Visiting the Machu Picchu.....of Japan, Takeda Castle!

  

Takeda Castle (竹田城) is about an hour and half by train from Himeji Station. It is located in Asago city and is very close to the appropriately-named Takeda Station. It is one of Japan's Top 100 Castles and is referred to by some as the "Machu Picchu of Japan." Unlike nearly all of the other castles we've visited in Japan, Takeda Castle is in ruins and has been only partially restored.

To make it to Takeda Castle, it is necessary to travel on the local Bantan Line. The Bantan Line runs inland from Himeji into the center of Honshu, the main island of the Japanese archipelago. We found out upon arriving at Takeda Station – which has a smaller, more rural appearance than most of the stations we've visited – that the ICOCA Card we normally use to pay for trains and buses doesn't work this far north on the Bantan Line. As a result, we had to purchase train tickets for about 1,170 yen each. This was our first time encountering this sort of situation; most of the country's main overland transportation routes have been streamlined to eliminate complications for travelers.

  

After arriving at Takeda Station, we still had to go for a 40-minute hike up a moderately steep mountain to reach the castle entrance. Takeda Castle was built atop a small mountain in 1441 in order to give those controlling it the ability to monitor movement in the adjacent river valleys. The castle typically receives the most visitors between October and November, when weather conditions cause a "sea of clouds" to sometimes fill the valleys during the early morning. This phenomenon causes the castle to appear as though it is floating above the clouds. While autumn may provide for the best views, the castle is a popular destination during much of the year.

Today only the walls and foundations of Takeda Castle are still standing; there are no towers or turrets and no keep. There is a designated path visitors walk on in order to not disturb the foundation. There are many amazing views of the surrounding valleys as well as a few spots where it is possible to sit on the grass and relax. We enjoyed our visit to Takeda Castle and would probably say it was one of the most unique experiences that we've had in Hyogo Prefecture since in arriving in Japan. For those living in Himeji, it makes for a great day-trip, although those wishing to see the early-morning "floating castle" effect in Autumn may need to do extra planning to make sure they can arrive on time.