Wartime Echoes

Matsushiro, a former samurai town in southern Nagano City, is steeped in Edo-period and wartime history. The Matsushiro Castle Ruins and adjacent Bunbu School reflect the legacy of the Sanada clan, known for their martial and academic excellence. The Sanada Treasure Hall displays samurai armor, weapons, and clan relics, while the historic Jozan Yamadera Residence offers a glimpse into samurai life. Nearby, the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters—a vast WWII-era bunker—adds a striking modern layer to the area's heritage.