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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Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village
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Inujima
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Hop around "Okayama, the City of Fruit Parfaits"
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Kibiji Cycling Course
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Mt. Washuzan Observatory (Great Seto Bridge)
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Kojima Jeans Street
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Walking in Okayama City (Okayama Gourmet Hopping)
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Okayama Momotaro Airport
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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
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Kasaoka Islands
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Miyashita Sake Brewery
Craft brewery Doppo Kan -
Asahi River Sakura Road
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Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park)
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Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle
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Koyagawa Bikan Historical Quarter
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Fukiya Furusato Village
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Bizen Yaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan
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Ohashi House
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Traditional Boat Tour of Kurashiki Canal
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Ohara Museum of Art
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Raikyu-ji Garden
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Yubara Onsen
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Momotaro Karakuri Museum
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Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
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Kibitsu-jinja Shrine