Maruoka Castle - Fukui, Japan
Maruoka Castle is one of the twelve castles in Japan whose main keeps survived the post-feudal era intact. It’s a compact, three-storey structure and noticeably smaller than many of the castles I’ve visited across the country. Despite its size, it carries a reputation as one of Japan’s oldest castles, though more recent studies suggest its origins may not be quite as early as once believed.
Built in 1576 on a small hill, Maruoka Castle is also known as Kasumigajo, or “Mist Castle.” According to local legend, whenever enemies approached—regardless of the weather—a thick mist would descend upon the castle, acting as a natural defensive barrier. On the day of my visit, the weather was far from ideal, but the faint mist in the air only added to the atmosphere, making it easy to understand how the castle earned its nickname.
The bus dropped me off not far from the castle grounds, and I walked through a landscaped garden area before reaching the base of the hill. The approach was scenic, with tree-lined paths, stone walls, rest areas, and even a few public washrooms tucked into the grounds. Along the way, there were informational displays explaining the castle’s history and a monument near the well describing its origins. Pine trees frame the castle itself, and because of its modest size, the structure feels well-balanced and visually striking against the surrounding greenery.
Inside, the castle is largely preserved in its original form, with a few historical displays and dioramas providing context. The most memorable part of the visit was the staircases. They are extremely steep, especially between the upper levels, and ropes have been added to help visitors climb safely. Reaching the top floor was well worth the effort. From there, I was treated to panoramic views of the town below, with one window perfectly framing the landscape like a living photograph.
After leaving the castle, I spent some time taking additional photos before heading to the nearby Brief Messages from the Heart Museum, which is included with the castle admission. The museum focuses on the art of concise letter writing, inspired by a famous short letter written by a samurai to his wife. The exhibits feature winning entries from writing competitions. While the museum is primarily in Japanese and may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers, I still enjoyed trying to interpret the messages and appreciate the sentiment behind them.
History & Background
Maruoka Castle (丸岡城) was constructed in 1576 during the Sengoku period and is one of only twelve castles in Japan with an original surviving main keep. Known as Kasumigajo, or “Mist Castle,” it was strategically positioned on a small hill overlooking the surrounding plains. While traditionally believed to be one of the oldest castles in Japan, recent research suggests parts of the structure may date slightly later than originally thought. The castle is particularly well known for its simple, compact design and steep internal staircases, which reflect the defensive priorities of the era.
Getting There
Maruoka Castle can be reached by bus from Fukui Station in about 50 minutes, with the bus stop located a short walk from the castle. Alternatively, traveling by car is convenient, and free parking is available next to the castle.
Route Overview
Distance: 1 km out & back (Maruokajo Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 10 m
Duration: 1 hr 00 min (with breaks 1 hr 20 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Fukui Station → Maruokajo Bus Stop — ¥670
Entrance Fee: Maruoka Castle — ¥450
Food: ¥240
