The Phantom Castle Tower and 1,300 Years of History: A Complete Guide to Fukuoka Castle
For many years, it was widely believed that Fukuoka Castle never had a castle tower.
However, in December 2024, newly discovered documents overturned this long-held belief. Evidence emerged suggesting that a five-story black tower rivaling Himeji Castle may have once stood here, and excavation work has already begun.
From Edo-period turrets still standing today, to a turret restored in 2025, to an ancient guest house 900 years older than the castle itself—this guide introduces all the highlights of Fukuoka Castle, one of Japan’s most talked-about castles today.
Fukuoka Castle
Fukuoka Castle is a hilltop castle located in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. Built by the father-son duo Kuroda Kanbei and Nagamasa, it served as the residence of the 520,000-koku Chikuzen domain and is also known as Maizuru Castle. The site is designated as a National Historic Site and selected as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Castles.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Fukuoka Castle |
| Location | Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Hours | Castle ruins open 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | About 5 - minute walk from Akasaka Station or Ohori Park Station on the subway |
| 100 Castles Stamp | Mukashi Tanbokan, Korokan Ruins Museum, Sannomaru Square |
| Official Website | https://fukuokajyo.com/ |
The Only Survivor of 47 Turrets: The 400-Year-Old Tamon Yagura
Fukuoka Castle once boasted 47 turrets. Today, the Tamon Yagura is the only one that has remained in its original location for over 400 years since the castle was built.
Standing atop the high stone walls of Minamimaru, this turret complex consists of two two-story corner turrets connected by a 54-meter-long single-story turret. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1971.
The interior structure of the single-story turret is particularly noteworthy. Unlike typical tamon-yagura which feature one continuous space, Fukuoka Castle’s version is divided into 16 small rooms. Each room is equipped with stone-dropping openings and gun ports, designed with siege warfare in mind. The current single-story turret was rebuilt between 1853 and 1854 during the late Edo period.
Interior access is limited to special occasions like the spring cherry blossom festival, but the exterior can be viewed year-round. Looking up from the west side over the stone walls offers a powerful view of the turret jutting out dramatically.
Restored in 2025: The Shiomi Yagura Returns After 117 Years
In March 2025, a building returned to Fukuoka Castle after 117 years—the Shiomi Yagura turret, restored at the northwest corner of Sannomaru.
This turret originally served as a watchtower overlooking Hakata Bay, earning its name Shiomi meaning tide-watching. During the Meiji era, it was relocated to Sofukuji Temple, the Kuroda family’s ancestral temple, where it served as a Buddhist hall. In 1990, a ridge plaque discovered in the attic revealed its true identity.
The restoration utilized about 40% original Edo-period materials. After two years and approximately 400 million yen, the two-story wooden structure was brought back to life. Look closely at the pillars and beams, and you can spot the contrast between dark original timber and light new wood.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Closed | Mondays (or following weekday if Monday is a holiday) |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | First floor only |
| Guided Tours | Twice daily on weekends, holidays, and Wednesdays (limited to about 10 people) |
Panoramic Views from the Castle Tower Foundation and the Phantom Tower
The main bailey of Fukuoka Castle retains three tower foundations—large, medium, and small. The large tower foundation is now open as an observation deck, offering views of Fukuoka Tower, PayPay Dome, and Hakata Bay.
Did the Castle Tower Really Exist?
Did Fukuoka Castle ever have a castle tower?
This question has puzzled historians for years. Since no tower appears in Edo-period illustrations, the prevailing theory was that the Kuroda clan refrained from building one out of deference to the shogunate.
However, in December 2024, documents emerged that overturned this belief. Early Edo-period correspondence confirmed that a castle tower was indeed constructed.
Following this discovery, a Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce discussion group concluded that the tower did exist. The estimated structure was a five-story black tower rivaling Himeji Castle, reaching approximately 26 meters in height.
Excavation around the tower foundation began in April 2025. The 400-year-old mystery may soon be solved.
1,000 Cherry Trees and Castle Ruins Create Stunning Views: Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Fukuoka Castle is one of the prefecture’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots. The annual Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March to early April, drawing large crowds.
The castle grounds feature approximately 1,000 cherry trees of 19 varieties, primarily Somei Yoshino.
A must-see is Shimonohashi Gate. The striking contrast between cherry blossoms and castle walls makes it a popular photo spot.
