Nakatsu Castle - Oita, Japan
Nakatsu Castle dates back to 1587 when Daimyo Kuroda Yoshitaka commissioned its construction upon being appointed governor of the region. After the Battle of Sekigahara, Yoshitaka was rewarded with lands in Fukuoka and replaced by Daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki, who completed the castle. It was later passed down to his son, and changed hands several times before being abandoned in 1871. The current structure was reconstructed in 1964 by descendants of the Okudaira samurai clan and is modelled after Hagi Castle.
The castle is conveniently located about a 20-minute walk from Nakatsu Station. Walking through the quaint streets of the city before arriving at Nakatsu Castle Park, I was surprised to see a shrine situated immediately next to the castle. I later learned that after the Meiji Restoration, many shrines and temples were established on former castle grounds, which explains this juxtaposition today.
The castle park itself is compact but charming. From the pond area, there are excellent photo opportunities with the castle framed in the background. I paid my respects at the small shrine before ascending the short steps to the castle entrance. Inside, the castle has been converted into a museum showcasing samurai armour, weapons, artefacts, scrolls, and historical documents. Wandering through the floors, it was fascinating to observe the craftsmanship and history on display.
Reaching the top floor, the observatory deck offered panoramic views of Nakatsu city and the Nakatsu River flowing beside the castle. The late afternoon sun cast a soft glow over the landscape, making it a perfect photo opportunity. After exploring the castle, I strolled around the park to admire the stone walls and turrets. While there are additional museums in the area, such as the Kuroda Kanbei Museum and the Nakatsu City History Museum, I didn’t have time to explore them fully—but they are worth a visit if you have more time in the city.
History & Background
Nakatsu Castle (中津城) is historically significant as a regional stronghold in northern Kyushu. Its strategic location along the Nakatsu River allowed it to control local trade and defend against rival clans. The original castle’s stone walls and defensive structures were designed for both military and administrative purposes. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed multiple ownership changes and played a role in regional politics during the late Sengoku and Edo periods. The modern reconstruction preserves its architectural style while converting the interior into a museum, allowing visitors to experience samurai-era history firsthand.
Getting There
Nakatsu Castle is located near Nakatsu Station, which is served by the JR Nippo Main Line from Oita Station. The journey from Oita Station to Nakatsu Station takes approximately 2 hours by limited express train. From Nakatsu Station, the castle is a 20-minute walk through city streets to Nakatsu Castle Park. Local signage directs visitors to the castle and park area.
Route Overview
Distance: 3.44 km out & back (Nakatsu Station)
Total elevation gain: 7 m
Duration: 44 min (with breaks 1 hr 03 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Oita Station → Nakatsu Station — ¥3,660
Entrance Fee: Nakatsu Castle — ¥400
Food: ¥220
