Historical Park Kikuchi Castle

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Historical Park Kikuchi Castle

The castle was built by the Yamato Imperial Court and is now a national historic site.

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The Kikuchi Castle is an ancient Korean-style Ancient Mountain castle with a circumference of about 3.5 km built on the Yonabaru Platea.

At that time, the Yamato Imperial Court, which had sent reinforcements to Paekche (Kudara) but was defeated by the combined forces of Tang and Silla at the Battle of Hakusukinoe in Korea (663), was in danger of being invaded by Japan in reverse. Therefore, castles were built all over the country to protect Dazaifu, which ruled Kyushu, and it is thought that Kikuchi Castle functioned as a base to supply these castles with weapons, food, and soldiers.

The research on the site of Kikuchi Castle began in 1937. The remains of many buildings, including warehouses and barracks, as well as gates, earthen mounds, and reservoirs, have been discovered. Today, the octagonal drum tower, a rare octagonal structure "Hakkakukei Korou" that shows the influence of Paekche (Kudara), "Heisha" (barracks), and "Komegura" (rice storehouse) have been restored to remind visitors of the castle's original appearance.

Adjacent to the museum is the "Onko Sosei Kan," which tells the history of Kikuchi Castle in an easy-to-understand manner using excavated artifacts, panels, and videos. There is also a souvenir store, "Chojakan."

Highlights

  • It was an ancient mountain castle built by the Yamato Imperial Court in the late 7th century.
  • At the Onko Soseikan, you can learn about the castle by viewing excavated artifacts and videos.
  • The castle has been designated as a national historic site, and various buildings have been restored.

Photos

  • The 15.8-meter-high Hakkakukei Korou-octagonal tower is the symbol.

    The 15.8-meter-high Hakkakukei Korou-octagonal tower is the symbol.

  • The Haizuka Observatory offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

    The Haizuka Observatory offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

  • Choja-san Observation Square Rest Area, built using the same period architectural technique as Kikuchi Castle

    Choja-san Observation Square Rest Area, built using the same period architectural technique as Kikuchi Castle

  • The character "Korou-Kun" is based on a Sakimori (a soldier) sent to defend Kitakyushu.

    The character "Korou-Kun" is based on a Sakimori (a soldier) sent to defend Kitakyushu.

  • In the latter half of March, the "Tanikoshi Tohmi-zakura" cherry blossoms over the valley at the parking lot are at their best.

    In the latter half of March, the "Tanikoshi Tohmi-zakura" cherry blossoms over the valley at the parking lot are at their best.

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Details

Name in Japanese
歴史公園 鞠智城
Postal Code
861-0425
Address
443-1 Kikukamachiyonabaru, Yamaga City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0968-48-3178
Holiday
Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays
※Free to walk in the park.
Hours
9:30am-5:15pm (Admission allowed until 4:45pm)
Admission
Free
Direction
Take the Kumamoto Dentetsu bus from JR Kumamoto Station, get off at Kikuchi Plaza, and take a 5-minute cab ride.
Website
Official Website(English)