HyogoTravel

Stone Walls Spreading Across a 353m Mountain Summit and a Full 360-Degree Panorama

About this spot

A mountain castle ruin built at the summit of Mount Kojyo (古城山) at an elevation of 353.7m, called the 'Sky Castle' and 'Japan's Machu Picchu' for its appearance floating in the sea of clouds, making it one of Japan's most stunning scenic spots. Over 400 years since its abandonment, the stone walls built in the anao-tsumi technique (穴太積み) remain almost as they were originally, and it has been designated as a National Historic Site and selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. From the main citadel, a 360-degree panorama unfolds, with views of the castle town, the Madoka River, and the mountain ranges of Tajima. Walking along the stone walls extending over 400m from north to south, you truly feel like traveling through a castle in the clouds. Since the climbing path is a full-fledged mountain trail, overcoming it together with friends and cheering each other on is one of the highlights of this course. The group photos taken at the summit will be treasures for life.

Tips

Park at Yamashiro-no-sato (山城の郷) or Takeda Machinaka Parking Lot and take the Sky Bus (天空バス) to the 'Takeda Castle Ruins' bus stop, then continue on foot for about 20 minutes. From JR Takeda Station, the rear mountain trail is a full 40-minute mountaineering hike. Admission is 500 yen for adults. The site is one-way only with no option to turn back partway, so use the restroom before entering. The site is closed during winter (January 4 - end of February), and entry restrictions may apply during severe weather, so check official information.

Best time to visit

Approximately 2 hours. Morning when the air is clearest is most comfortable; the sea of clouds is limited to early mornings in autumn through early winter.