Aya Castle

Reconstructed mountain fortress set within one of Japan's largest remaining tracts of evergreen broadleaf forest in Miyazaki Prefecture. The current reconstruction faithfully recreates the original watchtower design, and the top floor offers commanding views over the forest canopy and the Aya River gorge below. To reach the castle, you cross the Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan, which sways gently 142 meters above the forest floor. The combination of the bridge crossing, the wild forest setting, and the castle perched on the hilltop makes for a dramatic half-day outing.