Takeda Castle

The Takeda Castle Ruins are the remains of a mountain castle in Asago City, Hyōgo Prefecture. They are also known as "Torafusu-jō" (Crouching Tiger Castle) because the shape is said to resemble a tiger lying down. Although the castle has been abandoned for more than 400 years, its stone walls remain largely intact, making it an exceptionally valuable site nationwide. Access to the Takeda Castle Ruins is about a 40-minute walk from JR Takeda Station (Bantan Line). The ruins are also famous for photos of the site surrounded by a sea of clouds—often taken from a viewpoint on the mid-slope of the mountain opposite the ruins (Mt. Asago). Over time it has come to be called the "Castle in the Sky" and the "Machu Picchu of Japan." The Tajima region can experience dense morning fog on clear autumn days. In autumn, many visitors come to see the "Castle in the Sky" floating above the clouds, but another major attraction is the rich seasonal scenery: cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and snowy landscapes. It is one of Tajima’s premier tourist spots, where you can appreciate the grandeur of the stonework and the ingenuity of the castle layout while enjoying spectacular views throughout the year.