If you've read Harry Potter novels, you're probably familiar with the Durmstrang Institute, a school well hidden in the mountains where witches and wizards live. If such a school really existed, the Japanese Takeda Castle would be the perfect place for it. Those who are more in favor of domestic legends, would say that this is where Bash-Celik lives.
The spectacular castle, of which only ruins remain today, is located in the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. It was built in the 15th century on top of a mountain about 300 meters high. Takeda Castle is special because of the scene it makes during foggy autumn mornings, just after sunrise. Due to the sudden drop in temperature during the night, a thick circle of fog envelops the mountain at dawn so that it looks as if the castle is standing in the clouds. Because of its breathtaking beauty, Takedu is also called the Japanese Machu Picchu, comparing it to the ancient mountain ruins of Peru.
The castle is believed to have been built by the Japanese samurai Yamana in 1443. History says that after him Takeda changed several masters until 1600, when it belonged to Hirohide Akamatsu. Unfortunately, the warrior Hirohide committed a ritual suicide, after several years spent in the castle, and since then this place has been abandoned.
In order to save the location from complete destruction, the Japanese authorities charge 300 yen for visits to the castle, and it can be reached by a 40-minute hike. Most visitors come here in the fall to see the phenomenon of the "castle in the clouds", but many like to visit it during the cherry blossom season, which is abundant in the vicinity of the castle. The Japanese believe that the sakura cherry is a symbol of samurai life and signifies their short but glorious life.
Nature is relentlessly a very beautiful sight of a misty castle.