Fukuoka Castle

Fukuoka Castle, located on the highland in the center of Fukuoka City, was built by Kuroda Nagimasa, a military commander and feudal lord in Japanese history, over seven years starting from the sixth of Keicho -1601. The castle was once very large, but only some ruins have been left till today due to wars and many other reasons.

Currently, the preserved ruins mainly include the Tenshudai - the base of Main Keep,Tamon-Yagura Turret, Ushio Yagura, Inori Yagura, and Shimonobashi Omon Gate; and Maizuru Park was built on these ruins to better protect them. Visitors can climb to the Tenshudai to overlook the entire Fukuoka Castle and Fukuoka City. Every March to April in spring, this place is a great destination for cherry blossom viewing.

History of the Fukuoka Castle

In the fifth year of Keicho - 1600, after the Battle of Sekigahara, Kuroda Nagimasa was awarded the territory of Chikuzen Province for his military achievements. He began construction of a new castle in the second year, naming it Fukuoka, which was the name of his hometown. It was completed in 1607. In the sixth year of the Meiji period (1873), after the implementation of the castle abolition order, many historical structures in Fukuoka Castle were dismantled and relocated to other sites. In Showa 32 (1957), the ruins of Fukuoka Castle were designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. 

Initial Structure of the Fukuoka Castle

1. Main Keep (Tenshukaku) - The main construction located at the highest point of the castle. Currently, only its base, Tenshudai has been preserved.
2. The Honmaru - Central part of the castle, where the castle lord resided and conducted official business.
3. The Ninomaru - The secondary defensive area surrounding the Honmaru.
4. The Sannonmaru - The outer defensive area of the castle.
5. Forty-seven Yaguras - Gate towers or watchtowers in the castle.

What can You See in Fukuoka Castle 

1. Tenshudai - Base of the Main Keep

After the former Main Keep was demolished, a spacious observation deck was built in its base- Tenshudai. Visitors can come to the Tenshudai through the stairs and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Fukuoka Castle ruins and the Fukuoka City.

2. Tamon-Yagura Turret - Watchtower

Tamon-Yagura Turret stands proudly atop a soaring stone wall in the south of the Fukuoka Castle. As a watchtower, it could detect and attack enemies. And its sturdy structure could also withstand enemies’ attacks. Currently, Tamon-Yagura Turret is the best-preserved yagura in the castle and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can learn about the construction techniques and defense strategies of ancient Japanese castles through it. 

3. Fukuoka Castle Exploration Museum

Although the original appearance of Fukuoka Castle is no longer visible, the Fukuoka Castle Exploration Museum provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into its past grandeur through computer graphics technology and a scaled-down model of Fukuoka Castle.

4. Kourokan-ato Tenjikan

The Kourokan-ato Tenjikan, built during the Heian period (794 - 1185), was a reception hall for diplomacy. For approximately 400 years after its completion, it welcomed the China envoy groups and the Korean envoy groups and was an important place for Japan’s ancient foreign exchanges. In the old days, the reception hall like Kourokan-ato Tenjikan was set up in three places: Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Among them, the Kourokan-ato Tenjikan is the only confirmed and restored site. It displayed ceramics from China and Korea, Persian glassware, and other artifacts, showing the ancient trade and cultural exchanges between Japan and other regions.

Best Time to Visit Fukuoka Castle

Late March to early April is the best time to visit Fukuoka Castle Ruins when over 1,000 cherry blossom trees bloom around. The Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted during that time, which boasts tasty snacks and lively parades.

Except for this period, several other times are preferred by visitors. In late April, the wisteria blossoms, and a large number of beautiful wisteria flowers form a sea of purple flowers. From January to March each year is the time for plum blossoms to bloom in Maizuru Park. There are more than 300 plum trees planted here, making it a good place to enjoy plum blossoms.

Visit Tips:

1. Visitors who plan to visit in summer are advised to wear long pants, as there are plenty of mosquitoes during this season.
2.  At the Kourokan-ato Tenjikan Service Center, there are some shops to rent kimono - traditional Japanese costumes. Tourists can wear kimono to take some unique and memorable photos.

Ticket 

It’s free to visit Fukuoka Castle.

Opening Time

9:00-17:00 all year around.

How to Get to Fukuoka Castle 

By Metro - Airport Line

Exit from Gate 5 of Ohori Park Station, walk for about 300 meters (330 yards) to the east, turn right, and walk for more than 100 meters (110 yards) to reach Maizuru Park, and then follow the guidance in the park to arrive.

Exit from Gate 2 of Akasaka Station, walk for about 300 meters to the west, turn left to reach Maizuru Park and follow the guidance in the park to arrive.

By Nishi-Testu Bus

Get off at the Fukuoka Art Museum East Entrance Station, walk for about 200 meters (220 yards) to the north to enter Maizuru Park, and then follow the guidance in the park to arrive.

Get off at Heiwadai Station, walk east for 50 meters, turn right and walk for about 250 meters (275 yards), then turn right again and follow this road in the southwest direction to reach Maizuru Park.

Nearby Attraction

Ohori Park

Ohori Park is one of a few water parks in Japan and a wonderful place for people to relax. It also has the Fukuoka Art Museum, a Japanese garden, and Nohgaku Hall, where visitors can learn about Japanese Culture. Walking west from the Fukuoka Castles for about 10 minutes, visitors can reach Ohori Park.