Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is a mountain castle located in Takahashi City in Okayama Prefecture of Japan. A "mountain castle", as is the name, is a castle built upon a steep mountainside. It is a castle established in the year 1240 and has a lot of history, including a castle tower and a two-story watchtower as well as part of the mud wall which still remains even today. Thanks to the restoration of various gates and watchtowers, you are able to appreciate the castle as it was back when it was in use.
Some Amazing Things about Bicchu Matsuyama Castle
One of the first things you should definitely pay attention to when visiting Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is the castle tower. The current castle tower was one that was built in the year 1683, boasting over 300 years of history. With only 12 remaining castle throughout Japan, the one within Bichu Matsuyama Castle is among those 12. Furthermore Bicchu Matsuyama Castle is the only castle within Japan to be built on a mountainside.
Within the castle you are able to experience and appreciate various cultural assets which have been recognized as important cultural property by Japan. These important cultural properties are the castle tower, the two-story watchtower and the "Sannohira-yagura-higashi-dobei" which is an earthen wall.
On top of the two-story watchtower an orca is displayed, it was presumed due to it being a two-story building that it was very important to the castle tower.
The "Sannohira-yagura-higashi-dobei" is just one of 2 earthen walls within the castle grounds. There are hardly any earthen walls in the country which are recognized as important cultural properties making this another very precious thing. Due to the various restoration attempts of these areas, some of the walkways have slightly different levels in height, ensure to watch your footing when exploring these areas.
Enjoying the Architecture of Bicchu Matsuyama Castle
There are many more places you can appreciate at Bicchu Matsuyama Castle other than the buildings. Make sure to take a close look at the stone walls on your way to the castle tower.
Firstly, around the halfway point towards the castle, at the Nakataiko Yagura Ruins, you are able to see the entirety of the Bicchu castle town.
You can also see the many stone walls which are man-made from rocks and stones found in nature, an amazing sight to behold. From the gradually built-up stone walls of the castle to the walls leading up, they all have their own uniqueness to them which is just another reason to ensure you don't miss out on seeing these amazing things!
Famous Flowers Perfect for Taking Instagram Photos
If you want to see some of the amazing sights of Bicchu Matsuyama Castle, then heading to the Unkai (Sea of clouds) Viewing Platform is a must. It is 430-meter high on the summit of the mountain and you can see the side of the castle tower from here. Furthermore, as the name suggests, if you visit here in spring or fall, you may be able to see the castle engulfed in a sea of clouds. This view is extremely magical in atmosphere.
If you plan to visit this viewing platform, we highly recommend using a taxi as it is located among the mountains.
About Bicchu Matsuyama Castle
- Establishment Year: 1240
Spot information
- Spot name: Bicchu Matsuyama Castle
- Street address: 1 Uchisange, Takahashi, Okayama 716-0004
- Access:
- Bicchu-Takahashi Station（Takahashi Bus Center）→[Matsuyama Intercity Bus]Approx. 10 minutes→Matsuyama Castle Mountain Entrance…50 minutes walking
- Bicchu-Takahashi Station→[Taxi] Approx. 10 minutes →Fuigo Toge …20 minutes walking
- Wi-Fi: Available
- Language: English, Chinese, Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
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