About
Aerial view of Fukuoka Castle ruins in Maizuru Park, showing the preserved stone walls and park layout
Maizuru Park is a comprehensive urban park built on the historic grounds of Fukuoka Castle (also known as Maizuru Castle), which was the largest castle on Kyushu during the Edo Period (1603-1868). 🔗 The park uniquely combines historical preservation with modern recreational facilities, creating a space where ancient heritage and contemporary life coexist in the heart of Fukuoka city.
The castle was constructed between 1601 and 1607 by Kuroda Nagamasa, who was appointed lord of the Chikuzen feudal domain for his support of Tokugawa Ieyasu during the battle of Sekigahara. 🔗 The Kuroda clan ruled from this strategic location for more than two centuries until the abolition of the feudal system in 1870.
Cultural & Religious Significance
Though most of the original structures were dismantled after the Meiji Restoration, the park preserves impressive stone walls, gates, and the historically significant Tamon-Yagura turret, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. 🔗 The Tamon-Yagura represents the only surviving Edo-period structure from the original 47 turrets, featuring a two-story corner tower connected to a 54-meter-long flat building. 🔗
Archaeological excavations in 1987 revealed the ruins of a Korokan, an ancient guest house for foreign diplomats from the Heian period (794-1185), proving Fukuoka's historical importance as Japan's diplomatic gateway to Asia. 🔗 This discovery makes Maizuru Park the only location in Japan where such diplomatic facilities have been positively identified, highlighting Fukuoka's 2,000-year history as an international gateway city.
Visiting Information
Hours: Park open 24 hours daily, year-round 🔗 Admission: Free entry to park grounds 🔗 Korokan Exhibition Hall: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily, closed New Year period, free admission 🔗 Fukuoka Castle Ruins Visitor Center: Free admission with exhibits, videos, and 1/400 scale model 🔗
Transportation:
- Subway: 8-minute walk from either Akasaka Station or Ohori-koen Station on the Airport Line 🔗
- From Itoshima Retreat House: Approximately 45 minutes by car via Route 202 and urban roads
- Parking: Three parking lots with 167 total spaces at 150 yen per hour 🔗
The Experience
The park features well-preserved original castle fortifications showcasing Edo-period construction techniques, including the Tamon-Yagura turret (National Important Cultural Property) and several reconstructed gates scattered throughout the grounds. 🔗 The Korokan Ruins Exhibition Hall displays archaeological finds including Chinese porcelain from 7th-11th centuries, restored accommodation chambers, and artifacts from Japan's only identified ancient diplomatic facility. 🔗
The natural features include 1,000 cherry trees with multiple varieties creating tunnel-like pathways during spring, plus 270 plum trees blooming late January to mid-February, followed by azaleas, peonies, and irises throughout spring. 🔗 The Tenshudai lookout area provides panoramic views across both Maizuru and Ohori Parks. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Timing for October 31 - November 1 Visit: Early autumn colors beginning to appear; peak foliage occurs mid to late November. 🔗 Pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration, comfortable for 2-3 hour visits. Moderate visitor numbers outside peak cherry blossom and peak autumn seasons.
Photography Strategy: Stone walls particularly photogenic during sunrise and sunset lighting. Golden hour lighting enhances castle stone walls; morning visits offer softer light for historical structures. Capture early autumn colors of ginkgo and maple trees against historic stone walls.
Optimal Visit Order: Start at Visitor Center first for context, then explore grounds, finish at Korokan Exhibition Hall. Begin visit at 9:00 AM when facilities open to avoid crowds and enjoy morning light. Wear comfortable shoes for stone pathways and varied terrain across 38.2-acre site. 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/fukuoka/maizuru-park.md