Guida
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is located at the foot of Mt. Komatsu in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. It is the only surviving mountain castle of its kind in Japan and is celebrated as one of the 'Japan's Top 100 Castles.' The main keep (Honmaru) sits at an altitude of 430 meters. The castle's architecture, including the keep, double towers, and earthen walls built during the Edo period, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The castle is most famous for its mystical appearance when the keep appears to float above a sea of clouds, earning it the nickname 'The Castle in the Sky.' Additionally, visitors can enjoy meeting the castle's beloved resident cat, 'Sanjuuro,' who has become a popular mascot for tourists.
Originally built as a 'Tsume-no-shiro' (a castle for military readiness), the castle's location in the mountains made it somewhat inconvenient for administrative duties during the Edo period. Consequently, the lord's official business was conducted in the castle town at the foot of the mountain. Although the castle fell into ruin following the castle-abolishment edict of the Meiji era, local enthusiasm led to its restoration in the early Showa era. Following the extensive 'Great Showa Repairs' in the 1950s and 60s, the site remains a precious historical relic. The castle's visual beauty was also highlighted globally when it was used as a filming location for the opening sequence of the NHK Taiga Drama 'Sanada Maru.'
The greatest draw is the authentic Edo-period architecture of the main keep and double towers. The structural beauty of these buildings serves as a testament to their status as Important Cultural Properties. From the Unkai (Sea of Clouds) Observatory, you can witness the breathtaking sight of the castle floating above a white sea of clouds when weather conditions are perfect. Visitors can also find warmth in the presence of the 'Cat Lord,' Sanjuuro, who greets guests. Exploring the surrounding stone walls, restored gates, and earthen walls allows you to feel the authentic structure of an ancient mountain fortress.
The best chance to witness the sea of clouds is during the early morning from late September to early April, particularly between late October and early December. Ideal conditions include a clear sky with no wind, following a day with a significant temperature difference between day and night. To see the clouds, the window between dawn and 8:00 AM is optimal. Please note that from December to February, there is a possibility of snow, so please check weather and road conditions carefully.
Walking through the historic castle grounds offers a deep understanding of Japanese castle culture. The trek from the castle town to the main keep is approximately 1,500 meters and takes about an hour on foot, allowing you to trace history through nature. The view from the Unkai Observatory provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience where history and natural phenomena merge seamlessly.
The area at the foot of the castle once housed the lord's palace and samurai residences. Today, the area features landmarks like Takahashi High School, maintaining a sense of historical landscape. The Unkai Observatory is located in a different spot from the castle itself and can be accessed via car or the local sightseeing shuttle taxi.
Because the path to the castle is a steep mountain trail, it is highly recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring appropriate clothing for the terrain.