The castle was built by Yoshitaka (Kanbei) Kuroda and his father Nagamasa over a seven-year period beginning in 1601. It is known as “Maizuru Castle,” the residence of the Kuroda clan of the Fukuoka domain, which reigned throughout the Edo period. The castle is one of the largest castles in the Kyushu region, and is said to have had large, medium, and small keeps, as well as 47 turrets.
The 480,000 square meters centering on the Hon-maru, Ni-no-maru, and San-no-Maru are designated as National Historic Site. The remaining structures include Tamon Yagura (a national important cultural property), Former Shiomi Yagura, Shimo-no-hashi Gate, Nagaya-mon Gate of the former Tahei Mori Residence (all three are prefectural-designated tangible cultural properties), and Najima Gate (a municipal-designated tangible cultural property). The main keep is used as an observation deck.
The area from Hon-maru to San-no-Maru has been developed as Maizuru Park, and the outer moat has been developed as Ohori Park. Ohori Park is a popular place for residents to relax and attracts runners and walkers. There are restaurants and cafes in the park, and boating on the moat is available. Known for its cherry blossoms, the park is beautiful with seasonal flowers and greenery all year round, making it a pleasant place to simply stroll.
The castle also houses "Korokan Ruins Museum," an exhibition hall that displays diplomatic and overseas trade during the Nara and Heian periods, and "Fukuoka Castle History Exploration Hall," where visitors can learn about Fukuoka Castle from various angles through old maps and models.
Highlights
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You can learn about Fukuoka’s history as if you were transported back 400 years.
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Ohori Park, with a circumference of about 2 km, is ideal for jogging and walking.
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Just having a cup of tea in the lush natural environment is also relaxing.
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There is also the “Korokan Ruins Museum” and the “Fukuoka Castle History Exploration Hall.”
