Fukuoka Castle

Fukuoka Castle is a historic fortification within Jōnai in Ōhori Park, Japan, that stands on Fukusaki hill and was partly built with wooden structures. The site uses the Naka River as a natural moat along its eastern edge.

Building work started in 1601 under Kuroda Nagamasa and created the largest castle complex in the Kyushu region spanning 47,000 square meters. Excavations in 1987 uncovered a korokan, an ancient diplomatic guesthouse from the Heian period.

The name Fukuoka itself comes from the castle, as the city was named after the merger of two settlements at the base of the site. Today locals visit the hill especially in spring when hundreds of cherry trees bloom and picnics take place under the branches.

The grounds remain open throughout the year without entrance fees, except during special seasonal illumination events. Paths on the hill rise steeply in parts, so sturdy footwear makes exploring easier.

Beneath the castle hill lies the only known korokan, a diplomatic residence for foreign envoys from the 9th century. This building lay hidden under the foundations of the later fortress and only came to light during modern excavations.

Location: Jōnai

Location: Ōhori Park

Inception: 1601

Founders: Kuroda Nagamasa, Noguchi Kazushige

Made from material: wood

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Address: 810-0043福岡市中央区城内1番1から1番205まで、5番2、7番、9番、12番及び18番2から18番6まで並びに810-0042赤坂一丁目1001番

Website: https://fukuokajyo.com

GPS coordinates: 33.58438,130.38310

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:45