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Echizen Ono Castle: The Castle in the Sky

Discover Echizen Ono Castle: Where history meets breathtaking views and the magic of the 'Castle in the Sky' unfolds in Ono, Fukui.

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Echizen Ono Castle, located in Ono, Fukui Prefecture, is a reconstructed hilltop castle famous for appearing to float above a sea of clouds. Originally built in 1575, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into Japanese history.

A brief summary to Echizen Ono Castle

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between October and April for the best chance to see the 'Castle in the Sky' phenomenon, especially in the early morning.
  • Check the weather forecast for high humidity the previous day and a large temperature difference overnight for optimal viewing conditions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk from the base of Mt. Kameyama to the castle.
  • Explore the nearby samurai residences (Uchiyama and Tamura Residences) to experience the atmosphere of the original castle town.
  • Consider visiting the Inuyama castle ruins, about a kilometer west of Ono Castle, for a distant view of Ono Castle.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Fukui Station, take the JR Kuzuryu Line to Echizen Ono Station (approximately 60 minutes, 760 yen). From Echizen Ono Station, it's about a 20-minute walk to the base of the castle hill. From there, follow the walking trails up to the castle.

  • Walking

    From the base of the castle hill, there are steep walking trails that lead up to Echizen Ono Castle. The walk takes about 20 minutes. Follow the signs within Kameyama Park to reach the castle entrance.

  • Parking

    If driving, there are two free parking lots available near the base of the castle hill. From the parking lots, follow the walking trails up to the castle.

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Discover more about Echizen Ono Castle

Echizen Ono Castle, perched atop Mt. Kameyama in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, is a captivating destination renowned as the "Castle in the Sky". This enchanting nickname stems from the frequent phenomenon where morning mist blankets the city below, creating the illusion of the castle floating amidst the clouds. The best time to witness this spectacle is typically between October and April, particularly on mornings with high humidity and a significant temperature difference from the previous day. Originally constructed in 1575 by Nagachika Kanamori, a vassal of Nobunaga Oda, the castle played a significant role in the region's history. The castle town of Ono was designed after Kyoto, which led to Ono being called the “Little Kyoto” of Hokuriku. Although the original structure was dismantled following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the current castle is a faithful concrete reconstruction from 1968 that serves as a local history museum. Visitors can explore the castle's interior, which features exhibits showcasing samurai armor, artifacts, and historical information. Climbing to the top floor rewards you with panoramic views of the Ono basin and surrounding mountains. The castle is located in Kameyama Park, which has walking trails leading to the castle. The stone walls of the castle were constructed using the 'Nozurazumi' method, which involves piling natural stones without processing them. Traces of the original castle town can still be found east of the castle, including the well-preserved Uchiyama and Tamura Residences. The Uchiyama Residence, once home to a prominent samurai family, features a landscape garden and storehouses. The Tamura Residence, formerly belonging to a chief retainer, displays a more rural architectural style.

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