Takahashi: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in the Sky and Fukiya's Red-Hued Town Walk

A day of historical walking, climbing a path lined with stone walls toward Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城), the only mountain castle among Japan's twelve existing original castle towers, standing at approximately 430 meters elevation. After savoring the castle tower, head to the castle town of Takahashi (高梁). Stroll leisurely while tracing the castle town's remnants: the dry landscape garden at Raikyu Temple (頼久寺) designed by Kobori Enshu, the samurai residence street in Ishihi-ya Town (石火矢町) with its white walls and earthen fences, and the Konya River Scenic District (紺屋川美観地区) where willows sway. In the afternoon, drive into the mountains to Fukiya Furusato Village (吹屋ふるさと村), which flourished through bengara pigment production. The streetscape of crimson-red latticework and bronze-hued Sekishu tiles stretches endlessly, as if time itself had stopped. A luxuriously full day that walks backward through time—from the castle in the sky to the mining town—is sure to satisfy the hearts of history enthusiasts.