Echizen Ono Castle

Kameyama (mountain) stands 249 m tall in Ono city. On top of the mountain, Echizen Ono Castle was constructed taking four years from around 1575. It burnt down once in 1775 and was rebuilt in 1795. Unfortunately, it was torn down once again and the present castle tower was rebuilt in 1968. The greatest feature of this castle is, above anything,a sea of clouds that can be seen only when certain conditions are met. The castle is surrounded by a sea of clouds and looks as if it is floating in the air. With this magnificent sight, it is also called “Castle in the sky” and attracts quite a few tourists from near and far. The castle town was designed to imitate Kyoto. The street runs from west to east in the center of the town, Shichigen Street maintains its appearance of the olden times.

(Source: 城とか陵墓とか)

View from the Castle Tower

The top floor of Ono Castle serves as an observation deck that has a great view of the town of Ono in the Ono Basin and the grand mountains in the background. Even if you can’t see the sea of clouds, this view is also worth seeing. Have a good look at the mountains that must have delighted the eyes of the lords of the castle.

(Source: リカーパークへようこそ！)

Exhibits in the Castle

There are exhibits of historic items, mainly the belongings of successive lords of Ono Castle, such as armor. The first lord of the castle was Kanamori Nagachika, who built not only Ono Castle but also Takayama Castle and Ogurayama Castle. Starting from him, Ono Castle switched between 19 lords. Enjoy thinking about the history looking at the precious items of each period.

(Source: TAUL`S CORRAL2)

Sea of Clouds

Sea of clouds has become synonymous with Ono Castle. This is because the castle seems to be separated from the town and floating up in the sky when covered with clouds. It is possible to see this only from autumn to spring and under specific conditions i.e. when there is high humidity and no winds. It only happens about 10 times a year. Inuyama in the west of Ono Castle is said to be the best place to see the sea of clouds. Try your luck!

(Source: ラピュタの会)

Oshozu: Spring Water that Successive Lords of Ono Castle Enjoyed

Ono is called “the town of exquisite water” since the old days for its abundant spring water. The spring water is still seen gushing out here and there in town even today. Especially the one at the eastern foot of Kameyama is so clean that it was used to cook dishes for the lord. Now that anyone can drink it for free, you should try some.

(Source: デジカメのいろいろ)

Shichigen Street: Castle Town of Echizen Ono Castle

The main street of the castle town of Ono Castle, Shichigen Street is a tasteful street lined with traditional merchants’ houses. It’s a good place for shopping with many souvenir shops and restaurants. The morning market starts at 7 every morning that sells fresh local fruits and vegetables. It is a famous sight in Ono.