Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Truly a castle in the sky, floating in a sea of clouds
The fact the castle remains standing despite being on a mountain is what earned its designation as an important cultural asset. It is famous for being the only mountain castle remaining in Japan. Along the approach to the castle is a huge rock wall more than 10 meters tall, illustrating how impregnable the castle was. In addition, many fans visit from the early morning to see the "Castle in the Sky" for its fantastic appearance as if it were floating in a sea of clouds.
The fact the castle remains standing despite being on a mountain is what earned its designation as an important cultural asset. It is famous for being the only mountain castle remaining in Japan. Along the approach to the castle is a huge rock wall more than 10 meters tall, illustrating how impregnable the castle was. In addition, many fans visit from the early morning to see the "Castle in the Sky" for its fantastic appearance as if it were floating in a sea of clouds.
View scenic routes that include this spot
CITYSCAPE FROM THE SKYMore Information about Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Street address
- 1 Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Access
Route1
- Bitchu Matsuyama-jo Kanko Shared Taxi from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station to the
8th station (hachi-go me) of Fuigo Toge. There are 4 taxis a day. Make reservations by 17:00 the day before visiting. It is around 20 minutes by foot to the keep from Fuigo Toge.
- Bitchu Matsuyama-jo Kanko Shared Taxi from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station to the
Route2
- Around 90 minutes by foot from the train station
Opening Hours
- [April to September] 9:00–17:30 (last entry to the castle at 17:00)
[October to March] 9:00–16:30 (last entry to the castle at 16:00)
Closed
- December 29-January 3
Best season
- May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct., Nov.
Point
- Go to the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle observatory for the Sea of Clouds Tour. The Sea of Clouds has a high probability of being seen in the early mornings from late October to early December. The sunrise is best viewed before 8:00. Come to meet the popular PR ambassador, "Sanjuro the Cat Lord!"
Spots around
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Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
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Inujima
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Ohashi House
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Kasaoka Islands
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Okayama Momotaro Airport
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Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle
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Traditional Boat Tour of Kurashiki Canal
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Hop around "Okayama, the City of Fruit Parfaits"
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Bizen Yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan
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Momotaro Karakuri Museum
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Kibiji Cycling Course
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Ohara Museum of Art
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Raikyu-ji Garden
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Kibitsu-jinja Shrine
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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
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Yubara Onsen
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Asahi River Sakura Road
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Walking in Okayama City (Okayama Gourmet Hopping)
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Kojima Jeans Street
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Fukiya Furusato Village
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Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
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Koyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter
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Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village
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Miyashita Sake Brewery
Craft brewery Doppo Kan -
Mt. Washuzan Observatory (Great Seto Bridge)