Fukuoka Castle Ruins

These are the remains of a castle built in 1608 for Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of Fukuoka Domain. The construction took 7 years. It has been decreed a historic site by the Japanese government. It is also known as Maizuru Castle (castle of dancing cranes), because locals believe sometimes you can see cranes dancing here. There used to be towers of different shapes and sizes here. Currently, only few of them remain. The foundation of the castle tower is located higher than other components of the castle and is separated by a stone fence. The tower was used to detect and notify the rest of the castle about the enemy approaching. There is also a moat around the castle that served to fend off the enemies. Equisetum arvense, a plant designated as Important Natural Monument by the prefecture grows in the moat. Every spring 1000 cherry trees bloom here and the sakura festival is held.

There is also a facility called "Tanbokan" for those who wish to learn more about the castle’s history. You can see here old charts and maps, reproduced through computers. Together with local volunteer guides, you can participate in Fukuoka castle history tours and nature tours. There is no entrance fee but the tour price varies, depending on the tour.

Access

8 minutes from Akasaka Station or Ohori Koen Station. Bus: 9 minutes from "Hiwa dai", "Korokan-mae", "Jonai Bijutsukan Higashi-guchi", "Otemon" bus stops on Fukuoka Nishitetsu bus.