[Tourism and Product Information | Release] Launch of Autumn Sea of Clouds Climbing Set for Viewing the Spectacular Scenery of Takeda Castle Ruins.
The castle floating above the clouds, one of Japan's top 100 castles, "Takedajō."
Known as the "Castle in the Sky" due to its mysterious appearance wrapped in a sea of clouds,
and referred to as "Japan's Machu Picchu," it has become a popular tourist destination visited by many.
Especially from autumn to winter, on clear mornings, it is shrouded in morning mist, creating a fantastical landscape.
Here, we will introduce the timing and conditions for encountering the sea of clouds at Takeda Castle ruins, as well as recommended scenic spots.
Additionally, to make your climbing experience more comfortable, we have prepared a "sea of clouds climbing set."
Don't miss the breathtaking view that you will want to see at least once in your lifetime. Please enjoy that emotion.
The sea of clouds at Takeda Castle Ruins
About Takeda Castle.
Takeda Castle, built during the Muromachi period by the guardian daimyo of Tajima, was captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi under the orders of Oda Nobunaga.
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it was maintained with a unique stone masonry technique while listening to the voice of natural stones,
and even after 400 years, it boasts the grandeur of that time, being one of the finest remaining stone wall structures in the country, and is also selected as one of the "100 Famous Castles of Japan."
The ruins of Takeda Castle, located at an elevation of 354m, are particularly famous for their fantastical appearance enveloped in a sea of clouds from autumn to winter.
In spring, the full bloom of cherry blossoms known as Tajima Yoshino, in summer the contrast of the green forest and the clear blue sky, and in winter the breathtaking silver snow cover.
People are moved time and again by the beauty that changes with the seasons.
Reasons and Conditions for Viewing Sea of Clouds
The sea of clouds is caused by fog that originates from the Maruyama River.
The air warmed during the day cools at night, becoming lower than the water temperature of the Maruyama River, resulting in evaporative fog from the river.
By looking down from a high position at the fog accumulating between the mountains, Takeda Castle ruins appear to be floating surrounded by the sea of clouds.
The conditions under which sea of clouds can be easily seen are mainly said to be the following:
・The previous day's daytime is warm, and the humidity is high.
・The temperature from the previous night to dawn drops, and there is a temperature difference of more than 10°C warming up towards the daytime.
・The weather on the morning of the day is good, and there is no wind.
The official website of Asago City, where Takeda Castle Ruins are located, features "Katteni Sea of Clouds Forecast", so please refer to it.
The period and time when sea of clouds can be seen.
Period: September to November
* Early November is the most likely condition for occurrence.
As November progresses, the possibility gradually increases.
・Time: From dawn until around 8 AM
Three Scenic Spots to Enjoy the Sea of Clouds
1. Rikuunkyo
It is a scenic spot where the Takeda Castle is enveloped in a sea of clouds, known as the so-called "Japan's Machu Picchu".
Located on the slopes of Asakayama to the southeast of the castle, it offers beautiful views from three observation decks. The first observation deck is recommended as it captures the ruins of Takeda Castle from the front.
In the autumn of 2021, the Rikuunkyo Terrace was newly established, and particularly the deck of "Hikari no Michi Tenboshou" is popular.
Triangular glass panels are installed, creating a visual effect that makes it appear as if the "Path of Light" extends from the shooting platform to the opposite Takeda Castle ruins.
* The official website of "Rikuunkyo" is here.
② Takeda Castle Main Keep
When one thinks of the "sea of clouds at Takeda Castle ruins," many might imagine the view of the ruins floating from the Ritsugun Gorge,
but the fantastical scenery seen from within the Takeda Castle ruins surrounded by that sea of clouds is also popular. It offers an experience as if you are enveloped in the sea of clouds yourself.
From the main keep located at the mountain's peak, if you photograph the "Southern Senjō" that extends to the south, you can capture a breathtaking scene reminiscent of Machu Picchu.
* The official site of "Takeda Castle Ruins" is here
Fujiwa Pass
This is a hidden spot where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Takeda Castle ruins and the sea of clouds.
Located at a pass northwest of Takeda Castle, you can enjoy an impressive landscape where the morning sun creates a backlight, turning Takeda Castle into a silhouette.
Surrounded by mountains, you can capture the mystical appearance rising amidst the dawn sky and the rays of light pouring down through the sea of clouds.
Stay at "Takeda Castle Castle Town Hotel EN"
At the foot of Takeda Castle Ruins, standing in the center of the castle town is "Takeda Castle Castle Town Hotel EN."
The historical buildings scattered throughout the town, such as a sake brewery with a 400-year history and Meiji-era townhouses,
have been reborn into 13 high-quality guest rooms after the passage of time.
You can enjoy a journey that blends into the historic town, imagining the town as a single hotel.
We will suggest hidden spots to see the sea of clouds that only locals know, and assist you in making your sea of clouds experience the best it can be.
Sea of Clouds Mountain Climbing Set
To fully enjoy the hiking at Takeda Castle Ruins during the sea of clouds season from September to November,
we have prepared a "Sea of Clouds Climbing Set" for those who want to experience climbing in the sea of clouds!
Not only will it make your climbing experience more comfortable, but it will also help you warm up at the summit so you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea of clouds even more, so please take advantage of it.
Set contents:
・Rice balls
・Freeze-dried miso soup base
└You will boil water in your room and make the miso soup yourself.
・Thermos water bottle (rental)
・Paper cups
・Flashlight (rental)
└There is already one provided in the room, but if you need more, please let us know at check-in.
・Hand warmer
Price:
660 yen (including tax)
Reservation Method:
Borrowing Thermos products is limited in quantity, so it is by reservation only.
Please check the details here and make your reservation.
For more details about the way of spending time and related images, please see here.
In this season of pleasant autumn breezes, climb to Takeda Castle to experience the beauty of nature and get some exercise.
How about refreshing yourself with a breathtaking view of a sea of clouds?
All of our staff are looking forward to your visit.
▼Click here to make a reservation
▼Local staff will be sharing the charm of the town! Official Instagram is Here