Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

備中松山城

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City is the only mountain castle in Japan with its original tower still standing. It is one of 12 castles with towers that survive from the Edo period. Huge stone walls over 10 meters high surround it. Between September and April, at dawn, the castle can seem to float on a 'sea of clouds', best seen from the Unkai Observatory.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: April–September: 9:00–17:30 (entry until 17:00). October–March: 9:00–16:30 (entry until 16:00).
Closed: Closed December 29 – January 3.
Admission: Castle tower: adults ¥500, elementary and junior high school students ¥200.
Getting there: From Fuigo Pass parking it is about a 20-minute walk to the castle tower. A shuttle bus runs from the town at busy times, and private cars cannot go up while it operates.
Time needed: Allow about 2 hours, including the round-trip walk from Fuigo Pass.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The final approach to the castle is a 20-minute walk on foot.
The path is uphill: reaching the main gate takes some effort and the steps up to the keep take a little more, so wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time.
Wild macaques live around the castle. Do not get too close, as they are territorial and protect their young.
Inside many castle keeps you take off your shoes and climb steep, narrow wooden stairs. Wear socks and clothing that is comfortable for climbing.
Castle grounds are large. Plan a prayer stop before or after your visit at one of the places to pray listed below.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Okayama and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.