Locating in Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture in Japan, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle or also known as Takahasi Castle is one of the 12 castles remaining in its original structure. Standing at 430 meters above sea level, it is the highest castle in Japan.
Due to the high altitude of the castle, a magnificent “sea of cloud” view can be seen from the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory which is adjacent to the castle during early morning. Hence also called “Castle in the Sky”. The best season to see the spectacular “Sea of Cloud” scenery is between November and March. However, certain weather condition has to be met such as big temperature difference between the day and the night.
If you are not driving, take JR railway to Takahashi Station, take a 15 minutes taxi to “Fuigo Toge”. There is a shared taxi available but advanced booking is required. 假如你不是自駕，可以乘搭JR 到備中高梁駅，轉乘15分鐘的士到「鞴峠」。車站有共乘的士，但要預約。After you arrive at Fuigo Toge, there is a good 20 minutes hike up the mountain. Walking sticks are available at the start of the walking trail. There is a ¥300 entrance fee to the castle. 到達「鞴峠」後，便開始登山，要有心理準備行20分鐘山路。行山路徑旁邊有些行山用的木捧可以使用。入城費用成人每位¥300。There are warning signs along the trail reminding you of the steps, keeping out of the edge. 沿路城主有不少路牌提醒你小心山路。Do not leave your trash on the trails or anywhere in the mountain. 不要亂掉垃圾。There is a view point on the trail, looking at the city. 登山路上有展望台看到城市景觀。As you get close to the castle, you will see a successive levels of walls. 走到這裡，看到山城的一層一層城牆就已經快到達天守閣了。This is part of the remaining original walls of the castle. 這是備中松山城保存下來的部份原有城牆。There are a lot of steps up to the castle. 上天守閣有許多樓梯。The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, the highest castle in Japan at 430 meters above sea level. 有「天空之城」之稱的備中松山城，海拔430米高，為日本最高山城。First built in 1240, Bitchu Matsuyama Caslte is listed as a National Important Property of Japan. It is one of the few castles that remains in its original wooden structure. 松山城建於1240年，是日本國家文化財之一，其天守閣是日本少數保留原來木建築的堡壘。There are two levels of in the Keep. The first level displays some relics and history of the castle. 天守閣有兩層樓，第一層展示一些歷史照片和文物。All relics are framed in glass cases. 文物都保存在玻璃櫃。The view from the Keep. 從天守閣看出去的景觀。The wooden steps up to the second level is very steep. 上第二層樓的樓梯非常斜。The upper floor is more simple. Is it a shrine? 第二層樓裡面比較簡單，這是神像？Since the whole structure is made of wood and the castle is locating on top of a mountain, smoking is prohibited from the start of the trail to prevent fire. 由於整座城堡都是木造，而且位於山上，所以由登山路開始已經全面禁煙，以保護文物。
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