Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Bichu Matsuyamajo

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Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, soaring into the sky, is a mountain castle with an extant keep designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The sheer cliffs surrounding the castle still evoke the image of the impregnable fortress it once was.

Historic Sites
Castle
National Treasure
Scenic Views
Night Views
flower-viewing

HighlightsLocated at the highest point among extant-keep mountain castles
Beautiful keep with a striking contrast between white plaster walls and black baseboards
Impregnable fortress surrounded by sheer cliffs
Stunning autumn foliage, with cliffs ablaze in fiery red
A must-see: the castle shrouded in a sea of clouds

Basic Information

Address: 1, Uchishita, Naruha-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Okayama

Access: 【Car】 Approximately 30 minutes from the Kaya IC on the Okayama Expressway (to the Shiromibashi Park parking lot). On weekends, holidays, and weekdays during peak tourist seasons, a shuttle bus operates between Shiromibashi Park (Shiro-machi Station) and Fuigo Pass (round trip 500 yen, approximately 15-minute intervals, approximately 5 minutes). A 20-minute walk is required from Fuigo Pass. 【Tourist Combination Taxi】 From the west exit of JR Nishi-Nihon Bitchu-Takahashi Station: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Tourist Combination Taxi: Reservations are required by 5:00 PM the previous day at the Takahashi City Tourist Information Center (2nd floor of the Takahashi City Complex). Four round trips are operated daily, year-round. Approximately 10 minutes to Fuigo Pass (800 yen per person, one way), followed by a 20-minute walk from Fuigo Pass. 【Local Bus】 Departing from the Takahashi Bus Center (1st floor of the Takahashi City Complex) at the west exit of JR Nishi-Nihon Bitchu-Takahashi Station: Bihouku Bus: Approximately 10 minutes on the Takahashi City loop route, getting off at the Matsuyama Castle mountain trail entrance (170 yen, one way). A 50-minute walk up the mountain trail. Show route

Op.Hours: April - September: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM October - March: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: December 29th - January 3rd

Fee: Adults: ¥500, Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥200 (Group discounts available)

INFO: Please note: It's approximately a 20-minute walk along a mountain path from Fuigo Pass to the main keep area of the castle. While the path is maintained, some sections can be slippery, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and proceed with caution. Please also note: Private vehicle access between Shiromibashi Park and Fuigo Pass is prohibited during the operation of the shuttle bus service to the castle.

HP: https://www.city.takahashi.okayama.jp/kanko/matuyamashiro/

Overview

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is a mountain castle built near the summit of Mount Gyu (430m) in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it boasts the highest location among extant-keep mountain castles. Traditionally said to have been built in the Kamakura period by Shigenoba Ainiwa, it was renovated in 1683 by Katsusune Mizutani. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was located at a crucial point connecting the Sanin and Sanyo regions, where major east-west routes intersected. Because of this, fierce battles raged during the Sengoku period. Frequent changes in castle lords led to repeated renovations, resulting in its current form. The charm of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle lies in the magnificent view from its lofty position. On a clear day, you can see distant mountains, while at night, the cityscape of Takahashi City glitters beautifully, offering a stunning night view. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. Inside the castle, you can visit the keep, the Minohira Yagu (tower), and the remains of the Honmaru Goten (castle lord's palace). From the keep, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Takahasi River and the surrounding mountains. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is a recommended sightseeing spot not only for history buffs but also for nature lovers. Be sure to visit!

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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