Takeda Castle is a ruined castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, that is also known as the “castle floating in the sky” because of the way it appears to be floating on a sea of clouds on foggy autumn mornings.
The castle was originally built in 1411 and was later conquered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi on one of his western campaigns to reunite Japan. The castle’s forces fought against the Tokugawa clan during the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and the castle was abandoned.
Now it is regarded as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and often referred to locally as the “Machu Picchu of Japan”.
The best time to view the floating castle is in October and November around sunrise (6:00 to 6:30) when a sea of clouds can be seen on one out of three mornings on average.
The most popular viewing spot is from Ritsuunkyo on the mountain slopes opposite the castle.
How to access Takeda Castle
Takeda is most easily accessed from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka by taking the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji and then transferring to the JR Bantan Line.
By Bus
The Tenku Bus operates from March through November between Takeda Station and the Takedajo-seki bus stop (20 minutes, 260 yen one way or 500 yen for a 1-day pass), which is a relatively easy 20 minute walk from the castle entrance.
There are roughly two buses per hour on weekends and during the busy seasons (mid March to early April, Golden Week and from late September through November) and about one bus per hour during the rest of the operation period.
On Foot
Two steep nature trails lead from the back of Takeda Station up to the castle. The strenuous ascent takes about 40 minutes and can be slippery after rain.
Open Hours & Fees
Mar to May 8:00~18:00
Jun to Aug 6:00~18:00
Sep to Nov 4:00~17:00
Dec to Jan/3 10:00~14:00
Closed: January 4 through February
Admission: 500 JPY
Source by Japan-Guide