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Castle in the sky Bitchu-Matsuyama CastleCastle in the sky Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle

Located atop a mountain at an altitude of 430 metres, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the highest and only surviving mountaintop castle in Japan. Built in 1240, it is not easily accessible even today, requiring a 20-minute hike to reach the castle keep from the nearest parking lot. However, the castle is a spectacular sight especially in early mornings during fall and winter when it is surrounded by a sea of clouds.

Best way to see
The best time to visit is between late October and early December when the surrounding landscape is painted in autumnal hues, creating a truly majestic sight when set against the ethereal sea of clouds between sunrise and 8am.

  • Bitchu Matsuyama Castle a Mountaintop Castle in Japan
  • Bitchu Matsuyama Castle a Mountaintop Castle in Japan

ACCESS
1, Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
80-minute walk from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, or 15-minute taxi ride (shuttle taxi available from March to November) from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station to the castle parking lot.

See the map

Okayama Map