Follow the stream flowing
through the history of the Sanada Family

This is the town of Matsushiro, located just south of Zenkōji. For 250 years during the early days of the Edo period, this town was ruled by the Sanada Family, a military family who was active during the warring states period. The story of this family has been adapted into movies and film and many Japanese people recognize their name.

The Sanada Family ruled over the Matsushiro from the beginning of the Edo period through to the fall of the shogunate–a rare feat during those times. One theory behind this success was that the first generation feudal lord of the Sanada family gained favor with Ieyasu Tokugawa, the leader of the Edo Shogunate, sustaining the legacy of the Sanada clan in Matsushiro.

One word that defines Matsushiro is “water.” This town is made of water, and this has been preserved in a way that is completely unique. Once you understand what makes this place so unique, you will understand just how the Sanada family continues to influence Matsushiro to this day.