When you hear about Japan's historic castles, what comes to mind?

Perhaps the majestic Osaka Castle or the elegant Himeji Castle.

However, in Japan, there is a castle that is completely different from these castles, a fantastical castle that seems to float in the heavens: the ruins of Takeda Castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the breathtaking views of the "Castle in the Sky," which deeply captivates the hearts of travelers, and the charms of Tajima beef, the ultimate culinary gift from the local nature. We'll guide you on a journey that combines the mysteries of Japan's nature, the romance of its history, and the luxury of its cuisine.

A Miracle Floating in a Sea of Clouds: Takeda Castle Ruins "Castle in the Sky"

Takeda Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle built on the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 353.7 meters. Because the castle structure remains intact, it looks like a lying tiger when viewed from above, which is why it is also known as "Torafusu Castle."

Miraculous Sights: Sea of Clouds

The greatest attraction of Takeda Castle Ruins is the "sea of clouds" that appears when certain conditions are met.

• Conditions and time for sea of clouds:

Season: The sea of clouds is most likely to appear from late September to early December, from autumn to early winter.

Time: Early morning (from dawn until around 8:00 AM)

Weather conditions: It should be cold from the night before to the morning, very humid (such as the day after rain), and there should be little wind.

• A fantastic sight: When all these conditions are met, only the mountain on which Takeda Castle ruins stands rises above the sea of clouds, creating a fantastical sight as if the entire castle were a giant ship sailing through the clouds. The moment the sun rises and the sea of clouds begins to glow golden is truly breathtakingly beautiful.

Two approaches to seeing the spectacular view

To enjoy the sea of clouds at Takeda Castle ruins, there are two main locations to head to.

1. View from inside the castle ruins: Standing on the stone walls of Takeda Castle ruins and looking down at the sea of clouds below is an experience that makes you feel like you're a resident of the sky. Some areas of the stone walls are slippery, so be careful where you step.

2. View from Ritsuunkyo Gorge on the opposite mountain: If you want to capture a photo of the entire Takeda Castle ruins floating in a sea of clouds, you'll need to climb to the Ritsuunkyo observation deck on the mountain opposite Takeda Castle ruins. There are several observation decks at Ritsuunkyo Gorge, but the highest one offers the most beautiful view of the castle floating in a sea of clouds. The hiking trail to Ritsuunkyo Gorge is dark and has some steep sections, so you'll need a flashlight and adequate equipment.

Romance and History: Takeda Castle Conveys the Spirit of Japan

Takeda Castle is thought to have been built during the Muromachi period in the 15th century. It served as an important base during the Sengoku period, but was abandoned after the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), and now consists only of the stone walls that remain today.

The beauty of perfectly preserved stone walls

The charm of Takeda Castle ruins is that its stone walls remain almost completely intact.

• Nozurazumi: The stone is laid in its natural form without any processing, using a technique called "nozurazumi." This rough yet powerful method of laying stones evokes the aesthetics of Japanese mountain castle architecture.

• Harmony with nature: The magnificent stone walls blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment, embodying the spirit of Japanese architectural techniques that aim to blend into nature rather than dominate it.

Warm hospitality in a castle town

At the foot of the Takeda Castle ruins, the streets of the historic castle town of Takeda remain.

• Nostalgic scenery: Around JR Takeda Station, there are rows of old merchant houses and inns, allowing you to enjoy the quiet and nostalgic atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.

• Local interaction: Returning to this small town after an early morning sea of clouds and enjoying a bowl of hot miso soup and other local cuisine is one of the hidden joys of traveling in Japan. The warm interactions with the local residents will make your travel memories even more enriching.

The height of luxury: Tajima beef

This area in northern Hyogo Prefecture, where the Takeda Castle ruins are located, is called Tajima and is the birthplace of Tajima beef, which has supported Japan's food culture since ancient times.

The roots of Wagyu beef: Tajima beef

High-end Japanese beef brands seen all over the world, such as Kobe Beef, Matsusaka Beef, and Omi Beef, all descend from Tajima Beef. Tajima Beef can truly be said to be the "roots of Wagyu." • The secret to quality: The Tajima region's pure, mineral-rich mountain waters and cool summers and bitterly cold winters make it ideal for raising cattle slowly and healthily.

• Characteristics: Tajima beef is characterized by its finely textured meat and extremely high-quality marbling. When heated, the fat melts, creating a unique, mellow aroma and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Trip highlight: A luxurious lunch of Tajima beef

After seeing the sea of clouds and getting some exercise, one of the main purposes of this trip is to taste this exquisite Tajima beef.

Recommended cooking methods

1. Steak: To enjoy the natural flavor of Tajima beef in the simplest way, a steak grilled with just salt and pepper is the best. The texture of the meat melts in your mouth, and the deep sweetness is truly the "ultimate luxury."

2. Sukiyaki and Shabu-shabu: Sukiyaki, in which thinly sliced meat is simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce, and shabu-shabu, in which meat is quickly dipped in boiling water, are both uniquely Japanese ways of enjoying food. The combination of tender meat and traditional Japanese seasonings creates a perfect harmony.

3. Local creative cuisine: Local restaurants offer creative dishes that bring out the appeal of Tajima beef in new ways, such as hamburger steaks and nigiri sushi.

Tajima's autumn bounty

The Tajima region is surrounded by mountains, so in addition to Tajima beef, you can also enjoy the bounty of the mountains in the fall.

• Mushrooms: Autumn is a time when wild mushrooms are abundant. By stir-frying or stewing Tajima beef and mushrooms together, you can enjoy a dish with a deeper flavor.

• Local sake: Local sake (seishu), made with pure water, is also a perfect match for Tajima beef. The dry sake produced by the local sake brewery (sakagura) helps wash away the fat from the meat and stimulates the appetite.

Recommended gourmet food in Hyogo Prefecture

Port of Call Kitchen Shimaenaga Daily specials delivered directly from Hokkaido

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/66e7e1706de60

Chicken Yada Yakitori

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/659f74bc78ea2

Location of Hyogo Prefecture

summary

A trip to the Takeda Castle ruins is a special experience that allows you to experience the mysteries of Japan's nature and the romance woven by its human history. Be moved by the spectacular view of the "Castle in the Sky" floating in a sea of clouds, and at its foot you can feast on Japan's greatest culinary treasure, Tajima beef. If you visit the Takeda Castle ruins in Hyogo Prefecture this fall, your trip to Japan is sure to be a "deep, unforgettable, and luxurious experience." So why not embark on a journey to Japan's hidden sacred place?

Please also check out "Hyogo Prefecture: A popular tourist destination in the Kansai region! Introducing Hyogo Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food " ▼▼

https://tenposstar.com/ja/articles/r/232