Fukuchiyama Castle - Kyoto, Japan
Fukuchiyama Castle wasn’t originally on my itinerary. I happened to be passing through Fukuchiyama Station on my way to another destination, and with some time to spare before my next train, I checked the map and realized the castle was surprisingly close. With nothing to lose and everything within walking distance, I decided to pay it a visit.
The walk from Fukuchiyama Station was mostly flat and straightforward, cutting through a quiet part of town before the final stretch turned uphill. That last section was short but noticeably steeper, and as I climbed, the castle gradually came into view.
Fukuchiyama Castle is closely tied to Akechi Mitsuhide, a samurai general best known for betraying his lord, Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s great unifiers. Mitsuhide rebuilt the castle in 1579, and while much of the original structure no longer stands, the stone walls from that period remain today. One interesting detail I learned was how the castle tower was designed with windows facing all four cardinal directions, allowing guards to survey the surrounding area as far as visibility allowed.
Inside, the castle functions as a local history museum. The exhibits include historical artifacts, reconstructed rooms that give a sense of daily life in the castle, and even a dedicated space for shogi (Japanese chess), reflecting the cultural side of samurai life. While the exterior stonework hints at the past, the interior feels modern — a result of the castle being dismantled during the Meiji Restoration in 1872 and later reconstructed in 1986 after a strong push from local residents.
It didn’t take long to explore the entire castle, but it was time well spent. What started as a way to pass time between trains turned into a meaningful glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Japanese history. Sometimes the most memorable stops are the ones you never planned for.
History & Background
Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) was originally built and expanded by Akechi Mitsuhide in the late 16th century. Mitsuhide is a controversial historical figure, remembered both as a capable administrator and as the general who betrayed Oda Nobunaga in the Honno-ji Incident of 1582. The castle played an important role in controlling the surrounding region. Like many castles across Japan, Fukuchiyama Castle was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration as symbols of feudal power were removed. The current castle keep was reconstructed in 1986 using concrete, while preserving the original stone walls that still stand as a tangible link to its Sengoku-period past.
Getting There
Fukuchiyama Castle is located about a 15-minute walk from Fukuchiyama Station. From Kyoto Station, take a limited express or rapid train on the JR San’in Main Line or JR Fukuchiyama Line to Fukuchiyama Station. From the station, the route to the castle is mostly flat, with a short uphill climb near the end.
Route Overview
Distance: 3.04 km out & back (Fukuchiyama Station)
Total elevation gain: 21 m
Duration: 37 min (with breaks 1 hr 10 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Kyoto Station → Fukuchiyama Station — ¥3,650
Entrance Fee: Fukuchiyama Castle — ¥330
Food: ¥1,450
