
Echizen-Ono Castle Ono City
A reconstructed 16th-century stone castle famous for appearing to float above clouds during foggy mornings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the 'Castle in the Sky' effect

Echizen-Ono Castle Ono City
Best Time
For the 'Castle in the Sky' effect

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A reconstructed 16th-century stone castle famous for appearing to float above clouds during foggy mornings.
"Witness the magical 'Castle in the Sky' phenomenon and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views."

🎯 Catch the Foggy Mornings
Aim for early mornings from late autumn to spring for the best chance of seeing the 'Castle in the Sky'.
👟 Comfortable Shoes for the Climb
Be prepared for over 200 steps to reach the castle. Sturdy footwear is a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Castle in the Sky' Phenomenon
Above Ono City
Witness the castle seemingly float above a sea of clouds on foggy mornings. A truly magical sight!

Panoramic Views from the Castle
Castle Summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Ono City and the surrounding landscape from the castle's vantage point.

Reflections in the Pond
Castle Grounds
Capture the castle's majestic reflection in the tranquil pond, especially beautiful with koi fish swimming.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the 'Castle in the Sky'
Prepare for the Climb and Interior Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Foggy Mornings
Aim for early mornings from late autumn to spring for the best chance of seeing the 'Castle in the Sky'.
👟 Comfortable Shoes for the Climb
Be prepared for over 200 steps to reach the castle. Sturdy footwear is a must!
🎫 Interior Museum Fee
There's a small admission fee to explore the castle's interior museum.
📸 Pond Reflections
Don't miss the stunning castle reflections in the pond, especially with the koi.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Foggy Mornings
Aim for early mornings from late autumn to spring for the best chance of seeing the 'Castle in the Sky'.
👟 Comfortable Shoes for the Climb
Be prepared for over 200 steps to reach the castle. Sturdy footwear is a must!
🎫 Interior Museum Fee
There's a small admission fee to explore the castle's interior museum.
📸 Pond Reflections
Don't miss the stunning castle reflections in the pond, especially with the koi.
🏙️ Charming Town Setting
The castle is in a charming town that some compare to a 'little Kyoto'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Echizen-Ono Castle is praised for its stunning 'Castle in the Sky' phenomenon and the panoramic views from its summit. Visitors appreciate its picturesque setting and the charming town it resides in. However, some find the interior museum to be a bit basic, and the climb can be challenging for some.
"A cool rebuild of a castle
It looks great from the outside and it's pretty center of oono so that's cool as it's ready to get there. The park around it was beautiful in autumn. As usual in Japan, the castle is rebuild. The inside is a museum but it's a bit of a shame that they did not try to redo the rings in the old style, too."
Siemon Slewenski
"It was pretty much snowed in but I had to take a look regardless it was worth it, even through climbing those steps in 10 inch snow wasn’t easy!"
CHRIS CHEN
"Such a unique place in the middle of a young town of Ono. 360° views from the castle are stunning. We were too late for the tour but the castle building itself is quite impressive. It has a pond full of coy fish and the reflection of castle in the pond is beautiful. Recommend if you're nearby."
Raj Arya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Echizen-Ono Castle is located in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. You can reach Ono City by train, often involving transfers from major hubs like Kyoto or Kanazawa. From Ono Station, the castle is a short taxi ride or a moderate walk, though be prepared for the uphill climb to the castle itself.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the base of the castle. This is convenient if you are traveling by car.
Yes, it's possible to visit Echizen-Ono Castle as a day trip, especially if you are staying in nearby cities like Kanazawa. Plan your transportation carefully to maximize your time.
Ono City is best explored on foot once you are near the castle, but consider local buses or taxis for longer distances. The town itself is described as charming and reminiscent of a 'little Kyoto'.
While not directly at the castle, the surrounding region offers scenic train rides. Some visitors have noted vending machines in unique locations, adding a quirky element to exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small admission fee to enter the interior of Echizen-Ono Castle, which houses a museum. The exact price can vary, so it's best to check on-site.
The castle's interior museum typically has specific opening hours, often from morning to late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourism information for the most current hours, especially as they can change seasonally.
Advance booking is generally not required for Echizen-Ono Castle. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site upon arrival.
The climb to the castle involves over 200 steps, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues. The interior museum may also have limited accessibility.
While the interior museum requires a fee, you can often explore the castle grounds and enjoy the exterior views without paying. However, the full experience, including the museum, requires admission.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
For the iconic 'Castle in the Sky' photos, early mornings during foggy conditions are unparalleled. For general scenic shots, sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light, and autumn foliage provides a vibrant backdrop.
The most popular viewpoints are from below, capturing the castle seemingly floating above the fog, and from the castle's summit for panoramic views. The pond on the grounds also offers beautiful reflection shots.
This phenomenon occurs when a thick fog settles over Ono City, making Echizen-Ono Castle appear to float above the clouds. It's most common on foggy mornings from late autumn through spring.
The castle's interior has been updated with new photo spots as of March 2023, offering visitors opportunities for unique shots within the museum.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the 'Castle in the Sky' effect. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the castle or distant landscapes. Don't forget a tripod for low-light foggy conditions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The interior of Echizen-Ono Castle functions as a museum, showcasing historical artifacts and information about the castle's past. Recent updates have added new photo spots.
Allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit. This includes the climb up the steps, exploring the interior museum, and taking in the views from the top.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the castle. Information about cafes or dining options directly at the castle is limited; it's best to check local Ono City offerings.
The terrain involves a significant uphill climb with over 200 stone steps to reach the castle. The surrounding park area is generally well-maintained.
Children may enjoy the castle's historical aspect and the climb, but the steep steps require supervision. The museum exhibits might be more engaging for older children.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the 'Castle in the Sky'
To maximize your chances, monitor local weather forecasts closely. Early mornings are crucial, as the fog is often densest then. While the phenomenon is unpredictable, the anticipation and the potential reward make the early wake-up call worthwhile. Even without the fog, the castle's setting is picturesque, but the 'Castle in the Sky' experience elevates it to an unforgettable level.
Exploring the Castle and Its Surroundings
Beyond the castle walls, the grounds offer further points of interest. A pond on the premises provides a beautiful reflective surface for the castle, creating a picturesque scene, especially with the resident koi fish. The town of Ono itself is described as charming, with some likening it to a 'little Kyoto,' suggesting a pleasant atmosphere for exploration. The park surrounding the castle is particularly beautiful during the autumn season.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit