Nakatsu Castle

Overview

Nakatsu Castle, towering in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, stands as a living testament to history. Its construction was initiated in 1588 (Tensho 16) by Kuroda Kanbei, the brilliant strategist who played a pivotal role in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's unification of Japan, making it Kyushu's oldest modern castle. Its most striking feature is its designation as one of Japan's "Three Great Water Castles," boasting a moat that ingeniously draws seawater directly from Suonada. The moat's ever-changing water level, influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides, creates a unique and captivating landscape found nowhere else. Resembling a fan in its layout, the castle was aptly named "Ougi-jo" (Fan Castle), with its main bailey (Honmaru), second bailey (Ni-no-maru), and third bailey (San-no-maru) forming an approximate right triangle. Within the castle grounds, visitors can observe distinct methods of stone wall construction from both the Kuroda and Hosokawa periods. An intriguing historical tidbit reveals that the stone walls from the Kuroda period incorporate ancient "Kagomeishi" stones from the 7th-century ruins of "Karaharayama Castle." While the present replica castle tower was rebuilt in 1964 (Showa 39), its interior now serves as the Okudaira Family Historical Museum. Here, you'll discover precious family treasures and ancient documents passed down through generations of the Okudaira feudal lords, including the "Hakucho-saya no Yari" (Swan Scabbard Spear), said to be a gift from Tokugawa Ieyasu, and a "Horagai" (conch shell trumpet) used in the legendary Battle of Nagashino. From the top floor of the castle tower, an absolutely spectacular panorama unfolds, encompassing Nakatsu city, the meandering Yamakuni River, and the distant, shimmering Suonada Sea. Throughout the castle grounds, you'll also find scattered Chikui Shrines, dedicated to Chikui Shizufusa, who met a tragic end at the hands of Kuroda Nagamasa, inviting visitors to reflect on this turbulent chapter of history. Nakatsu Castle hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the year, offering diverse charms depending on your visit. These include the enchanting "Human Hina Doll Display" in spring, the "Tanishi Festival" in May (inspired by the Battle of Nagashino), and "Kanze Noh" in autumn. We highly recommend exploring the historic castle town by rental bicycle, where you can discover numerous attractions like the Former Residence of Fukuzawa Yukichi and the quaint Teramachi Street. A common admission ticket provides excellent value, granting access to nearby historical facilities as well. Nakatsu Castle promises an unforgettable experience for history buffs, nature lovers seeking beautiful vistas, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.