Echizen Ono Castle, beautifully known as the "Castle in the Sky," is a historic castle built by Kanamori Nagachika, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. Its appearance floating above a sea of clouds is breathtaking.
Castle
Highlights
The ethereal scenery of the castle floating above a sea of clouds
The historical significance of a castle built by Kanamori Nagachika, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga
Explore the structure of the castle, including its two-story, three-tiered main keep, reflecting its original design
View exhibits of artifacts from past castle lords within the castle
Designated as one of the Continued Japan's 100 Famous Castles
About 10 minutes by car from Ono IC on the Hokuriku Expressway Show route
Op.Hours
Opening Period:
April - September 9:00 - 17:00
October - November 9:00 - 16:00
Cld.Days
December 1st - March 31st
Fee
Adults: ¥300
Groups of 30 or more: ¥150, Disabled: ¥150, Annual Pass: ¥700
Children: Free
*Junior high school students and younger
INFO
Echizen Ono Castle sits majestically atop a small hill overlooking Ono city.
It's about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the city center. Paid parking is available near the castle.
The castle grounds encompass the tenshu (main keep), honmaru (inner bailey), ninomaru (second bailey), and sannomaru (third bailey). The tenshu was reconstructed in 1968, faithfully recreating its original appearance. Inside, you'll find exhibits showcasing artifacts from successive castle lords.
From the castle, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ono city and the majestic Kuzuryu Lake.
Echizen Ono Castle is a beautiful castle where history and nature harmoniously coexist. Come and experience its charm for yourself!
Echizen Ono Castle stands in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. It was built by Kanamori Nagachika, a vassal of Oda Nobunaga. Completed in 1576, the original castle consisted of a two-story, three-tiered main keep, a two-story, two-tiered small keep, a second bailey, a third bailey, and was surrounded by inner and outer moats.
Kanamori Nagachika was granted 30,000 koku of rice in Echizen Ono by Oda Nobunaga and constructed the castle, developing the castle town. Echizen Ono Castle played a crucial role in Nobunaga's unification of Japan.
Subsequently, many lords, including the Matsudaira and Maeda clans, held the castle. After the Meiji Restoration, it was abandoned, with only the keep, rebuilt in 1968, remaining today.
Echizen Ono Castle is now renowned as the "Castle in the Sky." Under the right weather conditions, from late autumn to spring, the entire Ono basin is enveloped in a sea of clouds, creating an ethereal scene where Echizen Ono Castle appears to float. This spectacular view captivates many tourists and is especially popular among photography enthusiasts.
Echizen Ono Castle is a beautiful castle where history and nature harmoniously blend. It's a tourist spot where you can learn about the castle's history and culture and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Come and experience its charm for yourself!