Fukui > Echizen Onojo (越前大野城): The castle in the clouds
※Description:
In the mountainous region of Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Echizen Ono Castle (越前大野城) sits atop Mount Kameyama (亀山) at an elevation of 249 meters, at the heart of Ono City (大野市). Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Ono Valley, this castle is renowned for a unique phenomenon that transforms it into the “Castle in the Clouds” (天空の城).
During foggy mornings from October to late April, especially at sunrise, a dense layer of mist blankets the town surrounding the castle. From specific vantage points, Echizen Ono Castle appears to float above a sea of clouds, creating a spectacular view that draws photographers and travelers from across Japan. This phenomenon occurs only under specific conditions: high humidity, significant temperature differences between day and night, and minimal wind.
Echizen Ono Castle (越前大野城) was constructed in 1576, a year before the famous Azuchi Castle, by Nagachika Kanamori (金森長近) under the orders of Oda Nobunaga (織田信長). Inside, visitors can find numerous artifacts related to the castle’s former lords, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and life of the Sengoku period.
Built in the 16th century and carefully restored, the castle maintains its deep connection to the natural surroundings and historical heritage. From its main keep, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Ono, also celebrated as a charming castle town.
Beyond admiring the scenery, visitors can explore the area, which features traditional streets, local restaurants, and historic temples. For a truly magical experience, plan your visit to witness the castle enveloped in mist, a sight worthy of a scene from ancient legends.
※NTRanking: 7.0 / 10
Echizen Ono Castle (越前大野城) is not a destination for mass tourism, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful and authentic experience. The city of Ono and its surroundings are less developed compared to other tourist areas, which limits direct access via public transportation—though it is possible to reach by bus from Fukui.
During the fog season, the castle draws more visitors, particularly photographers and fans of unique landscapes. Outside this period, the number of visitors is moderate, allowing for a calm and leisurely visit. Its rating reflects both its exclusivity and the limited accessibility.
※How to get here:
・From Kanazawa (approximately 2 hours):
- Take the Thunderbird train from Kanazawa Station (金沢駅).
- Get off at Fukui Station (福井駅), which takes around 1 hour.
- From Fukui, transfer to the JR Etsumi-Hoku Line and get off at Echizen-Ono Station (越前大野駅), a journey of approximately 50 minutes.
- From Echizen-Ono Station, you can either walk about 20 minutes to the castle or take a taxi for greater convenience.
・From Kyoto (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes):
- Take the Thunderbird train from Kyoto Station (京都駅).
- Get off at Fukui Station (福井駅), a trip of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- From Fukui, transfer to the JR Etsumi-Hoku Line and get off at Echizen-Ono Station (越前大野駅), which takes approximately 50 minutes.
- From Echizen-Ono Station, you can either walk about 20 minutes to the castle or take a taxi.
※Address:
3-109 Shiromachi, Ono, Fukui 912-0087
This post is created from No Tourists Japan blog post with their consent.
