Bitchu-Takahashi, Japanese Castle in the Sky

I have been fortunate to have some great trips with my mom in recent years. In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m posting another one of our adventures. My mother would often visit Takahashi in Okayama Prefecture as a child, so it was special to accompany her for her first trip back in decades. The city is often called Bitchu-Takahashi to distinguish it from other Japanese cities of the same name, Bitchu is the historic name of the area.

Bitchu-Takahashi has yet to be discovered by many tourists, and it can be hard to navigate relying on local signs or a smart phone. I strongly recommend a stop at the Tourist Information Office near the station for assistance in planning your stay.

The most famous attraction is Matsuyama Castle, the only mountaintop castle of 12 remaining originals in Japan. Since one of the other 12 also happens to share the same name, this castle is also often referred to with the Bitchu prefix. From nearby peaks, Bitchu-Matsuyama occasionally appears to be floating above the clouds, so it is known as the castle in the sky.

Bitchu-Matsuyama is not easy to reach. It’s about a 90 minute walk from the station, much of it uphill. You can take a local bus to the nearest stop from which it is a one hour climb. We took a taxi (about 15 minutes, ¥1,500) to the upper parking lot.  From there, it is a steep 20-30 minute hike to the castle. During certain times of year, the city offers a shuttle four times a day (¥500 each way), but it requires advance reservations by 5pm the prior day.  Takahashi City Tourist Information Office, Tel – 0866-22-8666

From the top, you are awarded with a great view. The area is particularly striking in the autumn.

On our entire trip, we only saw a handful of people. There is a benefit to visiting such a remote place.

The view from the top floor should have reminded us what a steep descent it would be down the mountain.

During much of the year, it is probably a pleasant descent. We thought the walk down would be much easier than the uphill climb and decided to walk all the way back to town. It was very steep and rocky, and the wet slippery fall leaves made for a difficult descent. There are walking sticks on loan at the top and bottom of the trail, don’t make our mistake – use one!

From the end of the forrest path, it is a scenic walk back to the station through lovely neighborhoods. The old town has several attractions including Raikyuji Temple, two samurai homes and the Takahashi Historical Museum. I recommend a combination ticket that covers all the sites, including the castle. The combination ticket is ¥900, while each individual attraction is ¥300-400.

Raikyuji Temple has a beautiful dry garden, and it was great to see it with my mother, who has memories of visiting as a child.

It’s such a peaceful place to sit and take in the scenery.

It’s a nice walk around the old town.

I’m not sure if the town still has milk delivery, but how cute is this old milk box?

For many, the image of Bitchu-Takahashi is based on a famous photo of the Matsuyama Castle sitting in the clouds.  The peak conditions for the view are most likely in the fall or winter at 8am.  The neighboring mountain overlook is most easily accessed by rental car.  Between October and March, the city offers an early morning shared van service for ¥1,500. Reservations must be made by 5pm the previous day. Takahashi City Tourist Information Office, Tel – 0866-22-8666.

Access:

Bitchu-Takahashi Station is only 35 minutes from Okayama Station by Yakumo train.  It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

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Except for the castle, all the attractions are in close proximity of each other in the old town, about a 15 minute walk from the station. The Information Center can provide the latest bus and shuttle schedules and walking maps.  Takahashi City Tourist Information Office, Tel – 0866-22-8666