Referred to as the ‘Castle in the Sky’, Echizen Ono is a 20^th century reconstruction of the original structure dating from the 16^th century. Sitting on a hilltop around 250 metres above the ground, when the weather conditions are right, mist and fog lie on the surrounding plain, creating the illusion that he castle is floating in the clouds.Not to be mistaken with Hyogo’s Takeda Castle – Japan’s most famous Castle in the Sky – visiting Echizen Ono is well-worth it, especially if you get lucky and can witness the castle perform its morning trick and float in the clouds above.

For visitors hoping to see the castle floating in the sky, weather conditions from October to April are most advantageous, especially from dawn until around 09:00. November is considered the optimal. Weather conditions are perfect for producing clouds and fog in the morning, while the castle is still open to explore (keeping in mind that it will be closed to visitors through winter).