Absolutely fantastic spot that reminds me of Machu Picchu on its ruins layout and perched atop a mountain. The bus from the visitor centre departs with quite a wide gap in timing so do time it well if you are visiting, else walking or taxi is the only option. The bus takes you near, but still an uphill walk for 900m is still required.
As you walk uphill, there's a turn left where the signboard says not to enter from, and that is actually the exit point. Technically if you go through there, then it's free entry? As there is no ticket checks within the ruins itself. However, the ticket price is not at all hefty and I will recommend that we all do our part to preserve this fantastic monument.
At the end of the monument, you can see a sweeping view of the Takeda town below.
This place is far off the beaten path for American travelers but plenty of travelers from other countries visit and the staff at the top keeps track of which countries. It’s a long hike up if you don’t take the bus. Also it’s windy at the top! No wonder the castle burned at one time that wind would’ve been an assist no doubt. Also JR passes can get you allll the way out here.
Take a bus from Takeda station to the Takeda ruin stop and you have to take a 20mins hike up to the entrance of the ruins where you can purchase your ticket with a machines. Recommended that you bring 1000yen or coins for the bus rides, bigger notes are okay for the ticket but not the bus.
Be prepared to walk alot up and also inside the ruins, to exit the ruins it’s using stairs but they are pretty steep. We came abit too early for the cherry blossom and too late timing for the clouds, so you can plan your trip for it but expected a crowd at those peak periods too.
A few days ago, I travelled with my family to visit the "Takeda Castle Ruins" in Asago-shi, Hyōgo-Prefecture-Japan. It's a bit of a drive from Kyoto, about 21/2 hours to be precise. There are a few options available on maps, and we opted for driving most of it through the countryside. Time-wise, it hardly made a difference. About halfway in, we stopped at an udon restaurant for lunch.
Our first stop was high up on NR 163; it's a winding road to the top and easily accessible by car. On the top, there is a spot from where you can see Takeda Castle Ruins. The distance to the castle is just under 3.00 kilometres or 1.8 miles. I used a 70-200 telelens with a 2X extender. The weather was not at its best, with slight rain and dark clouds; still, it was a fun experience. Of course, the prime time to shoot a legendary picture is in late autumn when there is fog in the morning.
There is a second spot that is very popular with photographers. Located on the opposite side of the castle, you'll need to hike up between 10 and 30 minutes. There are three observation spots, with number one the hot place and the highest. Because it was getting dark, I opted for the third observation spot. The shooting distance to the castle is just under 2.00 kilometres or 1.2 miles.
There is a path, but it is steep and rugged. This area is famous for its clusters of cherry trees during the sakura season. I definitely would like to go back in autumn to see the castle in a sea of clouds.
