The ruins of Fukuoka Castle, abandoned at the beginning of the Meiji Era in 1870, lie on a hill just to the east of Ohori Park.
If you’re after a primer to the castle and its history, stop by the Fukuoka Castle Visitor Center on the edge of Maizuru Park before venturing up the hill.
![Fukuoka Castle Visitor Center](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/fukuoka-castle-visitor-cener-770x578.jpg)
Construction of the castle began in 1600 by the powerful Kuroda clan and was completed by 1607. Despite having a central tower platform, there is argument over whether a central tower ever existed on the platform. The earliest known maps of the site from 1646 shows no tower. However, some argue that there was a tower, but it was quickly destroyed in deference to the Tokugawa Shogunate.
![Fukuoka Castle Front Entrance](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/fukuoka-castle-main-entrance-770x578.jpg)
Only a few gates, turrets and the stone foundations remain from the original castle. The Kinen Turret is a small building that remains on the northwest corner of the castle. It’s visible to the left as you ascend into the main part of the castle.
![Kinen Turret](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/fukuoka-castle-kinen-turret-770x578.jpg)
Continuing towards the center of the complex are the main tower foundations. Climbing to the top reveals a panoramic view of Fukuoka.
![](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/fukuoka-castle-view-770x578.jpg)
The largest single building is the Tamon Turret, a long building on the southwest corner of the complex that served a defensive purpose.
![Tamon Turret](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/fukuoka-castle-tamon-turret-770x578.jpg)
Slightly outside the castle grounds, to the north and to the northwest respectively stand two gates—the Shimohashi Omotemon gate and the Najima Mon gate.
![Najima Mon](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/20190531_124332-770x578.jpg)
Overall, you should allow about 90 minutes to 2 hours to explore the whole site. Note that the castle grounds are not accessible, so they aren’t recommended for anyone with mobility issues. There are a few entrances to the castle. Entry is free.
Check out our things to do in Fukuoka guide.
- 0.7 km from Ōhorikōen Station Kūkō Line (K6)
- 0.9 km from Akasaka Station Kūkō Line (K7)
- 0.9 km from Sakurazaka Station Nanakuma Line (N12)