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.
The castle keep of Maruoka Castle is scheduled to undergo major repairs from December 2025.
Construction period : December 2025 - November 2027 (tentative)
For details, click here (in Japanese).
- Area
- Awara,Sakai,Fukui
- Category
- History & Culture Castles
Information
- Telephone Number
- 0776-66-0303（Maruoka Castle Management Office）
- Address
- 福井県坂井市丸岡町霞町1-59
- Opening Hours
- 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (admission ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed
- None
- Prices
- Adults 450 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
(Maruoka Castle and the Brief Message from the Heart Museum share the same admission ticket) - Getting There
- From JR Awaraonsen Station, approx. 20 minutes by Keifuku Bus to Eiheiji, get off at Maruoka Castle / From Fukui Station West Exit, approx. 50 minutes by Keifuku Bus to Maruoka Castle, get off at Maruoka Castle / 5 minutes by car from Maruoka IC on Hokuriku Expressway
- Car Park
- Yes
- Car Park: Available Spots
- 150
- Parking Space for Large Buses
- 4
- Website
