Kokura Castle Garden — Attraction in Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu Municipal Kokura Castle Garden is a cultural facility that recreates the garden of a feudal lord, which was a villa of the Ogasawara clan, and a typical Edo period samurai study, and also includes a teahouse and exhibition hall.

The Ogasawara clan, who succeeded the Hosokawa clan, who built Kokura Castle, and served as the lord of the castle for 234 years, were powerful feudal lords of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

At the same time, the Ogasawara clan, who were the head family of the Ogasawara clan nationwide and the hatamoto family known as the head family of "Ogasawara-ryu etiquette", are also part of this family. Etiquette is one of Japan's traditional cultures that values ​​"compassionateness" and "hospitality".

Kokura Castle Garden is the only unique facility in Japan that introduces the history of etiquette along with that spirit, and conveys the traditional lifestyle and culture centered on etiquette to future generations.

It is also a famous spot in Kitakyushu where you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period, along with Kokura Castle, even though it is located in the city center surrounded by buildings. You can enjoy a quiet and relaxing time while sipping a cup of matcha and immersing yourself in the aroma of nature...

Kokura Castle Garden is a traditional Japanese garden. While the garden is decent, it is a bit small compared to other Japanese gardens. However, it has a small museum explaining the history of Kokura and the famous Kokura-ori which is a kind of traditional textile made by traditional loom. Overall, it is an interesting place and you will be able to spend around 30 minutes here.

Please note that they sell combo tickets with discount for you to enter this garden, Kokura Castle and Matsumoto Seicho...

The castle grounds are now known as Katsuyama Park and are a popular cherry blossom spot that is usually in bloom around early April. The castle keep seems to have four floors from the outside, but actually has five on the inside. The modern interior introduces the local history with displays, an interactive zone and a small theater where visitors can get a hands-on and visual experience of past castle life. The castle's top floor offers panoramic views...