Takeda Castle Ruins - Japan

Built in 1441 on the summit of a mountain that towers nearly 1000ft over the surrounding terrain, the ruins of Takeda Castle cover an area a quarter of a mile in length and more than 300 feet in width. It was built in the path of aggression between the Yamana and Hideyoshi Daimyos, who were fighting for control of what is now northern Hyogo Prefecture. 

In 1577 the Hideyoshi family defeated the Yamana family forces garrisoned at Takeda Castle and the castle fell into their control. Takeda Castle changed hands several times until Hirohide Akamatsu, a soldier who fought for Ieyasu Tokugawa's at the battle of Sekigahara, was appointed its lord in 1600. Within a year of his appointment, Akamatsu committed sepuku and Takeda Castle was abandoned.

Only the stone walls and foundations of Takeda Castle remain after more than four centuries of abandonment, but, the massive size of these structures, their location, the area and history that they cover are stunning. Sakura and pine trees spread almost naturally across the castle’s grounds. Even though the trees were planted by the town of Wadayama, they give the appearance that the castle is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Takeda Castle is a great place to see fall foliage, sakura, or observe the "cloud sea" phenomena (best viewed in the early morning). Entrance to Takeda Castle Ruins is free, getting to them is not. The nearest city of any size is Toyooka on the San'in Main Line. The entrance to the castle is via a steep 1km long hiking course that starts next to Takeda Station on the Bantan Line, or by a taxi or car ride to the parking lot just below the summit. Takeda Castle Ruins makes a great day trip out of Kyoto. 

Takeda Castle is also an ideal stop for those en-route to Kinosaki Onsen, Tottori, or Amanohashidate, or on the way back from those places. It definitely makes my list of, "things you must see in Japan."

Source: japantourist