Takeda Castle

posted in: ++++, Castles, Class 4, Shrines, Temples, Woods | 0
Takeda Castle
Takeda Castle

Probably my favourite place (at least for now). A place the tourists haven’t found yet. A great place to bring a bottle of wine, a little cheese, and anything else. In winter be ready for snow. There isn’t much there, just the remains of a castle, extensive series of walls, and a wonderful view of the valleys below.

Take the JR to Himeji and change for the Bantan Line going to Todayama. Get off at Takeda (don’t take the express!). From the station you can see the castle walls on the hill across the tracks. There are some stores in the town straight ahead as you leave the station, if you want some food. There are two ways to get to the castle, the woods route and the road route. The woods route: across the tracks there is a shrine (long red steps) and a temple (white wall). Keep the shrine on your right and go along the white wall up the hill. This path will lead through a cedar grove and wind its way up to the castle. The road route: walk straight from the station, make the first right and walk through town. After about ten minutes make a right turn across the tracks and follow the road up the hill to the castle.

George liked to joke that these were the ruins of the car port.
George liked to joke that these were the ruins of the car port.

Editor’s note: I think George would be both disappointed and amused to know that the tourists have indeed finally discovered this place and it’s now referred to in guide books as the “Machu Picchu of Japan.” It’s heavily promoted by local tourism boards, and now features an extensive system of paths covered with some type of synthetic material and lined with ropes. Kind of a drag since you used to be able to roam freely and have a picnic on the grass. We went on a rainy day and it wasn’t too busy, but it sees a lot of visitors these days.

New rope-lined paths
New rope-lined paths
Model of Takeda at its Height in a Nearby Train Station
Model of Takeda in its former glory in a nearby train station
The paths and signs really detract from the overall atmosphere, but it's still definitely worth a visit!
The paths and signs really detract from the overall atmosphere, but it’s still definitely worth a visit!
Wrap-around Train Promotion for Takeda
Wrap-around Train Promotion for Takeda

Nii

posted in: ++, Class 3, Lakes, Mountains | 0
Nii Station
Nii Station

There is no reason to go to Nii, unless you want a nice walk in mountains and countryside. There is also a very pretty lake up in the mountains. Not a tourist attraction.

Take the JR to Himeji and change to the Bantan Line. Nii is an express stop. From the train station turn right and cross the tracks when you can. That is probably the main road. Once you cross the tracks you will come to a river; cross that as well. Then walk uphill. There is a main road going that way but next to it is a country road going the same way. After about 30 minutes you will come to a park-like area and a dam. You can walk around the lake above the dam.


Class 3
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photo by 663highland