{"id":6569,"date":"2016-04-14T18:15:04","date_gmt":"2016-04-14T09:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=6569"},"modified":"2024-05-20T12:08:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T03:08:23","slug":"fukuoka-castle-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/fukuoka-castle-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Castle of stone: Discover the history of Fukuoka Castle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Fukuoka Castle, built in 1607, is also known as Maizuru or Seki Castle. Like many Japanese castles, much was destroyed during Japan’s Meiji period, and now only remains are left among Maizuru Park.<\/p>\n\n\n
Surrounding Maizuru Park occupies central Fukuoka, near the famous Ohori Park, which was originally where the Fukuoka Castle moat was. As Kyushu’s biggest, the castle originally covered a huge area. Because of its historical significance, the ruins have been declared a historic site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The original Fukuoka Castle was mainly stonework, which gave it the alternative name \u201cSeki (stone) Castle\u201d. Turrets called \u201cyagura\u201d that still remain on the grounds are preserved to this day. When first built, there were 47 such turrets. Some original walls and stone gates also remain.<\/p>\n\n\n
Some of the old stone walls of the Fukuoka Castle<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park also holds some history. From 1949 until 1997 the Heiwadai Baseball Stadium was located upon these grounds, home to Fukuoka\u2019s baseball team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1987 the remains of a guest house for foreign diplomats, a \u201ckorokan\u201d dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185), were found inside the park. This is the only korokan found within Japan, adding to Maizuru Park historical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n
Maizuru Park is a beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing, a season which lasts from the end of March until the beginning of April. A festival celebrating the blossoms, called \u201cSakura Matsuri,\u201d happens around this time. Food stalls are set up, while at night the area lights up, giving some stunning views of the blossoms.<\/p>\n\n\n