The ruins of Takeda Castle (竹田城跡) are located in the city of Asago in Hyogo, Japan. It is often referred to as the Machu Picchu of Japan. This floating castle, located 353 meters high, was also a famous setting in the film Castle in the Sky produced in 1986 by the Ghibli Studio.
It is located 535 meters above sea level in the Wadayamacho district. It appears to be floating in a sea of clouds, which has led it to be one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. Unfortunately, only ruins remain, but its location makes it an eye-catching site thanks to the mist that makes it look like a sea of clouds, especially in the morning during autumn and spring.
Takeda – A Castle in the Sky
The castle was originally built in 1411 by a samurai from the Yamana clan. It was later conquered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in one of his western campaigns to unify Japan. The castle’s forces fought against the Tokugawa clan during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Akamatsu Hirohide, the lord of the castle, was accused of arson and committed seppuku, causing the castle to be abandoned. In 1943, Takeda Castle became a historical monument and was protected. Since then, restoration and maintenance projects have been carried out.
In addition to climbing the castle ruins, tourists often go to the surrounding mountains to photograph this beauty. After walking for 40 minutes from Takeda Station, enjoying the scenery and visiting its ruins, you can go to Ritsuunkyo Mountain for the best photos. Remember to be prepared to visit this castle; you will walk a lot on trails and climb mountains. Ritsuunkyo Mountain is on the opposite side of the castle, making you walk quite a bit around the area.
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