Bitchū Matsuyama Castle: A Once-Forgotten Mountain Keep Made Popular Again by a Cat

The town of Takahashi enveloped in clouds and Bitchū Matsuyama Castle floating above, photographed from the nearby observation point.

It is an inspiration to think that this magical view has not changed since the Edo period.

The ruins of the main gate, enhanced by computer graphics, were used in the opening of Sanada-maru. The stone steps wind around, to prevent the enemy from attacking the castle head on.

Climbing even the modern hiking trail is hard work. It takes about 20 minutes to hike the 700 meters from the Fuigo Pass car park, located partway up the Gagyū range slopes.

The town of Takahashi enveloped in a sea of clouds, as seen from the ruins of the Nakataiko (Middle Drum) Turret. The ruins of the Shimotaiko (Lower Drum) Turret are located near Fuigo Pass.

The secure stone wall around the remains of the main gate incorporates the natural rock face.

The San no Hira Yagura, the eastern mud wall of the third single turret, is designated a national important cultural property. The horizontal portion at the front dates from the Edo period, and was extended along the stone steps during the restoration.

The main keep, seen from the ninomaru second enclosure. The fifth turret (middle) and sixth turret (left) in front of the keep were restored in 1997.

The proud keep (a national important cultural property) built atop a rocky peak. It is unbelievable that it came close to collapsing.

The two-level turret, standing behind the main keep, is also a national important cultural property. Walking north along the path, one can go as far as the observation point at the ruins of Tenjin no Maru atop the highest peak in the Gagyū range (culminating at 480 meters), via the ruins of Ōmatsuyama Castle.

The inside of the keep is an exhibition space. The goshadan household Shintō altar is at the back of the second floor, and the location of the hearth on the first floor is unusual.

Rare photos from the time of the restoration show scenes including girl students carrying roof tiles on their backs.

Sanjūrō relaxing along the stone wall. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it is forbidden to pet him for the moment.

Sanjūrō has his own quarters just in front of the castle keep.

With a plethora of goods based on him, and even books published about him, Sanjūrō has become the driving force of all of the PR for the city of Takahashi. The municipal authorities even offer 50-cc motorbike number plates bearing his image!