Kurume Castle Ruins & Sasayama Shrine

Built on a hill along the Chikugo River, Kurume Castle was the residence of the Arima clan, who ruled the Kurume Domain for about 250 years during the Edo period. Today, the remaining stone walls and inner moat of the main keep offer a glimpse into the castle’s former grandeur.

The castle's strategic vantage with Chikugo River on the west and north and marshland to the east made this a fast safepoint for feudal lords such as Mori Hidekane and Tanaka Yoshimasa during the Sengoku period. With the era of Arima Toyouji came major renovations after his appointment to lord of five districts in Chikugo. At its peak, the castle grounds extended as far as where Kurume University Hospital and Kurume City Hall now stand.

Today, the site is home to Sasayama Shrine, which enshrines Arima Toyouji and Arima Yorimochi, the seventh lord of the domain. The Arima Memorial Museum, located on the grounds, showcases armor, crafts, and other artifacts related to the Arima family. From late March to early April, about 50 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura—bloom around the moat, making the area a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.