Castle & Palace · Asago (Takeda)

Takeda Castle Ruins 竹田城

Mountaintop stone-wall ruins in Asago known as the 'castle in the sky' for appearing above a sea of clouds on autumn mornings.

Hours8:00-18:00 (Mar-May); 6:00-18:00 (Jun-mid Sep); 5:00-17:00 (mid Sep-early Dec); 10:00-15:00 (early Dec-Jan 3); last entry 30 min before

ClosedJanuary 4 through end of February

PriceAdult: ¥500

Getting thereJR Takeda Station, Tenku bus or 40 min hike

Time needed2-3 hours

Best timeSeptember-November early mornings (sea of clouds)

AddressWadayamacho Takeda, Asago, Hyogo

Websitecity.asago.hyogo.jp/site/takeda

About

Takeda Castle was built in the 15th century and abandoned soon after 1600, leaving extensive dry-stone walls along a ridge at 353 m. On cool mornings from September to November, river fog fills the valley so the ruins appear to float. The best view of this effect is from Ritsuunkyo on the opposite mountain.

Highlights

Extensive original stone walls along the ridge
Sea of clouds on autumn mornings
Ritsuunkyo viewpoint across the valley
Nickname 'Machu Picchu of Japan'

Tips

Closed January 4 through February
The Tenku bus runs from JR Takeda Station; otherwise a 40-60 min hike
Sea-of-clouds chances are highest on clear, still autumn mornings

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

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Takeda Castle Ruins 竹田城

About

Highlights

Tips

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