November–FebruaryTakachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura)
Kyushu ・ Takachiho
Usually mid-November to early February the following year (dates differ by village)
Cherry Blossoms · Kyushu
Oka Castle Ruins
Taketa, OitaCastle🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
Overview
Overview
Oka Castle Ruins, with tall stone walls still standing atop sheer cliffs, are known as the setting for Rentaro Taki’s famous song “Kojo no Tsuki” (The Moon over the Ruined Castle). Listed among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, it offers views of stone walls and cherry blossoms together in spring.
- Address
- 2889 Taketa, Taketa, Oita 878-0013
- Closed
- Dec 31–Jan 3
- Time needed
- About 1–1.5 hours
Area weather
TakachihoWeather and what to wear in Takachiho →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually late March to early April
February
March
April
May
The Oka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in early April. The program may change depending on the weather, so check the Oka Castle Ruins official website
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
About 400 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino, yamazakura and Botan-zakura, bloom alongside the towering stone walls. At the Oka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in early April every year, a feudal lord’s procession and a procession of warriors in armor bring the castle ruins to life.
📷 Best views
Around the Honmaru ruins
Look out over the blossoms and the surrounding mountains from atop the high stone walls
Castle path along the stone walls
Stone walls and cherry blossoms together
Hours
Opening hours
Oka Castle Ruins9:00–17:00
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Admission (high school age and up)¥300
¥200 for groups of 20 or more
Admission (elementary and junior high school students)¥150
¥100 for groups of 20 or more
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The castle ruins are large, with many slopes and stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes
- ✓Check the visitor guidelines (“Requests for Visitors”) on the Oka Castle Ruins official website before your visit
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Bungo-Taketa Station (JR Hohi Main Line)Take a bus toward Ogata or Mie, about 5 min, and get off at “Okajo Iriguchi”
- By car & traffic restrictions
- Parking available
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The day of the Oka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival and weekends at peak bloom
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Normals at nearby Takachiho (AMeDAS): March high 14.9°C, low 2.7°C; April high 20.0°C, low 7.1°C (JMA)
- What to wear & bring
- It’s in the mountains and mornings and evenings get cold, so bring a heavy jacket
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Oka Castle RuinsPR
PR7.1トラベルイン吉富
Check rates on Agoda37 reviews1.1 km from center
PR6.0ホテル岩城屋
★★Check rates on Agoda42 reviews2.3 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Takachiho
November–FebruaryCherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu
Castle
CastleFukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Avenue & old town
CastlePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
