Bitchu Matsuyama Castle - Castle in the Sky

Located at an altitude of 430m, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the 12 existing castle keeps and boasts the highest elevation among mountain castles with surviving keeps in Japan. From autumn to winter in the early morning hours, visitors can witness the mystical sight of the castle floating in a sea of clouds, making it popular as the "Castle in the Sky." The mountain trail leading to the castle offers many attractions along the way, with magnificent ruins including high stone walls and the remains of the main gate. Inside the castle, visitors are greeted by Sanjuro, the castle lord's cat.