Written by Kylie Van Zyl
Built in 1411 and abandoned in the early 1600s, Takeda Castle’s ruins are wreathed in fog and clouds in the colder seasons and stand high above Hyogo. It’s a must-see for photographers and fans of history alike.
What to expect
The ruins are among Japan’s most iconic historical sites and are often called the “castle in the sky” or “Japan’s Machu Picchu” due to their dramatic mountaintop location and the way they appear to float on a sea of clouds during foggy autumn mornings.
Entry
Entry for adults costs ¥500, children enter for free.
Suggested Activity
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Getting there
Takeda castle ruins are about a 60-minute steep walk from Takeda Station on the JR Bantan Line, or a shorter hike if using the local “Tenku Bus” partway up the mountain.
竹田城跡
Japan, 669-5252 Hyogo, Asago,
March-May 08:00-18:00; June-August 06:00-18:00, September-November 04:00-17:00, December-January 10:00-14:00
Adults: ¥500
No parking
