By: Little Traveler
Previously, a series of images went viral on Twitter showing a mountain castle emerging from the clouds, resembling a "castle in the sky"！It turns out this site, known as the "Machu Picchu of Japan", is Takarazuka Castle located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Castles and is just a 3-hour drive from Kansai International Airport in Osaka.
To see this floating fortress, the first thing to consider is the season when sea of clouds appears. Typically, between September and December, there’s a chance to witness it if it rains the night before and the next day is clear. However, if you want to catch both the sea of clouds and autumn foliage, since the local maple leaf viewing season is from mid-November to early December, the best time would be from mid-November to December. Around March, you might also get a chance to see cherry blossoms.
To capture such a breathtaking view, both timing and vantage point are crucial. Visitors can head to a small hill at “Ryuuunkyo Gorge” located opposite the mountain castle to enjoy a distant view of Takarazuka Castle. Since there are no buildings or trees on the castle ruins, the layered stone walls rising above the sea of clouds create the illusion of a “castle in the sky”. However, after reaching the parking lot at the base of the mountain, you still need to walk for 25–30 minutes, so some people start hiking as early as 4:30 AM—be sure to plan your time accordingly.
Takarazuka Castle Ruins
Address: 169, Jyoukokuzan, Takarazuka, Wadayama-cho, Asago-shi, Hyogo
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Opening Hours: March 20 – September 18: 08:00 – 18:00; September 19 – December 10: 04:00 – 17:00
For more information:
Ryuuunkyo Gorge
Address: Ryuuunkyo Gorge, Takarazuka, Wadayama-cho, Asago-shi, Hyogo, Japan
Phone: +81 79-672-4003
Image Source: Official Website, ikidane-nippon