Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Of the 12 castles in japan with a remaining castle keep to this day, Bichu Matsuyama is the only mountain castle. A two-layered castle keep, a two-storied tower and part of the earthen wall are still left. You can tour inside the castle keep with a room set aside in case of a siege and a big hall with an open hearth.

Mt. Gagyu, standing 480m above sea level in the northern part of the city, actually referrers to the four peaks, Mt. Omatsu, Tenjin-no-Maru, Mt. Komatsu and Mt. Mae. The castle was built on these mountains. The part remains on Mt. Komatsu 430m above sea level today is a remodeled castle from the Middle Ages.

During the Kamakura and Provincial War Periods, many warlords tried to take this castle at the strategic point between San-in and Sanyo Regions. The current castle from Edo Period was built during a peaceful time and has become the symbol of Bitchu Matsuyama.

In the early morning from fall to spring, you may be able to see the castle floating in the sea of clouds when the temperatures and other conditions meet. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory is a popular photo spot to capture the mountain castle in the sky.