Strategic Gateway of Matsue Castle: The Samurai's Defensive Stronghold

Upon entering Matsue Castle, the first sight that greets visitors is the bronze statue of Horio Yoshiharu, the founder of Matsue Domain, symbolizing the origins of the castle and the historical legacy of the Matsue Clan. Behind this statue lies the Otemon Gate, the main entrance to the castle and the core of its defensive system. Stepping into the Otemon Gate area, visitors will find themselves in a spacious plaza known as "Umawari" (Horse Stable). While this open and flat area may seem unassuming, it was actually designed to weaken enemy forces during battles. Should invaders breach the Otemon Gate and enter this space, they would be immediately exposed to firepower from all directions. The Otemon Gate Tower, along with the gun and arrow slits on the high stone walls, would unleash a barrage of attacks, leaving no escape for the intruders. This design turned the Otemon Gate into a "stage of death" for defenders, making it one of the most formidable strategic points in castle warfare. Although the Otemon Gate no longer exists today, historical records describe it as a massive two-story turret gate, comparable in scale to those of Japan's most famous castles, exuding an imposing presence. The remaining gate traces and sturdy stone walls still vividly convey the defensive ingenuity and authority of the past, allowing visitors to imagine the samurai standing guard and preparing to repel enemy forces. The Otemon Gate is not only the main entrance to Matsue Castle but also a masterpiece of military architecture. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, standing here offers a profound sense of the dramatic atmosphere of the Sengoku era.