Echizen Ono Castle: The Castle in the Sky

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.