Takeda Castle in Japan, shrouded in mist, against a backdrop of lush greenery.
Majestic Takeda Castle rises above misty landscape in Japan.

Takeda, the Castle in the Sky

On l’appelle le Château dans le Ciel ou encore le Machu Picchu du Japon. Rien que ça 😉

Takeda Castle is always popular, and even more so in autumn. Why? Just because that’s the best time to have a chance to admire it surrounded by clouds! Hence its many nicknames such as Castle in the Sky or the Machu Picchu of Japan. To be sure not to miss anything, I reach the site at sunrise.

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After the short climb of 3 kilometres, with camera bag slung from my shoulder and my drone’s heavy case, my tongue is hanging out! This doesn’t fail to amuse the handful of Japanese visitors already there, for whom I have to pose a few minutes for pictures.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

Once alone, I prepare the drone at a little parking space for security staff, just before you reach the castle itself. With my head in the clouds (literally), I anxiously wonder if the castle is in the same state as me. Beep-beep-beep, bzzzzzzzzzzzzz, I send the drone (noisy, these things) swirling through the thick fog. It rises, rises, the cloud layer never-ending … But at last the castle appears right under its nose!

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

Difficult to fly in these conditions because the drone appears to be in a different world, but the main problem is that it’s completely out of my sight. Radio contact can also be very quickly lost in these conditions. So while being careful I’m trying to fly over the ruins and take a few panoramic views.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

Flight over, I set off on foot. Without the drone case this time, cautiously left in the care of the little woman in charge! Only in Japan.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

This castle was built in 1443 as a hilltop fort like Himeji. Amazing isn’t it? It then changed hands several times until abandoned in 1600 to become a haikyo, after the suicide of the last samurai owner.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

Hundreds of years later it’s being mobbed by tourists who are destroying it with their trampling feet and crazy drones.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

As usual my photos are misleading. I’m surrounded by hundreds of tourists whom I try to avoid, but my own shadow is the worst problem (with an annoying tendency to butt into all my pictures).

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

As you may have realized, I’m not keen on video. But anyway I decided to make one of the castle, which you can find here on my YouTube.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

Doesn’t this structure (above) remind you of anything? I can’t help but think of Gunkanjima.

In winter

I also visited the castle a few years ago, in winter. Clear sky, crisp coldness, snow, but a much more serene experience. The spring looks like it would be very pleasant too, because of the cherry blossom.

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, snow, sunrise

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

castle, hyogo, japan, japanese, kansai, natural, nature, sky, sunrise

The site is quite isolated but if you’re spending a few days in Osaka you can take a day trip to visit the castle. Don’t think twice.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Petals dance on air, Pink and gold in April's light— Sakura whispers.花びら舞う 四月の光に 桜の囁き。#hanami #sakura #japanesecherryblossom #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #naturebeauty #landscapelovers
Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit