Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Takahashi City, Okayama｜Enjoy Autumn Foliage and a Sea of Clouds at the Castle in the Sky

The video “Reiwa Autumn Leaves: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle” (approx. 2 minutes 36 seconds), released by Yomiuri Shimbun Online, introduces the autumn scenery of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. Without narration or commentary, the footage calmly shows the castle and stone walls wrapped in autumn leaves accompanied by soothing background music. Its simplicity emphasizes the visual and auditory appeal, leaving viewers with the thought, “I want to see this with my own eyes.”

Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s Twelve Original Castles (Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi City)

What is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle? A Famous Castle Counted Among the 12 Surviving Original Tenshu

Located at the summit of Mt. Gagyu (approx. 430 meters above sea level) in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is considered one of the Three Great Mountain Castles of Japan (Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Iwamura Castle, and Takatori Castle). Its origins date back to the Kamakura period, and during the Sengoku period it became a strategic stronghold contested by powerful warlords such as the Mouri clan.

Its most distinctive feature is that the tenshu (main keep) built in the Edo period still survives today. It is one of only 12 genzon tenshu (original surviving castle keeps) in the country and, moreover, is the only surviving mountain castle keep in Japan. The wooden architecture and solid stone walls convey the atmosphere of the Edo period, making it feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Visible from the city below, the castle remains a symbol of Takahashi.

Why It’s Called the “Castle in the Sky”

From autumn through winter, when morning fog gathers in the valleys, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle appears to float above a sea of clouds. This mystical scene has earned it the nickname “Castle in the Sky,” attracting visitors from across Japan.

Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture

Takeda Castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also called the “Castle in the Sky” and is nicknamed the “Machu Picchu of Japan.” However, at Takeda Castle the vast stone ruins are the highlight. In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle still has its original keep, and it is the only place in Japan where you can see an original keep floating in a sea of clouds. Comparing the two highlights their unique charms.

Photos of the sea of clouds are frequently shared on social media and featured in the media, drawing nationwide attention.

Best Conditions and Timing to See the Sea of Clouds

The sea of clouds is most likely to appear from late September to early April in the early morning until around 8 a.m., with late October to early December being the peak period for thick fog.

Conditions include a large temperature difference from the previous day, radiative cooling, weak winds, and recent rainfall. When these factors combine, the castle appears to float in the sky in a dreamlike scene.

The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Cloud Sea Observatory is the standard viewing spot. Located on a peak separate from the castle keep, it is only a one-minute walk from the parking lot. The site is about a 20-minute drive from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, and during autumn to spring, a reservation-based shared taxi service is also available.

Best Season for Autumn Leaves and Scenic Viewing Points

Autumn foliage at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle typically peaks from mid to late November. The surrounding trees turn vivid shades of red and gold, further enhancing the beauty of the tenshu and stone walls.

Photo: Autumn leaves at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture

If you’re lucky, you may witness both autumn leaves and the sea of clouds together, as shown in the video. The striking contrast of red, yellow, and white is breathtaking and unique to this season.

Great photo spots include not only within the castle grounds but also along the mountain path and from the observatory. Morning and afternoon lighting dramatically change the atmosphere, offering different scenery depending on the time of your visit.

How is Takeda Castle Different from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle?

Takeda Castle in Hyogo Prefecture was built during the Muromachi period and later came under the control of the Yamana clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. However, it was abandoned in the early Edo period, leaving only the vast stone ruins. Its magnificent stone walls rising above the clouds earned it the nickname “Machu Picchu of Japan.”

Photo: Ruins of Takeda Castle, Hyogo Prefecture

In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi, Okayama, originated in the Kamakura period and retains its tenshu built during the Edo period. Thus, Takeda Castle represents “a ruin that lets you imagine the past,” while Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers “a mountain castle where you can experience an original keep.” Both are famous for their sea of clouds, but their historical backgrounds and surviving structures differ greatly. Visiting both allows you to appreciate the diverse faces of Japan’s “Castles in the Sky.”

Sightseeing and Local Cuisine in Takahashi City

After visiting Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, exploring the castle town and tasting local specialties is another highlight of the trip.

Takahashi is known for its agricultural products, including the sweet “Pione” grapes and rich “Momotaro Tomatoes.” In summer, ayu fish caught in the Takahashi River are grilled and served in local restaurants as a seasonal delicacy. In addition, the traditional confectionery “Yubeshi,” crafted by the long-established shop Tennindo, remains a popular souvenir.

Photo: “Yubeshi,” a traditional confectionery from Okayama

Local specialties also include “Indian Tomato Yakisoba,” a popular dish at Gomangoku restaurant. You can also enjoy soba noodles at Hokoan and tofu dishes at Koibi Tofu Kumojirou. For a relaxing break, the Starbucks inside Tsutaya Bookstore at Takahashi City Library is a convenient stop, loved by both locals and visitors.

Combining these gourmet experiences makes your trip even more fulfilling. For example, visit the Cloud Sea Observatory in the morning, explore the castle before noon, enjoy “Indian Tomato Yakisoba” for lunch, stroll the castle town and confectionery shops in the afternoon, and finish the day with soba or tofu dishes.
Such a day plan is highly recommended.

Access and Visitor Information

Address: 1 Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Access (Castle Keep): From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, walk about 10 minutes to “Shiro-machi Station,” then take the shuttle bus to Fuyogo Pass (about 5 minutes), followed by a 20-minute walk to the tenshu. On non-bus days, cars can be driven directly to Fuyogo Pass. By taxi, it takes about 10 minutes from the station (around 1,700 yen one way).
Cloud Sea Observatory: Located on a separate peak from the castle keep, 1-minute walk from the parking lot. About 20 minutes by car from the station. A reservation-based shared taxi service runs during autumn to spring.
Opening Hours: April–September 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00), October–March 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Closed: December 29 – January 3
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 200 yen

For more details, please see the official website:
https://www.bitchumatsuyamacastle.jp/

Conclusion: A Perfect Autumn Destination, the Castle in the Sky

As the only mountain castle in Japan with a surviving original keep, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers a rare experience where you can enjoy both nature and history through autumn leaves and a sea of clouds. Along with Takeda Castle, it is called the “Castle in the Sky,” but knowing their differences makes your journey even more rewarding.

Combining castle town walks with local food makes a trip to Takahashi even more enjoyable. Watching the castle surrounded by clouds and autumn colors in the early morning will surely be an unforgettable experience.