Experience dressing up as a samurai or princess, and clubbing in the castle tower! A comprehensive guide to the fascinating "Kokura Castle" (Kitakyushu City)

Hello! I'm Hagaga, a mother of four growing children.

Kokura Castle, Kitakyushu's top tourist attraction, is actually experiencing something interesting right now!

This time I visited with my children, so I'd like to report on what it was like.

Kokura Castle (inside the castle, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City) is renovated into an experience-based entertainment spot where you can learn and play!

About a 15-minute walk from JR Kokura Station or a 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura Station, Kokura Castle is located in a natural area between the buildings.

If you get off at the Nishitetsu bus stop "Muromachi Riverwalk" or "Kitakyushu City Hall", it's convenient because it's close to the castle. In addition, there are "Katsuyama Park Parking Lot" and "Municipal Katsuyama Park Underground Parking Lot", so it's easy to access by car.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Kokura Castle was built by Tadaoki Hosokawa in 1602. Although it suffered from fires and wars afterwards, it was rebuilt in its current form in 1959, and the interior and exhibits were significantly renovated in 2019 to make it easier to use.

With the aim of becoming "the most interesting castle in Japan," the castle is being reborn as a fascinating, hands-on spot where you can learn while having fun, with an increased number of experiential recreational activities!

As you walk up the hill from the Otemon Gate (Kitakyushu City Hall side), you will be greeted by cherry blossoms and ginkgo trees. Beyond that is an entrance surrounded by lanterns that you can enter the castle through (admission fee: 350 yen for adults).

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Once inside the entrance, go up the stairs to the ticket booth, and then up the stairs next to it to reach the exhibition floor on the first floor. There is a lift on the stairs, so wheelchair users can easily get around. Even if you come alone, staff will help you get around, so please feel free to ask!

The friendly and energetic staff sometimes greet you dressed as ninjas.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

As part of the renovation, elevators have been installed from the first floor to the top fifth floor, and the corridors between each floor have been made wider so that those in wheelchairs or with strollers can walk around at their leisure.

In addition, information brochures are available in Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese, and most exhibit descriptions are in English.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Some guides are written in five different languages. It seems that people from overseas can also deepen their understanding of Kokura Castle.

In 2022, the super castle entertainment troupe "Kokura Castle Busho-tai" was formed, in which actors play the roles of warlords and samurai with ties to the Kokura domain.

The authentic acting and sword fighting shows convey the charm of Kokura Castle in a "funny, funny, and cool" way. You can see the majestic performance at festivals and various events, so be sure to check it out.

Image: Kokura Castle

On the first floor, you can try out roleplaying as a samurai or princess, or even try yabusame.

On the first floor, there is the Kokura Castle Theater, where you can learn about the 400-year history of Kokura Castle in about 10 minutes. You can enjoy dramatic images on a large, impressive screen. What's even more appealing is that it is narrated by actor Masao Kusakari, who is an ambassador for Kitakyushu City!

Image: Kokura Castle

There is also an area that recreates the Kokura castle town from the Edo period, and the corner where you can try out rare activities (free of charge), such as yabusame (horseback archery), moving baskets, and mokko, is extremely popular with children.

My kids were fascinated by the Yabusame experience, where they rode on a moving horse and aimed at the target on the screen. *Height restrictions apply.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

In a true or false game related to Kokura Castle, the correct answer is lit up only.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

There will also be a corner where you can try on costumes from the Edo period, such as armor and a princess' kimono, and enjoy the experience of dressing up in costumes from the Edo period!

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Don't miss the fact that they have collaborated with Miyabi, a rental costume store in Kita-ku, Kokura, which is the creator of the "flashy Japanese clothing" for the "20th birthday ceremony" that has now attracted worldwide attention, and that several costumes are permanently on display. The gorgeous kimonos are also popular with foreign tourists.

Image: Kokura Castle *The photo is for illustrative purposes only

By the way, the replica helmet is also available in a child's size. It is a little heavy, so if a small child is wearing it, I think it would be a good idea to support it.

The first floor in particular was filled with the laughter and happy conversation of many visitors, and it was as if the bustle of a castle town had been recreated.

The second to fourth floors are packed with exhibit booths

On the second floor, you can learn about the history of the castle and the town through exhibits, focusing on the military commanders associated with Kokura Castle, including Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki, who built Kokura Castle and laid the foundations of the town.

There is a model of the castle tower as it was when it was first built, as well as a replica of the armor that is said to have been used by Hosokawa Tadaoki in the Battle of Sekigahara.

Image: Kokura Castle

The explanations are given in Kitakyushu dialect in parts, making them familiar to locals. People from other prefectures are also likely to be interested and wonder, "Oh, what is this?"

