Guide
Kushima Castle (Omura Park) is a historic castle site located in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Built on a peninsula jutting into Omura Bay, it served as the stronghold of the Omura Clan. Today, the site is maintained as Omura Park, a place where visitors can enjoy historical stone walls, reconstructed wooden watchtowers, and natural treasures such as the Omura-zakura cherry blossoms and irises (natural monuments). As a 'sea castle' (umishiro) surrounded by water on three sides, the site offers a unique landscape that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding natural environment.
The history of Kushima Castle dates back to the construction process starting in 1598 (Keicho 3). The local lord at the time, Omura Yoshiaki, chose this location due to its strategic importance as a defensible site surrounded by the sea, a lesson learned from his experiences during the Imjin War. While the original walls used natural stones, a major renovation in 1614 by the second lord, Omura Sumiyori, introduced the 'uchikomi-hagi' technique, using processed stones to create the beautiful, sturdy foundations seen today. Although the castle was decommissioned following the Meiji Restoration in 1871, the site remains a vital piece of local history, with Omura Shrine established on the site of the former main keep.
The park preserves various historical ruins. A major highlight is the 'Itajiki Yagura' (wooden watchtower), which was reconstructed in 1992. Visitors can also observe the sophisticated stone walls and the strategic layout of the terrain that reflects the original castle structure. Other historical sites, such as the 'Ofunagura' (boat storehouse) ruins, provide insight into the functions and daily life of the former domain. Within the grounds of the former main keep, you will find Omura Shrine, as well as monuments dedicated to the founder Omura Yoshiaki and the final lord Omura Sumiharu.
Omura Park offers different botanical wonders throughout the seasons. In spring, the park is famous for the 'Omura-zakura' cherry blossoms, a variety designated as a natural monument and listed among Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots. In early summer, the landscape is adorned with beautiful irises (Hanashobu) blooming near the water. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details of the stone walls and the reconstructed wooden structures.
The park features well-maintained paths, allowing for a relaxing stroll while visually understanding the structure of a Japanese castle. You can learn about ancient defensive mechanisms by observing the terrain, such as the former moats and the shape of the stone walls. The reconstructed watchtowers offer a tangible connection to traditional Japanese castle architecture. Understanding these historical layers turns a simple walk into a deep dive into the political and military history of the region.
Several sites related to the former domain's administration are scattered around the castle. For example, the site of the 'Former Kajiyama Palace,' once the lord's villa, now serves as the Omura City Education Hall. Near the sea, the 'Shin-kura' and 'Ofunagura' ruins—used for rice storage and boat management—are designated as Nagasaki Prefectural Historical Sites. Exploring these spots together provides a complete picture of the urban structure of the era.
While many paths in the park are relatively flat, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes to navigate the areas around the stone walls and historical ruins. Payments for nearby facilities or transportation may require cash or credit cards. English signage is limited to major areas. Photography of the scenery is permitted, but please respect the historical sites and flora. Note that some areas may have uneven surfaces or steps, so please exercise caution.