Akizuki Castle Ruins

秋月城跡

Akizuki, a little Kyoto in Chikuzen, famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

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In 1623 (Genna 9), under the will of Nagamasa Kuroda, lord of the Fukuoka domain, 50,000 koku were allocated to his third son Nagaoki, and the Akizuki domain was established. The following year, Nagaoki built and settled in Akizuki Castle.
It was a small castle in the form of a camp, and the castle was divided into the Omote-goden (government office), where the Akizuki Junior High School was located, and the Okugoden (living quarters of the feudal lord).
Today, the 'Black Gate' has been moved to the approach to Suiyo Shrine, which is dedicated to Choyo, but it used to stand at the back of KAWARAZAKA as the main gate. The 'Choyamon', which served as a service gate, is the only historic site that remains in the original position in which it was built.
The Sugi-no-Baba Street leading to the castle ruins is a popular spot in spring, with a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms. The area around the Black Gate is also known for its autumnal foliage, attracting many tourists in search of seasonal attractions.

The castle ruins are designated as a prefectural historic site, while the Kuromon gate and Nagayamon gate are designated as a prefectural tangible cultural property.

Basic Information

Address (Japanese)	838-0011　福岡県朝倉市秋月野鳥
Address	Akizuki Notori, Asakura City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	0946-24-6758（あさくら観光協会）
Open	Always (please come during the light hours as there are no lights on).
Closed	without a holiday
Price	free of charge
Car Park	[Autumn Moon Parking Lot] Standard car 400 yen Microbuses 1,300 yen
Large Parking Lot	Large buses 2,500 yen
Access	Amagi Railway: Get off at Amagi Station, take the Amagi Sightseeing Bus (Akizuki Line), about 20 minutes, get off at Museum-mae and walk about 8 minutes. Oita Expressway: 20 mins from Amagi IC.
Website	https://amagiasakura.net/language/akizuki_castle_ruins/ https://www.city.asakura.lg.jp/www/contents/1297670522345/index.html http://www.akizuki-kanko.com/index.html

＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

Highlights of Akizuki Castle Ruins

[Kuromon Gate] Tangible cultural property designated by the prefecture

The Akizuki Castle Main Gate (commonly known as Kuromon) was originally the main gate of Akizuki Castle, and was moved to its current location in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) when Taruhiro Shrine was built to worship the domain founder, Nagaoki Kuroda. It is said to have been the lengate gate (front gate) of the main castle of the Akizuki clan in the Middle Ages, Koshokuyama Castle.
Autumn leaves at the Black Gate

There are also about 20 maple trees around the Akizuki Black Gate.
After passing through the Kuromon gate, visitors can admire the colorful maples as they walk up the stone steps to the Suiyo-jinja Shrine.
The contrast between the maple leaves and the black gate is very beautiful and attracts many tourists with their cameras ready.

Best time to visit: Late November to early December
The best time to view the leaves is subject to change depending on the weather. Please check the latest information before visiting.
*To prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection, we ask for your cooperation in practicing cough etiquette, washing hands, wearing a mask, and avoiding three close quarters.
[Nagayamon Gate] Prefecturally-designated Tangible Cultural Property

Nagayamon, the back gate of Akizuki Castle. Originally the main gate of Akizuki Castle, it was moved to its present location in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) when Taruhiro Shrine was built to worship Kuroda Nagaoki, the founder of the domain. It is the only building from that time that remains in its present location.
Cherry blossoms in the Akizuki cedar stable

200 cherry trees (Someiyoshino) line Sugi-no-Baba Street leading to the ruins of Akizuki Castle. In spring, the street becomes a 500-meter "cherry blossom tunnel.
At night, bare light bulbs illuminate the cherry blossoms, creating a fantastic sight that differs from that during the day.

Best time to visit: Late March to early April
【Light up】Sunset to around 10:00pm
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is subject to change depending on the weather. Please check the latest information before visiting.
*To prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection, we ask for your cooperation in practicing cough etiquette, washing hands, wearing a mask, and avoiding three close quarters.