SIGHTSEEING

Unveiling the Majesty of Takeda Castle Ruins: A Guide to Japan’s Ethereal “Castle in the Sky”

2023.10.31

Perched at an elevation of 353.7 meters, the Takeda Castle Ruins stand as a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Founded during the Kakitsu era by Yamana Sozen, the feudal lord of Tajima, the castle fell during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Tajima, ordered by Oda Nobunaga. Later, the last lord of the castle, Akamatsu Hirohide, is said to have embellished it with magnificent stone walls. Today, the castle is recognized as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Castles.”

The Castle Floating in a Sea of Clouds

Autumn in Japan is characterized by cool and refreshing weather, making it the ideal season for castle exploration. Many are already planning to enjoy the spectacular combination of autumn foliage and castle scenery.

While the red and yellow autumn leaves are certainly a sight to behold, the castle has more to offer in the coming season. One such spectacle is the “sea of clouds,” a fantastical panorama that every castle enthusiast dreams of witnessing.

However, catching a glimpse of this sea of clouds requires both preparation and a bit of luck, as it is not a guaranteed sight.

The Best Season is Autumn, but It’s All Down to Luck

But how does a sea of clouds form? It occurs when the moisture in the air of mountainous regions cools rapidly, creating a widespread fog.

First, radiational cooling chills the ground, which in turn cools the air close to the surface that is laden with water vapor. As the air temperature drops, the moisture condenses into fog. Calm, nearly windless conditions increase the likelihood of this phenomenon occurring.

Specifically, the chances of witnessing a sea of clouds are higher when:

1. There is a significant temperature difference of more than 10 degrees between day and night.
2. The atmosphere is stable with little wind.
3. Humidity levels are high.
4. The sky is clear.

While the meteorological conditions are more favorable from late September to early December, and some castles offer views of the sea of clouds as late as April, the best season is undoubtedly autumn. The prime time for viewing is from dawn until around 8-9 AM.

To witness the sea of clouds, one must venture up the mountain while it is still dark. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure a safe journey.

First, fog can severely limit visibility, and during peak season, the roads may be congested, and parking lots may fill up quickly. Although it may be tempting to stay in bed a bit longer during the chilly early mornings of autumn, it is essential to depart early to ensure safety.

If you plan to take a taxi, make sure to reserve it the day before. In snowy conditions, check the road status beforehand. Additionally, there might not be restrooms available at the photo spots, so make sure to use the facilities at your hotel or the parking lot before heading out.

As you will be walking on dark and potentially treacherous mountain trails, a flashlight or headlamp is essential. In areas without street lighting, these tools become even more crucial.

Dress as you would for any other castle visit in the mountains: comfortable trekking shoes, long sleeves, and long pants. However, be aware that as the sea of clouds is essentially a mass of water vapor, you may get wet while walking. Wearing rain gear like a raincoat and ensuring your camera is waterproof are wise precautions. Since mornings can be quite cold, especially outdoors, make sure to dress warmly.

The sight of stone walls lining the mountaintop has even earned Takeda Castle the nickname “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” emanating an exotic charm. It is undoubtedly a must-visit tourist spot when in Japan.

Access

How to Reach Takeda Castle from JR Takeda Station:

1. By Foot:
The trail from the back of the station covers about 700m and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk. Please wear sneakers or similar footwear and bring plenty of water, especially in the upcoming hot season.

2. By Taxi:
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the midway drop-off point by taxi from JR Takeda Station. From the midway parking lot to the Takeda Castle Ruins, it is about a 20-minute walk.

GoogleMap

Official Website: https://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/site/takeda/