Maruoka Castle
Maruoka Castle dates back to 1576, and is one of only twelve original castle towers remaining in Japan today. In early and mid April, the castle celebrates its Cherry Blossom Festival. Some 400 cherry blossom trees bloom in the surrounding park, and paper lanterns light the stone stairs and paths at night. From certain angles, the cherry blossoms hide the castle’s foundation, making it appear to “float” above the trees.
The castle was built by Shibata Katsutoyo (d. 1583) as a base to rule the region from. Though fairly small, it served as a fortress for hundreds of years, until Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) abolished castles nationwide as a remnant of the feudal system in the 1870s.
Visitors can step inside the castle and see its centuries-old wooden construction, or visit the nearby museum dedicated to the history of the castle. In the evenings, the castle is lit up with projection mapping.
*Note: Large-scale repairs, including seismic retrofitting, are planned for the Maruoka Castle keep starting in December 2025.
Construction Period (Scheduled): March 2026 – November 2027 (Scheduled)
Click here for details
- Area
- Awara,Sakai,Fukui
- Category
- History & Culture Castles
Information
- Telephone Number Details
- 0776-66-0303（Maruoka Castle Management Office）
- Address (in Japanese)
- 福井県坂井市丸岡町霞町1-59
- Opening Hours
- 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Ticket sales end at 4:30 PM)
- Closed
- Open every day
- Prices
- Adults: 450 yen; Elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen
(Combined admission ticket for Maruoka Castle and the Museum of Japan’s Shortest Letter) - Getting There
- Approx. 20 minutes by Keifuku Bus bound for Eiheiji from JR Awaraonsen Station; get off at Maruoka Castle and it’s right there / Approx. 50 minutes by Keifuku Bus bound for Maruoka Castle from the West Exit of Fukui Station; get off at Maruoka Castle and it’s right there / 5 minutes by car from the Maruoka Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Car Park
- Yes
- Car Park: Available Spots
- 150
- Parking Space for Large Buses
- 4
- Website
