Bicchu Matsuyama Castle

This mountain castle, with the only surviving keep in Japan, is a castle in the sky floating in a sea of clouds

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Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is the only mountain castle among the 12 surviving castles with a keep. It is known as one of the Three Great Mountain Castles of Japan with its keep located 430m above sea level. The sight of it floating in a sea of clouds from autumn to winter is magical.
Business Hours
Saturday ( 9:0 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Sunday ( 9:0 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Weekdays ( 9:0 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Price
Adult: 300 JPY
Children: 150 JPY

High school students or older pay adult prices
Address
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, 1 Uchisange Takahashi-shi, Okayama
Phone
(0866) 22-1487

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About

The amazing group of stone walls that soars above natural bedrock relates the story of the Sengoku Era

Bicchu Matsuyama Castle which has its origins in the Kamakura Era was restored over 3 years in 1683 with a castle keep that survives today. This place was a strategic point crossing the main east-west road, so during the Sengoku (Warring States) Era, there were violent struggles which resulted in rapid changes in the ownership of the castle. Access by car and bus is only up to the 8th level of the bellows-shaped mountain pass. The next 700 meters involves a 20-minute climb to the top. There are signs on the way to the castle which include boards telling you to “Take it easy and not be hasty” or “Take a breather” so that you can manage your fatigue. The stone walls at the remains of the Otemon Gate are amazing. In addition to the mountain itself being a natural fortress, these walls built on the natural bedrock that is over 10m high made up a famous impregnable castle. The 2-tier 2-floor independent keep is a small-scale structure, but it has plenty of presence atop the elaborate walls. Aside from the keep, the area that includes the Niju yagura turret and the mud wall makes for a castle which is very attractive for features such as the contrast between the white-plastered walls and the black wood paneling, the keep seen against the blue sky, and the bedrock which is enveloped in the fiery vermilion of the autumn trees.

Late autumn is a highlight. You can view the castle in the sky from the observation point.

Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is also famous as a castle among the sea of clouds. Entering by car at Mt. Gagyuu and heading up to the final destination of Bicchu Matsuyama Observation Point, you can see the sea of clouds from late September to early April in the early morning once the conditions for weather and temperature differences are met. In particular, in the early mornings between late October and early December, you can also anticipate thick fog so the sight of the castle floating above the sea of clouds is popular as a magical spot for taking pictures.

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