What other travelers are saying about Takeda Castle Ruins (Takeda Castle)
I left at 08:00 and arrived around 10:00. Beautiful sights, but didn’t get the sea of clouds. If you want to see them, get there at 06:00 to 06:30!
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 40 minutes hiking uphill from the trailhead at the mountain base. During peak season, shuttle buses reduce hiking time by reaching a mid-mountain parking area.
Peak autumn season attracts significant crowds, especially weekends with favorable sea of clouds conditions. Early arrival is recommended during this period.
Nearby attractions include the Ikuno Silver Mine ruins and Izushi historic castle town.
The stone wall ruins extend across the mountain plateau, including the main keep foundation, turret positions, defensive walls, and panoramic views of Asago City, surrounding mountains, and the valley below.
Lovely views from this ancient ruin. You can take the cheap shuttle bus between the station and the ruins. It only runs each hour. Be prepared for lots of steep walking. Allow a couple of hours minimum.
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.
