By MOOK Attractions Jun(e), compiled and reported
The classic animated film *Castle in the Sky* by Hayao Miyazaki features a floating city in the sky, a dream destination for many. But did you know that such a mystical place actually exists in Japan? Amidst the misty mountains, gazing over the vast landscape, this isolated existence truly gives one the feeling of being in a sky city. Below are Japan’s top three city ruins that appear above sea of clouds, their breathtaking beauty creating an otherworldly, fairy-tale atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.
One of Japan’s Top Three Sea of Clouds Cities – Takeda Castle Ruins (Image source / Asago City)
1. Hyogo Prefecture - Takeda Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle in Hyogo Prefecture was abandoned due to shogunate policy, but has gained fame in recent years for its spectacular scenery. The entire ancient castle appears to float above the sea of clouds. (Image source / Asago City)
2. Okayama Prefecture – Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and the highest existing mountain castle with a tenshu (main keep), standing at an elevation of 430 meters. From autumn to winter mornings, you can witness the dreamlike sight of the castle emerging from the sea of clouds. (Image source / Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Guide)
3. Fukui Prefecture - Ono Castle
Located in Fukui Prefecture, Ono Castle stands at an elevation of 249 meters atop a hill. In the early morning, it is surrounded by clouds and mist, resembling a sky city floating in mid-air. (Image source / Echizen Ono Castle)
[Info]
Takeda Castle Ruins
Address: 169 Takeda Kojoyama, Wadayama-cho, Asago City, Hyogo
Phone: +81 79 - 674 - 2120
Opening Hours: 04:00 ~ 17:00 (Closed in winter from December 11 to March 19)
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Address: 1 Uchisaneyama, Takahashi City, Okayama
Phone: +81 866 – 22 - 1487
Opening Schedule: April to September 09:00 ~ 17:30, October to March 09:00 ~ 16:30
Ono Castle
Address: 3-109 Shirocho, Ono City, Fukui
Phone: +81 779 – 66 - 0234
Open Period: April to September 09:00 ~ 17:00, October to November 09:00 ~ 16:00
A Human Wonderland Surrounded by Fog Taiwan’s Top Three Sea of Clouds Farms
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