Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory

Seeing the Castle in the Sky

Bitchu Matsuyama in Takahashi City (Okayama Prefecture) is known as Castle in the Sky. However, if you want to see this certain view you need a special observatory. The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory is located on Mount Gagyuzan following a narrow road. It is a little bit difficult to go there - best using a rental car or taxi from the station. For sure, the clouds are not always there, but there are some recommanded times when you have the chance to get the perfect view. Visit the observatory early in the morning in the late September to early April. Early means from sunrise up to 8.30 a.m. - especially in late October to early December you have a good chance and can expect a dense morning mist. We arrived at 9 a.m. and were a little bit to late unfortunately. But the view is stunning anyway! If you are unsure about the weather, the tourism office of Takahashi City can give you more information. Japanese Website: http://www.city.takahashi.lg.jp/site/bichu-matsuyama/unkaitenboudai.html