[Part 2] Traveling to Japan’s “Castles in the Sky” (2025): Explore Bitchu Matsuyama, Echizen Ono, and Gujo Hachiman Castles

4. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Okayama Prefecture)

Japan’s highest original castle keep sits at 430 m elevation and is famous for its dramatic sea-of-clouds views in autumn. Unlike many ruins, this 17th-century tenshu survives, letting visitors experience a living piece of history that truly floats above the mist.

Best season for unkai: Late October to early December.
Best time of day: Before and just after sunrise (approx. 6:00–7:30 a.m.).
Best viewpoint for unkai:
●Unkai Viewing Platform (Unkai-dai): Located about 1 km below the main parking area, this dedicated platform provides the iconic angle of the keep rising above a sea of clouds. A short hike or local shuttle service gives access.
●Castle itself: For atmospheric fog among stone walls, though you won’t see the full “floating” silhouette from here.
Access notes: Unkai-dai is best visited by car before dawn. Local shuttle schedules support early visitors in peak season.
Tip: Local tourism offices publish unkai forecasts in season.
Takahashi City Tourism site (includes unkai platform info and seasonal news):https://takahasikanko.or.jp/
・In autumn, they often post unkai conditions on their social media.

5. Echizen Ono Castle (Fukui Prefecture)

Nicknamed the “Castle in the Sky of Hokuriku,” Echizen Ono is renowned for its white keep floating above fog filling the Ono Basin. The keep itself is a faithful 1960s reconstruction in classic Edo style, beautifully maintaining the region’s samurai heritage.

Best season for unkai: Early November to mid-December.
Best time of day: Around sunrise (approx. 6:00–7:30 a.m.).
Best viewpoint for unkai:
●Inuyama Observatory (Inuyama-yama): A 20–30 min uphill hike from Ono’s town center offers the iconic postcard view of the keep rising above the misty basin.
●Other small trails also offer varying angles, rewarding explorers.
Access notes: Pre-dawn hiking required for best unkai shots—bring a flashlight and check trail conditions.
Tip: The town of Ono itself is lovely to explore, with historic canals, soy sauce breweries, and local food.
・Echizen Ono Tourism Association (with unkai photography tips and viewing spots):
https://www.ono-kankou.jp/
・Look for news in November–December about fog conditions.

6. Gujo Hachiman Castle (Gifu Prefecture)

Perched above one of Japan’s most beautiful water towns, Gujo Hachiman Castle offers an atmospheric “castle in the sky” experience in autumn, when early morning fog settles in the valleys. The current keep is a 20th-century wooden reconstruction faithful to traditional designs.

Best season for unkai: Late October to early December.
Best time of day: Sunrise (approx. 6:00–7:30 a.m.).
Best viewpoint:
●Castle Keep itself: The tenshu provides sweeping views over fog-filled valleys—an unbeatable vantage point.
●Yamazato-guchi viewpoint: A short uphill walk from the town center gives a dramatic side-on angle of the keep above the mist.

Access notes: The castle is a moderate uphill walk from the town center; start well before dawn to catch unkai.
Tip: Combine your visit with Gujo’s scenic canals, historic streets, and traditional summer dance festival (Gujo Odori) if visiting outside unkai season.
・Gujo Tourism Official Site:　https://tabitabigujo.com/
・Shares seasonal event news and tips for best visiting times.