Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Takahashi, or Bitchu-Takahashi as its more commonly referred, is a small town in the western part of Okayama Prefecture. It has a population of 31,000 people, and is a typical Japanese small town that would not necessarily be worth mentioning in a tourist guide if it wasn’t for the fact that one of the oldest remaining original castles, sits on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama castle, or Bitchu Matsuyama Castle as the full name reads, was built in 1240 AD as a defensive fortress, constructed on high grounds to make it as difficult as possible for hostile forces to approach it. In fact, at an elevation of 430 meters above sea level, this is the highest castle in Japan. The secluded location has also helped keep it safe from attack, indeed, this castle is only one of twelve in the entire country that has remained intact since it was first constructed, surviving both internal and international armed conflicts, as well as the forces of nature throughout the years.

The castle building itself is quite small, only two stories high. Inside, you’ll find a small museum focused on the history of the castle, as well as the preservation efforts that have been made. There’s also a section dedicated to the many renovations that have taken place throughout the years.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Even today, this castle is still somewhat inaccessible. There are two parking lots near the castle, a lower one located about an hour from the castle, and one higher up, around 1km further uphill. Public transportation is sparse, but there are some buses that will take you from JR Bitchu-Takahashi to the lower parking lot. From there, a shuttle bus makes a round trip to the upper parking lot every 20 to 30 minutes. The last bit leading up to the castle, about a 15 minutes uphill hike, has to be done on foot.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Taxis are allowed to the upper parking lot to pick up and drop off passengers, but car-bound visitors travelling in their own car will have to park it at the lower parking lot.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

As the castle is located at a significant height, it will also be quite a bit cooler up there than down at ground level, making it a good way to avoid the worst of the summer heat. Bitchu-Takahashi is located about one hour by train from Okayama, although some express variants cut the travel time in half albeit at more than twice the price.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Okayama Pref. Takahashishi Uchisange 1

0866210461

[Apr.-Sep.] 9:00-17:30[Oct.-…

View All

Go here