Takeda Castle Ruins

Takeda Castle Ruins, The Stone Walls Of A 15th Century Hill Castle In Hyogo That Sit Above A Sea Of Cloud On Autumn Mornings And So Are Known As The Castle In The Sky. Only Walls Remain; The View And The Cloud Are The Point. · Asago, Hyogo

Takeda Castle Ruins in Asago, Hyogo, are a ridge of grey stone walls on Mount Kojo, at roughly 350 m - confirm - that has no keep, no roof and no interior to see. What brings people is the view. On cool, still, clear mornings in autumn and early winter, roughly September to January, after a rainy day, a sea of cloud called unkai fills the valley of the Maruyama River below, and the walls seem to float above it. This is why the place is nicknamed the castle in the sky, and why Japanese photographers arrive in the dark. The walls date from the 15th century and are well preserved. It suits early risers, photographers and walkers. It is worth the trip only if you can reach it at dawn on a cloud morning, and not worth a special journey on a grey day, when you will see walls and fog. Plan on a night nearby. It is a half-day sight, mostly about getting there at the right time and then walking the stone circuit.

Takeda, Asago, Hyogo, a climb from Takeda Station on the JR Bantan Line or by shuttle bus from the foot of the hill, Asago, Hyogo, Japan

The ruins are open in daylight, and in the cloud season they open very early, around dawn, with a morning-only shuttle or taxi to the foot of the hill; the climb from the stop is commonly around 40 minutes on foot - confirm. Entry is closed in winter, roughly December to mid March, and the castle can be shut on days of heavy cloud, snow or storm - confirm before you travel. A small fee is charged at the gate. Trains on the JR Bantan Line to Takeda Station are infrequent, so book a night in the area.

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