TAMBA, Hyogo — For a limited time, drone photography will be allowed at a west Japan site known as the “castle in the sky.”

The lofty Takeda Castle Ruins are located on top of a mountain in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture. For the safety of visitors and to protect the cultural property, photography by drone is banned except with special permission.

However, with growing requests from drone enthusiasts and others, a trial was held over 12 days while the mountain site was closed in February. The Asago City Tourism Association received positive feedback from the limited number of invited participants, such as “I’d like to visit again in another season,” and, “We could capture panoramic views of the magnificent mountain castle.”

Drones will be permitted on a reservation basis between 6 and 8 a.m., before the site opens to general visitors, on Thursdays between March 28 and May 30. Photographers will likely aim for scenes of the ruins amid cherry blossoms and fresh spring foliage.

Daily reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and priced at 60,000 yen (around $400) per slot of two hours per day. Up to two drone operators are permitted per slot, with non-operators also allowed to accompany them. Payment can be made using Japan’s “hometown tax” gift system with contributions of 200,000 yen (approx. $1,320). A viewing fee of 500 yen (about $3.30) per person is also charged. Applications are open via a special tourism association website at: https://va.apollon.nta.co.jp/takedacastle_drone3/ and inquiries (in Japanese) can be made through 079-668-9177.

(Japanese original by Yoshiko Yukinaga, Tamba Local Bureau)