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Akizuki Castle Town

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Akizuki Castle Town

Soak up the atmosphere of the historic town of Akizuki amidst the beauty of autumn leaves

Fukuoka Prefecture

Akizuki Onsen Seiryuan, a quiet hot spring ryokan located in the charming castle town

A secret jewel in the heart of Kyushu, the 800-year-old castle town of Akizuki was the stronghold of the Akizuki and Kuroda clans during the height of their rule in the Chikuzen Province (modern day Fukuoka Prefecture). Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, Akizuki is dotted with the ruins of the former Akizuki Castle and covers an area of 58.6 hectares. With latticework on windows and doors, old samurai residences surrounded by clay moats, and mossed stonewalls decorating the streets, the place has been appropriately named “Chikuzen’s Little Kyoto.”

First built in 1203 for the Akizuki clan, Akizuki Castle was rebuilt in 1623 in accordance with feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa’s dying wishes, becaming the official residence of Kuroda feudal lords for successive generations until the end of the Edo period (1868). Akizuki Castle was a small, military camp-like castle. The Kuromon (“black”) Gate, which served as the castle’s Otemon (“main”) Gate, was moved to the entrance of Suiyo Shrine, and the rear gate, known as Nagayamon, is the only structure left standing in its original position.

Kosyoan, a Japanese-style cafe along Suginobaba-dori

Around the Kuromon Gate, there are about twenty maple trees that turn vibrant colors every autumn. The contrast between the autumn leaves and the black color of Kuromon is very beautiful, and the castle grounds are crowded with tourists every year. During the foliage season, Akizuki's main street, Suginobaba-dori, is lined with stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy autumn at its best.

How to get there

By public transport: From JR Hakata Station take the Kagoshima Main Line to Kiyama Station (25 minutes), then change to the Amagi Railway to Amagi Station (25 minutes). From Amagi Station, take any bus bound for Akizuki (20 minutes), get off at Kyodokan Mae bus stop and walk 7 minutes from there.
By car: 20 minutes from the Amagi Interchange off the Oita Expressway

Akizukinotori, Asakura-shi, Fukuoka-ken