Akizuki, Asakura City: Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Overview

Located in Akizuki, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, this Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings is a former castle town that flourished after Kuroda Nagoki, a branch of the Fukuoka Kuroda clan, was granted 50,000 koku (a unit of land measurement indicating rice yield) in the Edo period. The Akizuki clan, based at Koshoyama Castle, ruled the area until 1587. In 1623, Kuroda Nagoki received 50,000 koku as a branch of the Fukuoka Kuroda clan, and the following year, in 1624, the castle town's layout was established. After the Akizuki clan's abolishment in the Meiji era, the town's population decreased, and many samurai residences were converted into farmland, shifting the town's center. However, the basic structure of the castle town remains. Akizuki's layout, streets, and canal network, dating back to the Edo period, represent the fundamental structure of a castle town. Traditional buildings such as samurai residences, merchant houses, and temples and shrines remain, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings to form a beautiful and historic small castle town. Akizuki also features numerous historical sites, including the ruins of Akizuki Castle and Akizuki Shrine, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Shops selling traditional crafts and local products line the streets, making it perfect for souvenir shopping. Enjoy a relaxing trip surrounded by nature, history, and culture.