Tourism Around “Echizen Ono Castle”, a Castle Looks Floating in Sea of Cloud from Early Winter to Mid Spring

Ever heard of “Echizen Ono Castle” (越前大野城), a.k.a. ‘The Castle In The Sky’ (天空の城)? Only when certain weather conditions such as low wind, certain humidity and on the previous day, from October to the end of April, a sea of ​​clouds appears and it makes the castle as if it’s floating up in the sky, and that’s why it’s called ‘The Castle In The Sky’. In case the day of your visit is not good enough for the view of the castle floating in the sky, let’s take a look at some recommended spots in addition to the castle.

To get to “Echizen Ono Castle” from Hotel Fujita Fukui, take No.55 or No.59 bus from Ekimae Odori Bus Stop which is a 6-minute walk away from the hotel and get off at Ono Ginza Bus Stop. All of the spots introduced in this article are within a walking distance from the bus stop.

“Echizen Ono Castle”, a phantom castle in the sky overlooking the beautiful land of Hokuriku

“Echizen Ono Castle”, a kind of Hirayama-Jyo (平山城, referring to castles built in mountains or on hills), is built in Mt. Kame (亀山) at an altitude of approximately 249m in the Ono Basin (大野盆地). In 2017, it was named as one of the ‘Top 100 Japanese Castle’ (続日本の100名城). Though the current castle tower was rebuilt in 1968, you will be able to feel its history while appreciating the items left by successive castle owners. From the main castle tower, you can overlook the Hakusan Mountains (白山連峰) stretching towards north-east as well as the cityscape of Ono City called Sho-Kyoto (小京都, referring to a city look alike the landscape of Kyoto) in Hokuriku area. If you want to enjoy the breathtaking view of the castle appearing in the sea of ​​clouds, head to the foot of Minamide- Maru (南出丸) on the ruins of Inuyama Castle (犬山城) from dawn to 9AM on a day when the weather conditions are met. It is only about 1km west of “Echizen Ono Castle”, and you should wear comfortable shoes and an outfit since you need to walk up the mountain trail.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM (April to September) / 6:00AM – 4:00PM (October and November) Closed between December and the end of March
Admission	300 yen
Address	3-109 Shiromachi, Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 13-minute walk from Ono Ginza Bus Stop
URL	https://www.onocastle.net/en/about/

A picture-like scenery of the garden and the castle through a Shoji door at “Buke Yashiki Former Uchiyama Residence”

Another visit-worth spot to feel the rich history of the area is a residence of a Samurai family. “Uchiyama Residence” (内山家) is known for Ryokyu (良休) and Ryusuke (隆佐) brothers who greatly contributed to the financial reconstruction of the Ono Domain (大野藩) at the end of the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). The family’s residence, consisted of the main building built in the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912) and the annex built in the Taisho Period (1912 – 1926), was rebuilt in 1992 and is now named as a National Cultural Property. One of the highlights of it is the ‘Shiromi Shoji’ (城見障子, a Shoji is a traditional sliding door made with wood and paper) installed in the annex. The unique design allows you to see the scenery of the Sukiya-style (数寄屋風) garden as well as Echizen Ono Castle through the Shoji up until 3rd of November. Moreover, if you visit between 1PM and 3PM on weekends and holidays in October, you can participate in the tea ceremony held in the residence. Fulfill your mind with a cup of Matcha while gazing at the beautiful scenery away from the hustle and bustle.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 4:00PM on weekdays / 9:00AM – 5:00PM on Sunday and national holidays Closed from 27th December until 4th January
Admission	300 yen / 400 yen for tea ceremony
Address	10-7 Shiromachi, Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 4-minute walk from Ono Ginza Bus Stop
URL	https://www.ono-kankou.jp/tourism/detail.php?cd=23

“EDISON CAFE” offering ‘Rice Ball’ made from locally harvested rice

When you get hungry, “EDISON CAFE” in the castle town is the place to go. Though the building is literally a retro wooden house, the interior with white plaster walls, filament light bulbs, and soft-colored solid wood leaves a cozy atmosphere. During the cold winter, the wood-burning stove in the back attracts many people in search of its warmth. ‘Rice Ball’ (おにぎり) made from organically grown home-polished rice are the cafe’s signature. Several ingredients including Heshiko (へしこ), the area’s pickled fish are available for your choice. Enjoying the rice balls together with ‘Miso Soup’ (お味噌汁), and you’ll make yourself like at home with the gentle flavor of the dishes. Take-away is also available.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 5:00PM / Closed on Thursday and Sunday
Address	5-20 Motomachi, Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute walk from Ono Ginza Bus Stop
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/fukui/A1804/A180402/18006676/