Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle [備中松山城]

Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle is one of 12 original castles in Japan.

It is in Takahashi city located about 30 km north of Kurashiki city and about 45 km northwest of Okayama city.

Takahashi city is on a narrow basin in the valley formed by Takahashi River.

The castle is on a peak of Mount Gagyu (about 430 m) located about 2 km north of the center of the city.
The city is located about 100 meters above sea level, so the differences in elevation to the castle is over 300 meters.

A small castle was built in 1240, and was expanded gradually.

In the early 17th century, it became the main castle in this area.
Around 1683, it became the current building.

After the end of feudal era, the ordinance abolishing castles was promulgated in 1873.
Many castles in Japan were lost, but this castle was left because the structure was on the high and steep place.

In the middle of 20th century, the structures were repaired and were designated as important cultural properties.

To visit this castle, you must walk on a steep road about 2.5 km long from the foot.
It takes about an hour.

The castle was fortified with strong stone walls.
On the highest part, there is the main castle tower and Niju-yagura tower.

The two-story castle tower is not so large, and the height is about 11 meters.
You can enter the inside, and a museum is set up.

This castle is popular as the castle on the sea of clouds along with Takeda castle in Hyogo Prefecture.

Sea of clouds ("Unkai" in Japanese) emerges between sunrise and around 8:00 from late September to early April, and November is the best season.
In addition, it is necessary that it is cold in the night and it is fair in the morning.

A small observatory to see the castle and Sea of clouds is located on another peak of Mount Gagyu about 1.5 km north of the castle.

From the center of the town, a road is connected to the observatory.
Because the distance is very far (about 13 km), it is normal to use a car.

For tourists, shared taxi is operated from JR Bitchu-Takahashi station in the early morning between October and March. (Reservation is required.)

Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle

Castle town of Takahashi city

The area at the southern foot of Mount Gagyu is the castle town.
Takahashi River flows on the west side, and the old town is not so wide.

The main area is about 1 km north of JR Bitchu-Takahashi station.

Small Kon'ya-gawa river (紺屋川) flows from east to west.
There are cherry and willow trees along the river and the street, and a beautiful sight area is formed.

There is Raikyuji temple (頼久寺) to the east of the town.
It is a Buddhist temple of Rinzai school, one of the three Japanese Zen sects, and it is said that was founded prior to the 14th century.

It has a beautiful Japanese garden built in the early 17th century.

There is Ishibiya-cho town (石火矢町) to the north of Raikyuji.

Samirais working in the castle lived in the town.
So, a few old samurai residences and old houses remain along a street about 250 meters long.

How to get here

By limited express of JR Hakubi Line, to Bitchu-Takahashi about 35 minutes from Okayama, about 23 minutes from Kurashiki.

Other Tourist Attractions in Okayama Prefecture

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