Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle

Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle holds the distinction of being the highest original castle in Japan, with its keep standing at an elevation of 430 meters atop Mount Gagyu. It is the only surviving mountain castle (yamajiro) with an original tower in the country. The challenging uphill walk from the shuttle bus drop-off takes about 20 minutes through dramatic stone walls built into the mountainside. The compact two-story tower is modest in size but impressive in its setting, surrounded by reconstructed turrets and walls. From autumn through early spring, the castle can be viewed from afar floating above a sea of clouds, earning it the nickname 'Castle in the Sky'. The castle's resident cat, Sanjuro, has become an internet celebrity. Open 9:00 to 17:30 (shorter hours in winter).