A Free App Revives Takiyama Castle From The 16th Century In Virtual Reality

Takiyama Castle Ruins, which is a historical site from the Japanese Warring States Period of the 16th century located in Hachioji city, recently started a very interesting service. A free app was created and released where people can enjoy seeing revived structures of Takiyama Castle in a world of virtual reality with their smart-phones and tablets. 

The information boards interspersed on Takiyama Castle Ruins now has "AR markers" for the app. After opening the downloaded app, click the "AR" on the lower left corner of the display, then the guide app starts. When people bring their device closer to a "AR marker"on any information boards, they'll get the virtual view of the structures of Takiyama Castle at the spot as shown in the photos on upper row. 

With the app, plain fields in the castle ruins transform to forts and watchtowers, and paths reveal gates. The app also shows fighting Samurai soldiers. Although the audio guide of the app is all in Japanese, seeing the views of the 16th century is good enough fun to try. People can even take photos of the virtual views including themselves with the camera function.

Takiyama Castle Ruins has a nice atmosphere since the old times because the area is well shielded by dense woods and bamboos as you can see in the photo on the lower right corner. Now this app adds additional attractiveness to this historical spot!

To download the free app, click the link below!

http://hachioji-kankokyokai-hachiani.jp/takiyama_ar/app/