Kurume Castle

Kurume Castle sits on Sasayama Hill above the Chikugo River and features stone walls with remaining foundations made from local materials. The site contains several layers of ramparts and fortified bases that show the typical layout of a Japanese castle complex.

Kobayakawa Hidekane built this fortress in 1587 to serve as a command center for the region. It was torn down in 1871 during the Meiji Restoration, when many old castles across Japan met the same fate.

The castle displays traditional Japanese fortification methods through its stone walls and ramparts that visitors can observe directly. These defensive structures reveal how people constructed protection systems and organized military spaces during that period.

The site is open without ropes or guide barriers, allowing visitors to touch and explore the stone walls and structures directly. Wear good footwear when you visit, since the hillside becomes steep and rocky in places.

The main bailey once held seven interconnected watchtowers, with the three-tiered Tatsumi-yagura being the largest defensive structure on the grounds. The Inui Gate was later moved to Nichirinji Temple, where it still stands today.

Location: Kurume

Inception: 16 century

Part of: Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles

GPS coordinates: 33.32815,130.50780

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29