Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Japan

Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Japan

Fukuoka Castle is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, which is on Kyushu Island, Japan. Built in 17th century by Nagamasa Kuroda, the foremost daimyo (feudal lord) of Chikuzen, Fukuoka Castle now exists in the glory of its ruins. The only affirmation to the erstwhile magnificence of Fukuoka Castle comes in the form of a solitary Tamon Turret and Otemon gate. In ruins or not, Fukuoka Castle provides a breathtakingly beautiful view of the city.

History states that Nagamasa Kuroda was, as a fitting recognition for his bravery in the Battle of Sekigahara, rewarded with lands which included the modern Fukuoka. In 1601, the same year he arrived in Fukuoka, Nagamasa started constructing the castle. When completed, Fukuoka Castle was the largest in the island of Kyushu. It is said that the castle had over 47 yagura - which are storehouses used to store weapons and food. It is difficult to ascertain whether a donjon or a fortified tower was ever a feature of Fukuoka Castle; though there are several hints which point at something which resembles a foundation for it, but no donjon exists to corroborate them.

Noguchi Kazushige, who is credited to have worked on Osaka and Edo Castles, carried out the task of building the stone walls of the castle. The castle is said to have caught the imagination of the legendary Kato Kiyomasa, who called it The Stone Castle.

The best time to visit the Fukuoka Castle is on a moon bathe night, when lines of cheery trees, urged by the gentle winds seem to sing in unison of the glory that once belonged to the castle.

The premises of Fukuoka Castle are now home to the famous Maizuru Park, which lies ensconced between the castle walls and the moat.

Reaching Fukuoka

By Air

Fukuoka airport receives flights from all the important cities of Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

By Train

Sunrise Izumo or Sunrise Seto, which starts from Tokyo, takes little less than 12 hours to reach Fukuoka. There is Sanyo Shinkansen which runs along cities like Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kitakyushu before stopping at Fukuoka.

By Bus

There are several overnight bus services to Fukuoka from different parts of the country. The Kyoto, which runs overnight from Kyoto to Fukuoka takes little less than ten hours.The Moonlight, also an overnight bus, completes the journey between Osaka Umeda to Fukuoka in the same duration.

Reaching Fukuoka Castle

The castle may be conveniently reached by bus or metro. By bus the suitable stops are Otemon or Heiwada stops and by metro the station is Ohorikoen Station.

Hotels in Fukuoka

Some of the hotels where the visitors to Fukuoka Castle may lodge in are:
- Ana Hotel Hakata
- Comfort Hotel Hakata
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel
- Maruko Inn

Those intent on visiting Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Japan are advised to time their visits in the manner that they coincide with the colorful festivals of Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamagasa.

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