Obi Castle

Obi Castle is a 17th-century fortification in the city of Nichinan on the southern coast of Kyushu. It consists of reconstructed gates and watchtowers that stand behind tall stone ramparts, while the interior houses exhibition rooms displaying armor, swords, and domestic objects from the feudal period.

The fortress was established at the start of the 17th century as the seat of the Ito clan, who controlled trade routes across southern Kyushu. It suffered fires and underwent several rebuilds before the main structures were reconstructed in the late 1970s following historical plans.

The town below the fortress earned the nickname Little Kyoto of Kyushu, as its streets recall the layout of the ancient capital. Visitors walk through a preserved samurai quarter where family workshops still produce local specialties such as handmade sweets and dried fish prepared using centuries-old methods.

The museum opens daily between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, with guided tours in Japanese explaining the construction of gates and ramparts. The climb to the grounds follows paved paths and stairs, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water during warm weather.

The inner courtyard shelters a cedar forest planted over 140 years ago, its floor carpeted with a thick layer of moss that stays cool and damp even in strong heat. This green mat softens footsteps and gives the compound a quiet, almost fairy-tale appearance.