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Matsumotojo' castle is a "hirajiro", a castle built on a plain rather than on a hill or mountain. Like many "castles" in Japan, this one's purpose was defense - it's really a fortress or "keep," rather than a residence.

The main castle tower and smaller, second turret were built from 1592 to 1614 some 50 years after the introduction of firearms into Japan by Portuguese traders. For this reason the walls of the turrets are thick enough to withstand bullets. The castle moat was designed to be wider than the practical range of most muskets of the time.

The donjon has 55 square holes called teppozama, from which matchlock muskets (and in some cases small cannon) could bring fire to bear on an assaulting force. The openings are wider on the inside than on the outside, enabling a defender to swing a rifle barrel at a wider angle. Some were positioned to maximise the use of hazama guns, which had longer barrels and could be fired with a more powerful charge. These could provide effective fire at ranges of 300 meters. Additionally, there are 62 long rectangular loopholes called yazama - positions from which samurai could fire arrows at an enemy.