Fukuoka Castle
Kyushu-Okinawa Region
Fukuoka Castle, located in Chūō-ku, Fukuoka, Japan, is a prominent Japanese castle also known as Maizuru Castle or Seki Castle. Completed in 1607 during the early Edo period for the tozama daimyō Kuroda Nagamasa, it was the largest castle in the Kyūshū region. The castle is situated atop Fukusaki hill, with the Naka River serving as a natural moat on its eastern side. It originally featured an impressive 47 yagura (towers) and extensive stone fortifications, earning the nickname "Stone Castle." Much of the original castle grounds have been transformed into Maizuru Park, which includes preserved gates, towers, and the Minamimaru Tamon Yagura, an Important Cultural Property. The site also contains remnants of the ancient korokan, a guesthouse for foreign diplomats, underscoring its historical significance as a strategic checkpoint since the Heian period. Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins, enjoy the park's natural beauty, and visit facilities such as the Fukuoka Castle Mukashi Tanboukan and the Korokan Ruins Exhibition Hall, which showcase the castle's rich history and cultural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Fukuoka Castle is during spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for colorful foliage. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets for museum facilities like the Mukashi Tanboukan in advance during peak seasons. The castle grounds are free to explore, and discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and students. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the hilly terrain and extensive park areas. Guided tours and informational signage enhance the visitor experience. Check the official website for event schedules and any temporary closures.
Interesting facts
- •Fukuoka Castle was the largest castle in the Kyūshū region, originally featuring 47 yagura (towers).
- •The castle grounds contain the only known remnants of a korokan, an ancient guesthouse for foreign diplomats in Japan.
- •The Minamimaru Tamon Yagura, completed in 1854, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
- •The castle's dry stone fortifications were highly praised by Katō Kiyomasa, a renowned general of the era.
- •Part of the castle's second main gate was destroyed by arson in 2000 and later reconstructed.
History
Fukuoka Castle was constructed between 1601 and 1607 under the direction of fortification expert Yoshitaka and stonemason Noguchi Kazunari, commissioned by Kuroda Nagamasa after his rewards following the Battle of Sekigahara.
It replaced Najima Castle as the administrative center due to its superior location for castle town development.
The castle was renamed from Fukusaki to Fukuoka to honor the Kuroda family's origins.
Throughout the Edo period, the castle underwent minor repairs and significant renovations during the Bakumatsu period.
Following the abolition of the han system in 1871, the castle was abandoned, and many structures were dismantled or relocated.
Restoration efforts in the 20th century, including the return of the Kinen Yagura, culminated in its designation as a National Historic Site in 1957.
Some gates and towers are preserved as cultural properties today.
Place Guide
Minamimaru Tamon Yagura1854
An original turret completed in 1854, recognized as an Important Cultural Property, showcasing Edo period defensive architecture.
Fukuoka Castle Mukashi Tanboukan
A museum facility featuring old maps and scale models that provide an immersive experience of Fukuoka Castle's history and architecture.
Korokan Ruins Exhibition Hall
Exhibition space displaying artifacts and information about the korokan, the ancient guesthouse for foreign diplomats discovered beneath the castle grounds.
Maizuru Park
The park encompassing the castle ruins, featuring preserved gates, towers, sports facilities, and natural landscapes that change with the seasons.
Contact
Phone: 092-732-4801