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Takeda Castle Ruins

Photo courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

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Takeda Castle Ruins

A “Castle in the Sky” known for its atmospheric views above a sea of clouds and its mountain castle stone walls.

Last update :
Supervised by :  Asago City

Built atop 353.7-meter-high Mt. Kojo (Mt. Torafusu), the Takeda Castle Ruins are among Japan's largest mountain castle ruins. From fall through early winter, a sea of clouds can make the ruins appear to float above the clouds, earning them the nickname “Castle in the Sky.”

The stone walls remain almost entirely intact, and structures such as the keep foundation and castle entrances can still be viewed today. The stone walls, built to make use of the natural terrain, and the curved layout reflect the castle-building techniques of the time.

Walking paths run through the ruins, offering panoramic views of Asago and the surrounding mountains from the summit. The scenery changes with the season and time of day. The site is especially known for its atmospheric views during the sea-of-clouds season. Located across from the ruins, Ritsuunkyo Gorge is a popular viewpoint for seeing the “Castle in the Sky” floating above the clouds from a distance.

Designated a “Lovers' Sanctuary” in 2012, the site is popular with couples as a scenic place to stroll, not only during the sea-of-clouds season. It is also listed among Japan's Top 100 Castles, making it one of Hyogo Prefecture's leading destinations for both history and scenery.

Highlights

  • From fall through early winter, see the “Castle in the Sky” floating above a sea of clouds.
  • View structures such as the stone walls, castle entrances, and keep foundation.
  • See the Takeda Castle Ruins floating above a sea of clouds from Ritsuunkyo Gorge.
  • Walk the paths through the ruins while taking in panoramic views of Asago and the surrounding mountains.
  • Designated a “Lovers' Sanctuary” in 2012, the site is popular with couples who come for the scenery.

Photos

  • From fall through winter, the castle ruins appear to float above a sea of cloudsPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

    From fall through winter, the castle ruins appear to float above a sea of cloudsPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

  • From summer through fall, the site opens at 5:00 a.m., allowing visitors to watch the sunrisePhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

    From summer through fall, the site opens at 5:00 a.m., allowing visitors to watch the sunrisePhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

  • A rare mountain castle site in Japan with its remains fully preservedPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

    A rare mountain castle site in Japan with its remains fully preservedPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

  • Spring is also popular, when cherry blossoms brighten the castle groundsPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

    Spring is also popular, when cherry blossoms brighten the castle groundsPhoto courtesy of Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

No.

Q

Are restrooms available?
A

Yes, at the admission booth. There are none within the castle ruins.

Q

Is reentry permitted?
A

No.

Q

Is there a smoking area?
A

Smoking is prohibited throughout the hiking trails and castle ruins.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
竹田城跡
Postal Code
669-5252
Address
169 Kojoyama, Takeda, Wadayama-cho, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone
079-674-2120 (Castle in the Sky Information Center: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., open daily)
Closed on
Closed for the winter from January 4 through the end of February
Hours
Spring (March 1–May 31): 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.),
Summer and fall (June 1–December 6): 5:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.),
Winter (December 7–January 3): 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (last entry at 2:30 p.m.)
Admission
Adults: ¥500; junior high school students and younger: free
Access
40-minute walk from JR Takeda Station
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
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