Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城) is a mountain castle located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the few remaining castles in Japan that has not been extensively renovated or rebuilt, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

The castle was built in 1240, and in 1683, Katsumune Mizunoya undertook a three-year renovation to give the castle its current appearance.

Visitors to Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle can hike up to the castle keep, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle keep itself is a small, three-story wooden structure that was built without nails, using traditional Japanese construction techniques.

In addition to the castle, the surrounding area is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Takahashi Old Town district, which features well-preserved Edo-period buildings, and the historic Bitchu Kokubunji Temple, which dates back to the 8th century.

Getting there

From Okayama Station to Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle:

Train and Bus

Okayama Station ↓ Yakumo limited Express ↓ 34 minutes (2 stops) Bitchu-Takahashi Station ↓ Bihoku Bus ↓ 7 minutes (6 stops) Matsuyamajo Tozanguchi ↓ Walk about 47 minutes ↓ Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle (Cost 2,320 yen)

Details

Hours	April to September / 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM October to March / 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission	Adults: 500 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen
Phone	+81 866-21-0461
Address	1 Uchisange, Takahashi, Okayama 716-0004
Official Website	https://www.bitchumatsuyamacastle.jp/