Food trucks and festival stalls line the venue, allowing visitors to enjoy meals while viewing the blossoms. Usually restricted buildings like the Tamon Yagura interior may open for special viewing.
Illuminations and the Light Tower
After dark, the paid area features illuminated night cherry blossoms. The atmosphere transforms into something magical, quite different from daytime viewing.
Meanwhile, the tower foundation features the Light Tower—a temporary illuminated structure designed to evoke the castle tower. From a distance, the glowing tower appears to float above the grounds, creating a moving spectacle.
An Ancient Guest House Sleeping Underground: Korokan Ruins
Beneath Fukuoka Castle grounds lies ruins 900 years older than the castle itself—the Korokan.
Korokan functioned as a diplomatic center from the 7th to 11th centuries. It welcomed envoys from the continent and served as the departure point for Japanese missions to Tang China. Famous monks Kukai and Saicho both departed for China from here.
Today, the Korokan Ruins Museum offers free admission to view excavated remains and artifacts. It’s a rare site where 7th-century diplomatic facilities and a 17th-century castle overlap in the same location.
Learn Fukuoka Castle History: Mukashi Tanbokan Museum
Mukashi Tanbokan is a facility introducing the history of Fukuoka Castle.
The museum displays a 1:400 scale model of the castle and CG-reconstructed footage of what the castle tower may have looked like.
You can obtain the Japan 100 Fine Castles stamp and castle seal here. Admission is free, open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Kimono Experience Available: Sannomaru Square
Sannomaru Square, built on the former Maizuru Junior High School site, serves as the comprehensive visitor center for Fukuoka Castle and Korokan.
The on-site Mayu-no-Yakata offers kimono rentals, making it popular to stroll the castle grounds in traditional dress. There’s also a cafe, perfect for a rest stop during sightseeing.
The Japan 100 Fine Castles stamp is also available here. Admission is free, open from 9:00 to 17:00.
The Flower Demons Hate is the Kuroda Crest: Fukuoka Castle and Demon Slayer Connection
Wisteria, the flower demons hate in the popular anime Demon Slayer, connects to the Kuroda family crest Fuji-tomoe used by the builders of Fukuoka Castle.
When clan founder Kuroda Kanbei was imprisoned at Arioka Castle, the sight of wisteria from his cell is said to have given him hope to survive. This experience led the Kuroda clan to adopt the wisteria crest. The castle seal sold at Fukuoka Castle features this design.
Sannomaru Square once displayed a life-size panel of Demon Slayer protagonist Tanjiro Kamado to commemorate a film release, highlighting the deep connection between Fukuoka Castle and the anime.
Homangu Kamado Shrine, a popular Demon Slayer pilgrimage site, is about 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka Castle. During the Edo period, Homan Mountain ascetics performed prayers within Fukuoka Castle, creating historical ties between the two locations.
Consider visiting both Fukuoka Castle and Kamado Shrine together.
Relax at the Castle’s Outer Moat: Ohori Park
Ohori Park, spreading west of Fukuoka Castle, was created from the castle’s outer moat.
Originally an inlet of Hakata Bay called Kusagae, Kuroda Nagamasa incorporated it as the outer moat when building the castle. It became a public park in 1929 and was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2007.
The pond covers approximately 226,000 square meters, with a roughly 2-kilometer walking path around it. Enjoy strolling through nature or rent a boat for a relaxing time at this peaceful retreat.
The cherry blossoms here are also beautiful, making it worth visiting alongside Fukuoka Castle during spring.
A 400-Year Mystery in Motion: Visit Fukuoka Castle Now
The Edo-era Tamon Yagura, the Shiomi Yagura returned after 117 years, and ongoing discussions about tower reconstruction—Fukuoka Castle is where historical preservation and new discoveries unfold simultaneously, making it one of Japan’s most noteworthy castles today.
During the spring cherry blossom festival, the Light Tower appears alongside 1,000 cherry trees, creating magical night viewing. Rent a kimono at Sannomaru Square and stroll the castle grounds. After exploring, relax at adjacent Ohori Park.
Conditions at Fukuoka Castle are evolving with ongoing excavations. Check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Gaze over Fukuoka city from the tower foundation and imagine the castle tower that may have stood here 400 years ago. Experience this unique moment at Fukuoka Castle.
