The name Fukuyama leads into Matsumae’s local history: the former town of Fukuyama was renamed Matsumae in 1940. In 1954, the new Matsumae Town was formed by the merger of Matsumae Town, Ōshima, Kojima and Ōsawa. This sequence puts the historical name in context before you turn to Matsumae’s cultural highlights.
Matsumae Kagura: a long-standing tradition
Matsumae Kagura has a history of more than 300 years and has been passed down at shrines in Matsumae. On March 8, 2018, the tradition was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Its long history and formal designation offer two different perspectives: one speaks to its depth over time, the other to its cultural recognition. This makes it possible to distinguish the focus on living tradition from the historic buildings and their history.
Teramachi: temple district and historic buildings
Matsumae’s Teramachi was selected as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. Five temples shape its atmospheric historic landscape, which is well suited to a stroll. The district thus offers a distinct perspective on cultural heritage, while the construction history of Ryūun-in can be understood through its buildings: its main hall was built in 1842, and its residential and service buildings survived the Hakodate War. The wooden buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Their construction date, wartime history and designation each tell a different part of their story.
Castle history in two dates
Matsumae-Fukuyama Castle was completed in 1854 and was Japan’s last castle built in the traditional style. The reconstructed reinforced-concrete keep is a separate structure: it was completed in 1960 and is called the Matsumae Castle Museum. The two dates therefore refer to different stages of construction—1854 to the completion of the castle, and 1960 to the reconstructed keep. Keeping these dates distinct helps avoid conflating the historic complex with the later museum name.
Inscription grove and Matsumae-zuke
Another form of cultural heritage awaits you at the Hokuō Stone Inscription Grove in Matsumae Park. It contains 120 stone inscriptions and is one of the largest inscription groves in Japan. The number and comparison convey its scale, giving the grove a distinct place alongside the temples and castle history.
A culinary activity is another option while you’re here: at the Matsumae Clan Residence, visitors can make the local specialty Matsumae-zuke themselves. The process ranges from cutting the dried squid to filling the container, and you can take your own portion home. Check the booking and seasonal admission requirements in advance before making firm plans for the activity.
Choose a cultural focus for your stay
These themes offer different ways to explore local history and culture. First decide what interests you most, then plan your stay around it. For the cooking activity, be sure to check the applicable booking and seasonal admission requirements.
Discover more destinations: Iwamizawa, Furano, Bibai, Erimo, Nanporo, Abuta District, Kiyosato, Kenbuchi.
Return to the main travel overview: Hokkaido.
