition a different relationship to time than the buildings.

The Matsumae Clan Residence offers a hands-on way to experience local culture through Matsumae-zuke. Visitors can prepare the specialty themselves, from cutting the dried squid to filling the container; you can then take your own portion home. These individual steps turn a culinary tradition into a hands-on activity, offering a different focus from the historical themes. Booking and seasonal participation conditions may change, so check the requirements in advance.

Choose the focus of your trip

When planning a vacation rental stay, the mix of themes you want to explore can help guide your choice: castle and architectural history, a stroll through Teramachi, which was selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site, Matsumae Kagura, or the hands-on preparation of Matsumae-zuke. Those especially interested in architecture can focus on the castle and the wooden buildings of Ryūun-in; for those interested in traditional heritage, Matsumae Kagura offers a different perspective. The stone inscriptions in Matsumae Park add another cultural theme to this selection.

Discover more destinations: Kamikawa, Monbetsu District, Erimo, Oshidomari, Koshimizu, Samani, Higashikagura, Kushiro.

For the broader travel overview: Hokkaido.