Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

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Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Unconquerable mountain castle floating on the ocean of clouds.

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Of the 12 castles in japan with a remaining castle keep to this day, Bichu Matsuyama is the only mountain castle. A two-layered castle keep, a two-storied tower and part of the earthen wall are still left. You can tour inside the castle keep with a room set aside in case of a siege and a big hall with an open hearth.

Mt. Gagyu, standing 480m above sea level in the northern part of the city, actually referrers to the four peaks, Mt. Omatsu, Tenjin-no-Maru, Mt. Komatsu and Mt. Mae. The castle was built on these mountains. The part remains on Mt. Komatsu 430m above sea level today is a remodeled castle from the Middle Ages.

During the Kamakura and Provincial War Periods, many warlords tried to take this castle at the strategic point between San-in and Sanyo Regions. The current castle from Edo Period was built during a peaceful time and has become the symbol of Bitchu Matsuyama.

In the early morning from fall to spring, you may be able to see the castle floating in the sea of clouds when the temperatures and other conditions meet. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory is a popular photo spot to capture the mountain castle in the sky.

Highlights

  • A rare castle which has a castle keep remaining to this day.
  • Known as an undefeatable castle standing at 430m above sea level.
  • The popular Mountain Castle Floating in the Sea of Clouds.

Photos

  • Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Keep
Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

    Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Keep Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

  • Two-story tower and part of the wall remain by the castle keep
Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

    Two-story tower and part of the wall remain by the castle keep Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

  • A dreamy sight of the mountain castle is sometimes seen
Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

    A dreamy sight of the mountain castle is sometimes seen Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

  • Bitchu Matsuyama Castle floating in the sea of clouds in fall
Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

    Bitchu Matsuyama Castle floating in the sea of clouds in fall Photo by: Takahashi City Tourism Association

Reviews

1
  • 史努比

    清晨一大早上去等待雲海出現,不負所望終於讓我看到宛如仙境般的感覺,辛苦爬一點山路也值得!

Details

Name in Japanese
備中松山城
Postal Code
716-0004
Address
1 Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama
Telephone
0866-21-0461 (Takahashi City Tourism Association)
Closed
December 29th-January 3rd
Hours
April-September 9:00am-5:30pm
October-March 9:00am-4:30pm
Admission
Adult 500 yen, Middle and elementary schooler 200 yen
* Free admission for:
- Elementary or middle schooler living in the city who visits on a Saturday/Sunday/holiday or while the Castle is closed
- A city resident over age 65
- The disabled with a disability ID and an accompanying helper
Directions
From JR Bitchu Takahashi Station, ride a taxi to Mt. Fuigo at the 8th station (800 yen/one-way/person *Reservation required before 5pm of the previous day) and walk 20 min. to the Castle Keep.
* Refer to the website for detailed directions.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)