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Kokura Castle

福岡県

4.2

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Kokura's symbol known as a Tang-style castle

Kokura Castle is a famous castle built by Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki, and is characterized by its "Tang-style" castle tower. Visitors can enjoy a diorama that reproduces the castle town of Kokura with paper dolls, two tiger paintings that are said to be the largest in Japan, and an observation zone that overlooks the city of Kokura. Why not visit and experience the history of Kokura Castle during your trip?

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic HistoryRainny day

Highlights

Point 1

Experience History and Culture with Japanese Tea

画像引用：小倉城

Inside Kokura Castle, there are exhibits of armor and paintings from the Edo period, making it a fascinating spot for tourists interested in history and culture. The armor exhibit includes actual armor and swords used by samurai at the time, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history. The painting exhibit showcases art collected by the castle lord and feudal lord, as well as works depicting the customs of the time. Through these exhibits, you can catch a glimpse of Kokura Castle's history and the lifestyle of the time. Additionally, there is a tea room called "Shofu-kaku" inside Kokura Castle. Shofu-kaku is a rare tea room located inside the castle, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese tea while admiring the view of Kokura Castle. The architecture of the tea room itself is a wonderful example of traditional Japanese culture, and it's very popular among foreign tourists. The interior of Kokura Castle is equipped with modern exhibits, making it full of highlights for tourists. By touching the armor and paintings from the Edo period, you can deepen your understanding of history. Also, the time spent drinking Japanese tea in Shofu-kaku is a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture. When visiting Kokura Castle, be sure to enjoy these highlights!

Point 2

Experience the Charm of a National Important Cultural Property in a Beautiful Country

The stone walls of Kokura Castle have been designated as a National Important Cultural Property due to their beauty and structure, and are one of the main attractions that many tourists visit. The walls were built using natural stones from the surrounding area during the construction of the castle. The walls were stacked using a unique technique, which gives them an impressive sense of weight and beauty! In particular, the "nomamitsumi" technique was used for the stone walls of Kokura Castle. This technique involves stacking the stones without smoothing the surface, which highlights their natural beauty. Additionally, this technique makes the walls strong and able to withstand years of wind, rain, and earthquakes. The stone walls of Kokura Castle enhance the overall landscape of the castle and catch the eye of visitors as they walk around the castle grounds. The walls have various features that were designed to protect the castle, which showcases the impressive level of technology used at the time. For example, small stones were scattered in the gaps of the walls to prevent enemies from entering by making it difficult to walk. The stone walls of Kokura Castle are a crystallization of history and technology, and have impressed many tourists. When you visit, please take a closer look at the beauty and structure of the walls and feel the wisdom and technology of the people of the past.

Point 3

Enjoy an Experience Corner with Your Family

画像引用：小倉城

At Kokura Castle, you can learn about the history of the castle and the culture of the Kitakyushu region in the exhibition space inside the castle. The museum displays detailed information such as the history of Kokura Castle, the process of its construction, and how the lords and feudal lords lived at that time. In addition, numerous valuable cultural properties such as weapons, pottery, and paintings from each era are also collected and exhibited, making it a must-visit spot for history buffs! In Kokura Castle, various events are held in addition to the exhibits, and it is loved by tourists and local residents alike. In addition, an information center is also located in the castle, providing information on Kokura Castle and Kitakyushu's tourist attractions, gourmet information, and event information, making it very convenient for tourists. Kokura Castle is recommended not only for those interested in history and culture, but also for families and friends visiting for sightseeing. When you visit the castle, be sure to stop by!

Point 4

Enjoy the Spectacular View of 2,000 Cherry Blossom Trees in Spring

Joshi Park is a beautiful garden that spreads around Kokura Castle, where you can enjoy the nature of each season. The vast grounds are filled with lush trees and flowers, making it a place of relaxation for both locals and tourists. Additionally, Joshi Park is a spot where you can stroll while feeling the history of Kokura Castle, making it a recommended destination for history buffs. Benches and rest areas are also provided in the park, making it a great place to take a break or enjoy a picnic. In particular, Joshi Park is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring. The spectacular view of about 2,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom never fails to enchant visitors. During the peak season, families and friends gather to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and appreciate the beautiful cherry blossoms day and night. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a fantastic atmosphere, providing a different kind of beauty to enjoy. When visiting Kokura Castle and Joshi Park, be sure to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms in the spring. Joshi Park, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of each season, is definitely a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Kokura Castle.

Point 5

Enjoy Fantastic Scenery and Night Views

The keep of Kokura Castle is a popular tourist spot as the symbol of the castle. The keep is five stories high, with historical materials, ancient documents, and weapons on display on each floor, making it a must-see for tourists interested in history and culture. In addition, an elevator is installed inside the keep, so wheelchair users and the elderly can enjoy it with peace of mind! There is an observation deck on the top floor of the keep, where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Kitakyushu City. The view includes the city center, the port, and distant scenery such as the Kanmon Strait and the Suo-nada Sea, captivating visitors. From the observation deck, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the greenery in the castle park, which changes with the seasons. At night, Kokura Castle is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Especially during the cherry blossom season, the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the illuminated keep is beautiful, attracting many tourists and photographers to capture the scene. In summer, a fireworks festival is also held, with the illuminated castle and fireworks coloring the night sky, enchanting visitors. The keep of Kokura Castle and its observation deck are a spot with a variety of attractions, from historical exploration during the day to beautiful illuminated scenery at night. When you visit, be sure to enjoy the view from the observation deck and the illuminated night view!

