About BitchuMatsuyamaJo(Castle)

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, is a historical castle known as the only existing mountain castle in Japan. It is built on top of a high mountain overlooking Takahashi City at an elevation of 430 meters, and is also called "castle in the sky" due to its location. The castle was built in 1240 during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and was reconstructed in its present form during the Edo period (1603-1868). The existing castle tower is from the early Edo period.

The most distinctive feature of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is its beautiful scenery, which is in harmony with the natural beauty of the mountain. The road leading to the castle is a mountain path surrounded by rich nature, and from the castle grounds, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and townscape. In particular, in autumn, the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves, providing visitors with a spectacular view. Also, in winter, the snowy, foggy landscape can create a fantastic sight, like a castle floating in a sea of clouds.

Another attraction of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is its historical value. The existing castle tower is very rare among castle buildings in Japan, and inside the castle are exhibits of weapons and other materials from the period. The stonewalls and earthen mounds are also well preserved, allowing visitors to get a sense of what the castle must have looked like in the Warring States period. In particular, the steep stone walls and narrow passageways are a must-see for history buffs, as they were designed to prevent enemy intrusion at every turn.

There is also a "castle town" in the vicinity of the castle, which still retains its historic streetscape. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional architecture and local specialties, making it worth a visit along with a tour of the castle. In addition, there are museums and archives that introduce local culture and history, allowing visitors to learn more about the history of Bicchu Matsuyama Castle and the surrounding area.

Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is a tourist attraction that combines its beautiful natural environment with a deep historical background, providing visitors with many moving experiences and discoveries. Its high location makes it unique in that visitors can also enjoy the element of mountain climbing, making it a particularly good spot for those interested in nature and history.