Takeda Castle Ruins: A Castle in the Sky
Explore the majestic Takeda Castle Ruins in Asago, Hyogo – a historic mountaintop fortress known as the 'Castle in the Sky'.
The Takeda Castle Ruins, located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, are the remains of a 15th-century mountaintop castle, often called the "Castle in the Sky" due to the surrounding sea of clouds that appear on foggy mornings. Though no buildings remain, the well-preserved stone walls offer panoramic views and a glimpse into Japanese history.
A brief summary to Takeda Castle Ruins
- Wadayamacho Takeda, 古城山169番地, Asago, 古城山 Wadayamacho Takeda, Hyogo, 669-5252, JP
- +8179-672-4003
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit in October or November for the best chance to see the 'sea of clouds' phenomenon, especially around sunrise.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths within the castle ruins are steep and uneven.
- Check the official website for opening hours and seasonal closures, particularly during winter.
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Bring cash for the entrance fee and bus fare, as credit card payments may not be accepted.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Takeda Station, take the Tenku Bus (天空バス) to the 'Takeda Castle Ruins' bus stop. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a 20-minute walk along the west mountain trail to the castle entrance. A one-way bus fare is approximately 300 yen, and a 1-day pass costs 500 yen. Note that the bus service may be limited or unavailable during winter.
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Walking
From JR Takeda Station, you can walk to the Takeda Castle Ruins via several mountain trails. The Ekiura mountain trail is about a 40-minute hike to the castle entrance, but it is steeper and more challenging. The Hyomai Shrine mountain trail also takes about 40 minutes and is considered relatively easy to navigate. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
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Taxi
From JR Takeda Station, a taxi ride to the trailhead near the Takedajo-seki bus stop takes about 15 minutes and costs around 2000 yen. From there, it is a relatively easy 20-minute walk to the castle entrance.
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