Bitchu-Takahashi

What to know

Takahashi (高梁), often called Bitchu-Takahashi after the surrounding region to avoid confusion with other places of the same name, is a small city in the mountainous interior of Okayama Prefecture. It is best known for Matsuyama Castle, perched high on the mountain above town. This is the only original mountaintop castle in Japan and one of the oldest surviving castles in the country.

At the foot of the mountain lies Takahashi's preserved old town, featuring samurai residences and merchant houses from the feudal era. Several museums and temples are scattered around, including Raikyuji Temple, whose Zen garden was designed by the local lord and renowned garden designer Kobori Enshu.

Activities and attractions

Bitchu-Matsuyama CastleJapan’s only original mountaintop castleRaikyuji TempleZen temple with garden by local Kobori EnshuFukiya VillageBeautifully preserved village known for bengara red pigmentTakahashi Old TownPretty castle town with preserved residencesNariwa MuseumArt museum housed in Ando Tadao building