Maruoka-jo Castle

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Maruoka-jo Castle

In spring, approximately 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory, and visitors can enjoy the collaboration with the richly ancient existing castle tower.

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In 1576, during the Warring States period, Katsuie Shibata had his nephew and adopted son, Katsutoyo, build this castle under the order of Nobunaga Oda. In the Edo period (1603-1867), Honda Narishige became the castle's lord, and the Maruoka clan was established. After that, the Arima clan was given the land and ruled the domain for eight generations. It is one of Japan's oldest existing castle towers and is designated as a national important cultural property.

It was built in the Kan'ei era (1624-1644) of the Edo period (1603-1868) and is a two-story, three-story, 12-meter-high freestanding watchtower style keep with a stone wall called "nozura-zumi," which is excellent for drainage, and a stone-tile roof, the only existing keep with such a feature. The entire first floor is used to support the upper floors. The "stone pit" and the "narrow passage" (bunghole) to protect the castle from outside enemies are also highlights of the castle. Inside the castle, there is a steep staircase with a maximum angle of 67 degrees, which is rare in Japan, and visitors can go up to the top floor to see every corner of the interior. The view from the ceiling room on the highest floor of the keep is superb. The view to the west is as far as the Sakai Plain and the hills of Mikuni.

Highlights

  • Luggage storage service (returnable coin lockers) is available.
  • The ticket to Maruoka Castle allows you to enter the nearby facility, "The Museum of the Shortest Letter in Japan."

Photos

  • A two-story, three-story freestanding watchtower keep with stone tiles

    A two-story, three-story freestanding watchtower keep with stone tiles

  • Room with a ceiling on the highest floor of the keep with a spectacular view from the window

    Room with a ceiling on the highest floor of the keep with a spectacular view from the window

  • Steep stairs peculiar to the castle are equipped with ropes

    Steep stairs peculiar to the castle are equipped with ropes

  • The entire roof is made of stone tiles weighing 120 tonnes

    The entire roof is made of stone tiles weighing 120 tonnes

  • The stonewalls supporting the castle tower are made of fieldstone masonry

    The stonewalls supporting the castle tower are made of fieldstone masonry

Reviews

1
  • Tulsa Tea

    作為日本12天守當中最古老的城堡,也已經被列為日本的國寶,整個架構都是木質材料古意盎然,一直保存到現在實在不容易,樓梯很陡峭需要拉著繩索攀爬上去實在驚險萬分。

Details

Name in Japanese
丸岡城
Postal Code
910-0231
Address
1-59 Maruokachokasumicho, Sakai City, Fukui
Telephone
0776-66-0303
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
8:30am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
Adults 450 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
Directions
Take a local bus from JR Ashiharaonsen Station, get off at Maruoka Castle, and walk shortly.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)