A father, mother and young child are about to disappear out of sight around the corner at the base of the dry-stone walls (ishigaki) of Matsuyama Castle, in the city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Visiting the castle on a spring day, the figures are dwarfed by the large wood structure of the Tonashimon (lit. ‘doorless gate’) and the steep stone wall of the castle on the left. Blossoming cherry trees spread high against the clear blue sky and a patch of bright green grass

covers the top of the lower wall on the right.

Hasui accurately depicts the imposing side of the castle structure and wood construction of the Tonashimon gate. Rather than depict the castle from a more conventional angle, he focuses on this side pathway leading up to the gate, leaving the main parts of the castle to the imagination. Through his lively use of colour, especially green, pink and blue, alongside the rich yet muted tones of brown and grey for the shadowy gate, walls and pathway, the emphasis shifts to the feeling of a fresh spring day being fleetingly enjoyed by visitors.

This painting is based upon the print Full moon over Matsuyama castle (Matsuyamajo meigetsu), published by Watanabe in December 1953. The same scene is depicted with some differences. The print is an evening scene which despite the moon is significantly darker and more shadowy. The figures are reduced in number to a kimono-clad couple who appear to have paused to admire the cherry blossoms. 

An impression of the print is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, reference no. 1990.607.435, go to: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/197114/full-moon-over-matsuyama-castle-matsuyamajo-meigetsu