This used to be the main gate of Matsumoto Castle. The remnants of Yasunaga Ishikawa’s construction of the castle can be seen in the stones of the Taikomon Gate. The largest stone in the Taikomon Gate’s stone wall is known as Genba Ishi.
This massive stone stands 4 meters tall and weighs 22.5 tons, making it the largest stone in Matsumoto Castle’s stone wall. Being located at the main gate, was it likely intended to intimidate enemies and demonstrate the lord’s power and authority?
The name “Genba Ishi” comes from Yasunaga’s title,“Genba-no-Kami.” Yasunaga, considering this stone worthy of adorning the Taiko Gate, himself directed its transportation while standing on top of it. However, among the men carrying the stone, there was one who voiced complaints. Hearing the discontent, Yasunaga summoned the man and, surprisingly, beheaded him in front of the others. He then impaled the head on a spear and raised it high, compelling the men to continue carrying the stone. After this incident, people naturally began to call the massive stone “Genba Ishi.”