Point 6

Soothed by the Warm Glow of Fantastical Lanterns

Kokura Castle's Bamboo Lantern Festival is a fantastical event held every summer that illuminates Kokura Castle. Various bamboo lanterns of different sizes are placed around the castle park and its surroundings, revealing their unique and charming qualities with their warm light at night. The lanterns are handmade by local volunteer groups and students, making each one unique and enjoyable for visitors. During the festival, various events and workshops are held, such as a lantern-making workshop using paper made from bamboo, live performances by local artists, and traditional performing arts, offering a variety of programs for families and friends to enjoy. Additionally, the castle and its tower are specially lit up during the festival, creating a fantastical atmosphere that is different from daytime. The sight of Kokura Castle illuminated by the bamboo lanterns is also a popular spot for photography among tourists. Kokura Castle's Bamboo Lantern Festival is an event that locals and tourists can enjoy together, and has become a summer tradition that adds color to the nights. When visiting Kokura Castle, be sure to enjoy this bamboo lantern event!

Access

Visit Kokura Castle, a Popular Tourist Destination

Access to Kokura Castle is very convenient, with various transportation options available. It takes about an hour and a half from Hakata Station to JR Kokura Station, and from there it's about a 15-minute walk to Kokura Castle, making its proximity to the station one of its major attractions. Kokura Station is a hub for many train lines, including the shinkansen, making it easy to access from Fukuoka City and other areas. The route from Kokura Station to the castle is flat and easy to walk, with shopping streets and cafes along the way, allowing you to stroll while heading to the castle. City buses are also available for accessing Kokura Castle. It takes about 15 minutes by bus from Kokura Station to the "Castle Inside" bus stop. From there, you can see Kokura Castle right away and arrive there in just a few minutes on foot. Tourist buses are also available, allowing you to visit surrounding tourist spots. From Kitakyushu Airport, you can take a bus to Kokura Station and then access Kokura Castle on foot or by bus. It takes about 35 minutes by non-stop "Airport Bus" from Kitakyushu Airport to Kokura Station. Access by car is also convenient, with several parking lots around Kokura Castle, making it easy for tourists and families from afar to visit with peace of mind. However, it's important to note that during tourist season or holidays, it can be crowded, so it's recommended to use public transportation. In general, access to Kokura Castle is easy through various means of transportation. As a popular tourist destination with high convenience and comfort for visitors, be sure to visit Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture!

Parking

Enjoy More of the Goodness with Convenient Parking

There are several parking lots around Kokura Castle, making it convenient for tourists who visit by car. The parking lots are paid and generally operate on a time-based system, where you pay according to your length of stay. The fees vary depending on the parking lot, but on average, it's around 200-300 yen per hour. Some parking lots also have a maximum daily fee, making it reasonable even for those who stay for a long time. The parking lots around Kokura Castle have different features depending on their size and location. Large parking lots can accommodate many cars, so even during peak tourist season or holidays, there is usually enough space. On the other hand, small parking lots are recommended for tourists who prioritize convenience, as they are located close to the castle. However, these parking lots have limited spaces and may become full during peak hours. It's recommended to check the parking lot information in advance, such as availability and fees, and consider arriving early or using public transportation during peak season or weekends. By using the parking lots around Kokura Castle, families and groups can visit with peace of mind. However, it's important to prepare in advance for peak hours and crowded situations.

Basic Information

	Address	2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 803-0813
	Business Hours	9:00～19:00
	TEL	093-561-1210
	Web Site	https://www.kokura-castle.jp/

Average Review

4.2

5 Reviews

1602年に細川忠興が築城。独特の「唐造り」の天守が特徴です。タワマンやリバーウォークなど近代的な建物に囲まれたお城の風景がなんとも独自。周辺には勝山公園やリバーウォーク北九州があり、観光や買い物にも便利です。天守内は歴史資料展示（1階）、体験コーナー（2階）、城下町の再現（3階）、展望フロア（5階）などがあり、城の歴史を楽しめます。最寄りはJR西小倉駅ですが、JR小倉駅から徒歩約15分でいけます。個人的には桜のシーズンが最もこのみです。

5階のフロアに分かれており､歴史やその背景を､展示や映像でわかりやすく、見せてくれます。天守閣に向かう参道、音楽の演出し、雰囲気、かなり頑張ってられるように感じました。エレベーターもありますが、ゆっくり歩いて、ゆっくり見るのをお勧めします。

庭園との共通券で¥560 朝9時の開館時にはちょっとしたパフォーマンスが見れます。最上階がカフェになっており城下を眺めながらコーヒーが飲めますが、柱が多くて周りを見渡せるって感じでもないです。展示物の他に流鏑馬体験や簡素な衣装で撮影ができるコーナーもあります。

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