Kokura Castle - Fukuoka, Japan
Kokura Castle was a must-visit simply because of its proximity to a photo spot I had wanted to check out — a place where three trains converge and pass into Kokura Station. Since I was already making my way to Fukuoka, I took the train from Shin-Yamaguchi Station and got off at Kokura Station. The castle is only about 1.1 kilometres from the station, making it an easy walk. I figured I could explore the castle first and then spend time at the train spot waiting for the perfect moment to capture the shot.
Walking through the castle grounds was surprisingly serene. There were fewer than a handful of visitors when I arrived, giving me a quiet chance to admire the architecture. Right at the front of the grounds, a display of colourful traditional Japanese umbrellas caught my eye — a temporary installation called Umbrella Sky designed to bring visitors in for photos and brighten the area with seasonal charm. It contrasted beautifully with the castle’s black-and-white exterior.
Kokura Castle itself was originally built in 1602 but suffered destruction by fire in 1866. The current structure is a reconstruction from 1959, using ferro concrete. Despite the modern materials, the castle retains its historical charm. The interior functions as a museum and features a small wooden scale model of the castle, rooms furnished to depict life in the Edo period, and even playful castle mascots. One interesting historical tidbit I learned was that famed swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi once stayed in Kokura, adding a touch of legendary lore to the site.
The castle grounds are expansive and often host festivals, art installations, and seasonal displays, blending history with contemporary cultural experiences. During cherry blossom season, this area becomes especially popular, as the castle and its surrounding park are lined with blooming trees. Visiting Kokura Castle felt like stepping into a space that honours its past while actively engaging visitors with modern, artistic touches.
History & Background
Kokura Castle (小倉城) was originally constructed in 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki, a prominent feudal lord of the period. The castle served as the political and military centre of the Kokura domain. Unfortunately, the main keep was destroyed by fire in 1866 during conflicts of the late Edo period. In 1959, the castle was reconstructed using ferro concrete, preserving the original design while allowing it to function as a museum. The castle is historically notable as the residence of Miyamoto Musashi during his time in Kokura and is located within a district that once encompassed the wider Kokura town, making it a strategic and cultural hub. Today, the castle park is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, seasonal festivals, and art installations, including the temporary Umbrella Sky display.
Getting There
Kokura Castle is an easy 1.1-kilometre walk from Kokura Station. From the station, follow signs for the castle and the nearby riverboardwalk area; the path is mostly flat and urban. From Fukuoka, take the JR Kagoshima Main Line (Rapid or Limited Express) from Hakata Station to Kokura Station, a journey of about 50–60 minutes by Limited Express. From Kitakyushu Airport, take the Kitakyushu Monorail to Kokura Station, with one transfer, in roughly 30 minutes. If you’re planning to photograph the trains, the castle is conveniently located along the route to the famous triple-train convergence spot, allowing you to combine both experiences in one walk. The area around the castle also includes museums, theatres, and riverside parks, making it a cultural hub worth exploring.
Route Overview
Distance: 4.12 km out & back (Kokura Station)
Total elevation gain: 17 m
Duration: 56 min (with breaks 1 hr 20 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Kokura Station — ¥4,130
Entrance Fee: Kokura Castle — ¥350
