Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's few surviving original castles and the only original mountain castle still standing. The keep sits high on Mount Gagyu, reached by taxi, shuttle, or a steep walk followed by a final climb through old stone walls.
The castle is small inside, but the setting is exceptional. Mist sometimes gathers below the ridge, giving it the "castle in the sky" view that has made Takahashi known among castle fans. Even on a clear day, the approach through the forest and the view over the valley make it one of western Honshu's best castle visits.