Kokura Castle

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Facts & Figures

Kokura Castle is a typical flatland castle located in the city Kitakyushu. The only remaining castle within the Fukuoka Prefecture is an impressive sight with its double and triple moats and the donjon (castle keep). The castle grounds are a must-see during the cherry blossom season. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most famous swordsman and ronin in the history of Japan, lived here as a guest of Ogasawara Tadazane in 1634.

• Kokura Castle:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (April till October)
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (November till March)
• Open - whole year
• Admission Fee - 350 yen (Adults), 150 yen (High school students), 100 yen (Elementary school students)

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History

Hosokawa Tadaoki (Japanese samurai warrior, 1563 - 1646) gave the order in 1602 to built Kokura Castle. The whole construction process took 6 years. From 1632 till 1860 the castle was owned by the Ogasawara clan. In 1866 the castle burned down during battles between the Kokura and Choshu clans. The main tower (donjon) was rebuilt in 1959 by using concrete. The architecture differs in some parts from the original Kokura Castle tower. The whole castle building complex was completely restored in 1991. In 1998 another milestone could be celebrated the opening of the Matsumoto Seicho Museum and castle garden.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Matsumoto Seicho Museum - dedicated to the works and life of author Matsumoto Seicho

Edo-period Shirasu lighthouse - wooden structure formerly located at the Kyushu coast

Modern folkloric museum within the castle keep - enjoy a lesson about the culture and history of the castle town Kokura

Kokura Castle Japanese Garden - relaxing place and especially beautiful during hanami (cherry blossom season)

Miyamoto Musashi memorial - marks the place where this famous swordsman has lived

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

July

Kokura Gion Taiko Festival (every night in July)
The festival is considered to be one of the top three Gion matsuri (known as "Gion of Drums") in Japan. Do not miss the absolute highlight of this festival the 3-day Taiko Tournament in front of Kokura Castle (held on third weekend of July). It starts with a huge parade and taiko groups compete with each other.