Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, perched dramatically at 430 metres on a rocky mountain peak, is Japan's highest existing castle and one of only twelve original castles remaining. In November the surrounding mountain forests erupt in brilliant reds and golds, and the town of Takahashi holds its Momijimatsuri (autumn leaves festival) with local food stalls, haiku readings, and traditional performing arts beneath the castle's stone ramparts. On misty mornings the castle famously appears to float above clouds — a phenomenon known as 'the castle in the sky'.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- November
- Region
- Chugoku
- Prefecture
- Okayama
- City
- Takahashi
Highlights
- ◆Japan's highest surviving original castle
- ◆'Castle in the sky' mist phenomenon on autumn mornings
- ◆Brilliant red maple foliage on castle cliffs
- ◆Haiku recitation events and traditional arts
- ◆Atmospheric mountain town festival atmosphere