January
30
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Japan’s Machu Picchu
It’s billed as Japan’s Machu Picchu but in my eyes, Takeda Castle is far more like Japan’s ‘Edoras’. The ruins of this fortified citadel lie perched atop a big hill in the midst of a wide mountain ringed valley in Hyogo Prefecture. But sadly this ‘Edoras’ is under siege.
The official tourism line would have you believe that Takeda Castle is tucked away in a terribly remote corner of Japan, miles from civilization, to be visited by only a priviledged few. Wrong. There’s a railway station directly below on one side of the mountain, a national tollway on the other, plus a car park halfway up the mountain itself. Even the road to the top is mostly a paved road. But don’t be discouraged from visiting, for it is indeed a magnificent place. It’s just that the disparity between image and reality is a bit jolting.
The one big thing that Takeda Castle has going for it is that the site is open 24/7, meaning that if you’re staying in the town below or have a car, there’s no limit on your exploration time. Be sure to visit while this is still the case.
inaka biking 
Reblogged this on Japan Reblogged and commented:
Nice pictures. As the castle getting more and more popular and some part of the castle is wearing out. I do not believe that the castle is sustainable at this number of visitors because it is very old and it is a kind of ruins.
I agree, Fotomasa. Such an old and important sight needs far more careful protection than it is currently getting. Hopefully that starts to happen soon. Thanks for sharing!
Hey lady!
I just love your writing and photos. Makes me want to come back to Japan! Haha!
Also… in exciting news…
I nominated you for ‘A Lovely Blog Award’. You can find more information here:
http://leatherandabel.com/our-first-blog-award/
Vanessa xx