Matsuyana Jo

Located near the Northwest coast of shikoku, Matsuyama Jo is the second best castle in preservtion and scale. Construction of the castle began in 1602 some serious engineering problems faced the builders and probably contributed to the long construction time. The honmaru is located on a massive 130 m hill while the ninomaru and sannomaru were laid out on the flat land below. Lightning, arson, and air raids have taken their toll on many of the buildings. The 1933 fire destroyed the three smaller tenshus, 1945 bombings razed eleven remaining towers and gateways. In 1969 the town of Matsuyama rebuilt the destroyed structures with traditional wood.