Japanese Castle guide in Japan castle Historical site Statue Introduction.

[Castle Name]
Fukuoka Castle
Nagamasa Fukuoka of the Kuroda family, Fukuoka Castle of the family of the 520,000 koku of Chikuzen in Chikuzen Province due to the achievement of Nagamasa Kuroda.

[Description]
Fukuoka Castle was the Hirayama Castle of the family of the Kuroda family in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The name Fukuoka was named after the place 「Fukuoka」 of Osafune town deep inside Okayama prefecture of the Kuroda family. Then the Kuroda family was forcefully relocated with increase from 12,000 koku in Buzen Province to 520,000 koku in Chikuzen Najima due to the achievements of 「Battle of Sekigahara」 which broke out in the 5th Year of Keishou Era (1600).

It is said that it was Nagasama, the eldest son of 「Kuroda Kanbei」 who participated in the Battle of Sekigahara. At this time Kanbei was in retirement, and was in Nakatsu castle, but it is said that was carrying out his scheme of conquering the whole of Kyushu in a sweep by taking advantage of the confusion from the Battle of Sekigahara to strike at the center.

However, the Battle of Sekigahara ended in victory of the eastern army led by Ieyasu Tokugawa which was settled in a day. Ieyasu sniffed out the conspiracy (ambition) which was the ulterior motive of Kanbei’s performance in Kyushu, so he completely ignored all of Kanbei’s achievements.

Meanwhile, Kuroda family who had been transferred to Chikuzen, initially had a base in Najima Castle, but the current land of Fukuoka Castle was selected in consideration of transportation and future reign and commenced fortification. Fukuoka Castle was constructed in a way where the outer citadel, the outermost region surrounded the main citadel, solid gates and turrets were built in abundant, and the turrets were built as yagura (a turret). Then the development of the castle town was vigorously undertaken, and the foundation which became the Fukuoka city of today was completed.

It is said that the Castle tower of the main citadel did not catch the eyes of the Shogunate, And the Kuroda family continued their reign throughout the Edo period, till they welcomed the Meiji Restoration. Many of the castles had been abolished and destroyed by the 「Haijo Rei」 ordinance which was issued in the Meiji period, but the current Fukuoka Castle Ruins was established as 「Maizuru Park」 and it became a place for people to relax, and the Fukuoka Castle was selected as the 85th of the 100 famous Japanese Castles.

[Address,access]
Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, Chuo-ku Castle inside

[Map]