A Travel Guide to the Takeda Castle Ruins, the Castle in the Sky with Mystical Views
The Takeda Castle Ruins are the remains of a mountain castle located on a mountaintop at an elevation of Approx. 354 meters, and are a rare example of ruins that remain almost completely intact even on a national level.
The biggest draw is the fantastical view of the Takeda Castle Ruins wrapped in a sea of clouds on clear early mornings.
This article introduces ways to enjoy sightseeing at the Takeda Castle Ruins, access information, and key points to know if you want to see the sea of clouds.
By the time you finish reading, you should have all the information you need to fully enjoy the Takeda Castle Ruins.
What is the Takeda Castle Ruins Like?
The Takeda Castle Ruins stand atop Kojoyama, a mountain with an elevation of 353.7 meters in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Also known as Torafusu-jo, the name comes from its appearance, said to resemble a crouching tiger.
The Takeda Castle Ruins are selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and are also an Important Cultural Property designated by the national government.
Although the main buildings no longer remain, it is a rare mountain castle where the stone walls still exist in nearly complete condition.
There are many highlights, including the existing keep foundation and stone walls, where you can feel the history and atmosphere of the time.
Its greatest appeal is the fantastical and mystical scenery that appears when a sea of clouds forms.
Because of this view and its mountaintop location, it has become popular under nicknames such as the Castle in the Sky and the Machu Picchu of Japan.
Since it was built on a mountaintop, another part of its appeal is that you can enjoy hiking there.
The Takeda Castle Ruins were used in the opening of the taiga drama Gunshi Kanbei and also served as a filming location in the series.
It is also a popular spot for fans making a pilgrimage to the filming site.
History of the Takeda Castle Ruins
It is said to have been first built around 1443 by Otagaki Mitsukage, under orders from Yamana Sozen, who governed Tajima, now the northern part of Hyogo.
However, it fell in 1580 to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The lord of the castle changed repeatedly afterward, and the stone walls developed when Akamatsu Hirohide became lord still remain today.
During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Akamatsu Hirohide lost his life, and Takeda Castle was also abandoned.
Access to the Takeda Castle Ruins
Here is how to get to the Takeda Castle Ruins starting from Himeji Station.
Himeji Station is an important transfer point when accessing the site from Osaka.
- Route
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1. At Himeji Station, take the JR Bantan Line bound for Teramae Station and get off at Teramae Station
2. At Teramae Station, take the JR Bantan Line bound for Wadayama and get off at Takeda Station
3. From Takeda Station, take the loop bus and get off at Takeda Castle Ruins - Travel time
- Approx. 2 hours
If You Have Time, Enjoy Hiking Too
If you want to enjoy hiking, enter one of the hiking courses from Takeda Station.
There are three hiking courses, and even the longest one takes only around 1 hour to reach the Takeda Castle Ruins.
All of the courses are well maintained, so even beginners can enjoy them.
The most recommended course is the Hyomai Shrine Trail.
That is because, in addition to sightseeing in Takeda Castle’s castle town, you can also visit Hyomai Shrine before starting the climb.
If you use the Hyomai Shrine Trail, it takes Approx. 40 minutes to reach the Takeda Castle Ruins.
Viewing Hours and Admission Fees for the Takeda Castle Ruins
Please refer to the table below for the viewing hours and admission fees for the Takeda Castle Ruins.
Viewing hours vary depending on the season, and the mountain is closed from January 4 to February 29.
Be sure to note the times and seasons when entry is not available.
- Admission
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・Adults: 500 yen
・Junior high school students and younger: Free - Hours
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・March 1–end of May 8:00am–6:00pm (Last admission at 5:30pm)
・June 1–mid-September 5:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
・Mid-September–early December 5:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
・Early December–January 3 of the following year 10:00am–3:00pm (Last admission at 2:30pm)
What Is the Best Season to Visit the Takeda Castle Ruins?
If you are visiting the Takeda Castle Ruins, the best time is from late September to late November, when you may be able to see the sea of clouds.
The sea of clouds does not form all the time, and can only be seen when conditions are right from daybreak to around 8:00am.
To enjoy the spectacular sea of clouds spreading around the Takeda Castle Ruins, plan your visit with the right season and time in mind.
Conditions and Spots to Know for Seeing the Takeda Castle Ruins Floating in a Sea of Clouds
Keep in mind that the sea of clouds around the Takeda Castle Ruins only forms under limited conditions.
