Shrouded by a sea of clouds, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle appears to float in the sky in Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, on Nov. 8. (Nobuhiro Shirai and Jun Ueda)

Photo/Illutration Clouds form natural walls around Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, on Nov. 8. (Jun Ueda)

TAKAHASHI, Okayama Prefecture--Bitchu Matsuyama Castle here is transformed into a dreamlike “castle in the sky” this season, as thick clouds appear to form natural walls around the fortress.

On the morning of Nov. 8, as dawn broke over the city, a sea of clouds rose around the castle, at times reaching as high as the main keep.

According to city officials, this rare phenomenon can be seen from autumn to winter, as the temperatures shift and the basin surrounding the castle create ideal conditions for the wonderous sea of clouds to form.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only mountain castle in Japan that still retains its original “donjon,” or main keep, built before the Edo Period (1603-1867).

As the autumn leaves continue to change color, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the colorful foliage amid the clouds.

The sea of clouds is expected to last through early December, city officials said.

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