The third floor showcases Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, master swordsmen with ties to Kokura who are famous for the duel on Ganryu Island.

The explanations that cover an entire wall are easy to read and there are quizzes and other ingenious features, so you can learn while having fun without getting bored.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Don't miss the photo spot that recreates the famous scene from the Ganryu Island duel! You can take a photo with a life-size figure of Miyamoto Musashi attacking from above.

Image: Kokura Castle

The fourth floor is a gallery. Since local exhibits and special exhibitions are held here from time to time, you'll be able to see a variety of different works every time you visit.

The fifth floor castle tower hosts various events, a cafe, and a "Night Castle"

The staff are organizing events that can only be held at Kokura Castle with the desire to "liven up the city of Kokura and make sure everyone who comes has a good time."

The observation space (castle tower) on the fifth floor, which offers a 360-degree view of Kitakyushu city, can be rented out for private use. It is often used for dinner parties, but in the past it has also been used to host matches by local wrestling groups and DJ events to provide a platform for young wrestlers to shine!

A permanent bar counter is scheduled to be installed in January 2024.

Image: Kokura Castle

From 10:00 to 17:00, it becomes "Castle Cafe", and famous cafes from Kitakyushu change every few days. You can enjoy authentic cafe time.

"Night Castle" is basically held every Saturday (from 7pm from April to September, and from 6pm from March to November), and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the venue, including the "Night Castle Bar" where you can enjoy drinks while taking in the beautiful night view from the castle tower, the "Night Castle Premium Bar" where you can experience a flair bartender show, and "Night Castle Dining" where you can also enjoy a meal.

It's apparently very popular because it offers an extraordinary experience.

Image: Kokura Castle

There are also occasional events called "Night Castle Suidokoro Bushotai" where members of the Kokura Castle Bushotai provide hospitality (admission fee not included, food and drink costs actual).
*The next event is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Image: Kokura Castle

In addition, the "Night Castle Club" (3,000 yen, includes castle admission and two drinks) is regularly held at the castle tower and is a hot topic! A space decorated with lights and music played by a DJ... it looks like it will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
*The next events are scheduled for Saturday, March 30th and Saturday, April 6th, 2024.

Image: Kokura Castle

Details of each event, such as dates and reservation methods, can be found on the Kokura Castle official website.

Check out more than just the castle tower

Once you leave the castle, head to Shiro Terrace next to the Otemon Gate. There are four areas: a lounge, a food and drink corner, a souvenir corner, and a tourist information desk.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

It is scheduled to reopen in December 2023. The sales floor space has been increased, and the interior has been redesigned to be completely different and chic, making it even more appealing.

There are souvenirs that can only be purchased at Kokura Castle and Kitakyushu specialties lined up. The food and drink corner includes the popular Kokura shop "Tsujiri Tea Shop," so it's the perfect place to take a break.

Image: Kokura Castle

Also noteworthy is the stone wall of the Otemon Gate near Shiro Terrace. It is made of many large stones, and is very impressive. Even the children were overwhelmed by its size!

It seems that the castle has remained exactly as it was when it was built, giving it a historic feel.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

"Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" is packed with fun events

Kokura Castle is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kitakyushu. The combination of cherry blossoms and the castle is a spectacular sight! The view of the cherry blossoms spreading across the castle grounds from the observation deck on the fifth floor of the castle tower is particularly spectacular.

The Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from Saturday, March 23rd to Sunday, April 7th, 2024 (Kokura Castle facilities are open from 9am to 9pm during the festival).

In addition to the festival-style food stalls, there will be a new stage performance by the Kokura Castle Samurai Corps, various stage events, and a variety of other events will be held throughout the area, including Kokura Castle Keep, the square in front of the keep, Kokura Castle Garden, and the Historical Road.

Image: Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle is full of charm all year round.

Although not mentioned in this article, the grounds also include the Kokura Castle Garden and the Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum, so you can spend the whole day there having fun. The castle tower is also lit up every day from sunset to 10pm.

Image: Tomomi Hagaga

Please come and visit us. (Text by Tomomi Hagaga)

＜Click on the facility name for more information about the facility ↓＞
■ Kokura Castle
Address: 2-1, Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: [April to October] 9:00-20:00, [November to March] 9:00-19:00
*Opening hours for places like "Night Castle" vary depending on the day.
Closed: Open all year round
Admission fee: 350 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior and senior high school students, 100 yen for elementary school students
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
* Any secondary use of the content of this site (images, text, etc.) such as duplication, reproduction, diversion, modification, etc. without permission is strictly prohibited. If found to be in violation, legal action may be taken.

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