There are also only a few places where you can view it clearly.
Use the following information as a guide so you do not miss the sight of the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in a sea of clouds.
Conditions for the Sea of Clouds to Form
The conditions for a sea of clouds to form at the Takeda Castle Ruins are as follows.
- The center of a high-pressure system is over the Sea of Japan, and the weather is clear
- Humidity is high, with sufficient radiational cooling
- Winds are weak
- There is a large temperature difference between daytime the previous day and early morning that day
The sea of clouds is a phenomenon caused by fog rising from the Maruyama River.
For that reason, it is also a good idea to check dense fog advisories for Asago City and the surrounding area on the day before and the day of your visit.
3 Spots with Spectacular Views Created by the Sea of Clouds and the Takeda Castle Ruins
From here, we will introduce spots where you can see both the Takeda Castle Ruins and the sea of clouds.
Enjoy spectacular views from spots where you can see the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in the sea of clouds, as well as spots where you can look down over the sea of clouds.
If you are going to adjust your schedule for the right season and time, be sure to choose your viewing spot carefully too.
1. Ritsuunkyo, Where You Can Take In a One-of-a-Kind View
Ritsuunkyo is a natural park on the mountainside of Asagayama and a popular observation spot overlooking the Takeda Castle Ruins.
There are three observation decks in Ritsuunkyo, but the First Observation Deck offers the most beautiful view of the Takeda Castle Ruins.
The trail and travel time are more demanding than at the other decks, but it is well worth it.
The sweeping view from the deck, with the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in a pure white sea of clouds, is truly one of a kind.
2. Towatoge, a Spot for Mystical Scenic Views
Towatoge is located northwest of the Takeda Castle Ruins, directly opposite Ritsuunkyo.
There is a parking area just off Prefectural Route 136, and from there you can see the Takeda Castle Ruins.
Since there is no need to hike, it is easy to visit if you have a car.
In the early morning, the Takeda Castle Ruins are backlit, giving you the chance to capture even more mystical scenery and photos.
Visitors on the stone walls of the Takeda Castle Ruins also appear in silhouette thanks to the backlight, which has the added benefit of making them less noticeable in photographs.
3. Takeda Castle Keep Foundation, Where You Can Enjoy Spectacular Views Looking Down on the Sea of Clouds
Takeda Castle Keep Foundation is the highest point of the Takeda Castle Ruins.
The recommended viewpoint is the one overlooking Minamisenjo, which extends toward the south.
Enjoy the powerful sight of the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in a sea of clouds, almost like Machu Picchu.
Needless to say, it is an excellent photo spot, where you can capture the architectural beauty of the Takeda Castle Ruins up close.
Many of the photos featured in travel magazines are taken from the Takeda Castle Keep Foundation, so you can enjoy in person the very scenery you may have seen in magazines or on TV.
Experience Sky Yoga in the Open Setting of the Takeda Castle Ruins
Sky Yoga lets you enjoy yoga in the open setting of the Takeda Castle Ruins.
Even if you have little yoga experience, the instructor will guide you carefully, so you can join with confidence.
As you steady your breathing while feeling the sunlight and breeze over your whole body, you are sure to shake off stress and everyday fatigue.
Yoga done while taking in the spectacular views and history visible from the Takeda Castle Ruins is an experience you will not find anywhere else.
Sky Yoga can refresh both mind and body. Make the most of this soothing experience that you can only have at the Takeda Castle Ruins.
Enjoy the Atmosphere and Local Food in Takeda Castle’s Castle Town
At the foot of Kojoyama, where the Takeda Castle Ruins rise, the Takeda district is home to the castle town of Takeda Castle.
It is lined with sightseeing spots such as Hyomai Shrine, lodging facilities, and restaurants where you can try local specialty foods.
In particular, the Lovers’ Sanctuary monument in front of Takeda Station is a photo spot where you can take pictures with the Takeda Castle Ruins in the frame.
It is also recommended to view the illuminated Takeda Castle Ruins from the castle town after sunset.
Be sure not to miss Torafusu-yaki, a local specialty inspired by the stone walls of Takeda Castle.
It is small enough to hold in one hand, making it perfect for eating while walking around.
Enjoy the local specialty food while taking in the atmosphere unique to a castle town.
3 Recommended Places to Stay as a Base for Visiting Takeda Castle
To see the spectacular view created by Takeda Castle and the sea of clouds, you need to head to the scenic viewing spots early in the morning.
