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Photo: by Reggaeman, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
One of the few remaining original Japanese castles, dating back to the 17th century, it is the only original mountain castle in the nation. It is also the highest castle, built atop Mount Gagyu. Although you can take a taxi up most of the mountain, there is a point at which you must walk up (as no vehicles are allowed on the path leading to the castle). The ascent to the castle will take you through the well-preserved and highly impressive castle walls before you reach the top. The inside of the castle does not have many artifacts however, the uniqueness of the castle and the beauty of the surrounding area more than make up for it. It has gained fame as a "Castle in the Sky" when viewed from afar surrounded by clouds (See "Do" for details on how to access the viewpoint). Despite all of its beauty and outstanding features, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of the least visited of all the original castles, making it a true gem.
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle , also known as Takahashi Castle (高梁城), is a Japanese castle located in the city of Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, in the San'yō region of Japan. Along with having one of only twelve remaining original tenshu in the country, Bitchū Matsuyama Castle is notable as the castle with the highest elevation above sea level in Japan at 430 meters (1410 ft). It has been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1956.
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旧折井家
A former samurai residence. Visitors are free to walk in and around the house. Don't forget to go around the back to the small museum featuring samurai armor and other objects owned by the Orii family.
埴原邸 Haibara-tei
Served as a resident for samurai guards and servants.
備中松山城展望台
The view of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle shrouded in a sea of clouds (雲海 unkai) has gained a lot of attention. Castle fans and professional and amateur photographers alike have become interested in how to get the shot of the "Castle in the Sky" (天空の城) themselves. There is a viewpoint about 8.5 km from Bitchu-Takahashi Station. An early morning bus is available during peak season to take visitors to the viewpoint; however, you must make a reservation with the Tourist Information Center at least 1 day in advance. Because the sea of clouds are visible in the early morning, if you are serious about seeing it, spend the night in Takahashi and get up extra early.
頼久寺
A zen temple of the Rinzai sect that dates back to 1504. The beautifully constructed garden within the temple grounds was designed by Kobori Enshu, who is one of the founders of the Japanese tea ceremony. It's about 15 minutes from JR Bitchu Takahashi Station.
高梁基督教会堂 Takahashi kirisuto kyōkaidō
Constructed in 1889 (Meiji 22) by a Western architect, it's the oldest church in Okayama. Worship services are still held on Sunday mornings.
薬師院泰立寺
Yakushi-in gained its fame as the setting of the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (男はつらいよ).