For that reason, if you want to see the view, we strongly recommend staying at accommodations near Takeda Castle.
That way, you can take your time exploring not only the spectacular views of Takeda Castle but also the spots around it.
When you do, be sure to stay at one of the accommodations introduced below, which are perfect as a sightseeing base.
1. Takeda Castle Castle Town Hotel EN
Opened in 2013 after renovating the former Kimura Sake Brewery.
The spacious former brewery grounds were reborn as a complex with a hotel, restaurant, cafe, and more.
The hotel has 13 guest rooms across six buildings scattered throughout the town of Takeda, and each room has a different layout.
Some rooms are restored and repurposed kura storehouses, each with a charm that lets you feel the passage of time.
You can see the Takeda Castle Ruins from the hotel, and the castle site is also about Approx. 50 minutes away on foot, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
2. Hotel AreaOne Wadayama
An ideal sightseeing base for the Tajima area, located about Approx. 20 minutes by car to the Takeda Castle Ruins, Approx. 35 minutes to the Izushi Castle Town, and Approx. 57 minutes to Kinosaki Onsen.
Many of the guest rooms are spacious, and even single rooms are comfortable and relaxing. There is also a 10-tatami Japanese-style room, making it ideal for families with small children and older guests who want a calm stay.
3. Yuhiken
This traditional inn, with just nine guest rooms, welcomes travelers with a Japanese atmosphere and calm, relaxing spaces, guided by its motto of “seasonal flowers and heartfelt hospitality.”
Solo travelers are welcome, and there are also one-night plans with dinner and breakfast for a small touch of luxury, making it a great choice for a casual getaway.
At the same time, it also offers private family baths that families can use freely and yukata rentals just for children, making it something you will want to enjoy as part of your travel memories.
Not Just the Takeda Castle Ruins! 3 Scenic Spots in Hyogo
Hyogo is home to many more spots where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery besides the Takeda Castle Ruins.
After enjoying your visit to the Takeda Castle Ruins, be sure to stop by the places introduced below as well. Doing so will let you experience even more of Hyogo Prefecture’s charm.
1. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Honshu and Awaji Island. With a total length of 3,911 meters and a main span of 1,991 meters between its two main towers, it is known as the world’s longest suspension bridge.
Together with the Onaruto Bridge, it forms a route linking the Kansai area and Shikoku, making it a popular sightseeing route.
Maiko Park in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, serves as the gateway to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
The view from Maiko Marine Promenade, a walkway built inside the bridge girder at a height of Approx. 47 meters above sea level and stretching 317 meters in total length, is also not to be missed.
2. Rokko Garden Terrace
Located at an elevation of 880 meters on Mount Rokko, Rokko Garden Terrace is a scenic viewpoint where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama from the Osaka Plain to the Akashi Kaikyo Strait, including the cityscape of Kobe, as well as the night view often called the “10 million dollar night view.”
The grounds feature a variety of viewing spots with different characteristics, including the 11-meter-tall View Tower for enjoying a wide panorama, the View Terrace where you can sit on stepped terraces and relax while taking in the scenery, and the View Deck with great views of the Rokko mountains and the Osaka Plain.
3. Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Hanasajiki
Awaji Hanasajiki is a park covering about 15 hectares on the northern hills of Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture.
No matter the season, you can enjoy stunning flower-filled scenery with rapeseed blossoms, poppies, cleomes, cosmos, stocks, and more.
It is a first-class viewing spot where you can enjoy both the grand panorama of the Akashi Kaikyo Strait and Osaka Bay and a colorful carpet of seasonal flowers at the same time.
FAQ about the Takeda Castle Ruins
Q
When can you see the sea of clouds at the Takeda Castle Ruins?
A
From late September to late November, from daybreak to around 8:00am
Q
Can you see cherry blossoms at the Takeda Castle Ruins?
A
There are more than 30 cherry trees, and the best time to see them is from early to mid-April
Summary
This article has introduced the history of the Takeda Castle Ruins, how to get there, and key points to know if you want to see the sea of clouds.
Its greatest appeal is surely the fantastical sight of the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in a sea of clouds.
This spectacular view, also called the Machu Picchu of Japan, is well worth seeing.
Take this opportunity to visit the Takeda Castle Ruins for yourself.
If you are unsure where else to visit in Hyogo Prefecture besides the Takeda Castle Ruins, please also refer to the article below.