Fukuoka Castle ruins and Maizuru Park

Fukuoka Castle, built between 1601 and 1607 by the feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa on the Fukusaki hill, was one of the most extensive castles of Edo-era Japan, with eleven watchtowers and five concentric walls. The main keep (donjon) was dismantled in the Meiji era, but the stone walls, the gates and the parapets of the Ushitora, Shiomi and Tamon towers are still standing and have been restored. The castle area today forms Maizuru Park, a 30-hectare park in the city centre with Fukuoka's largest group of cherry trees: more than 1.000 sakura trees that in spring (late March and early April) turn the hill into one of the busiest hanami spots in Kyushu. The park also houses the Fukuoka Art Museum (admission ~200 ¥) with works by Dalí, Miró and Warhol, among others. Access to the park and the castle ruins is free. The viewpoint of the precinct offers views over Fukuoka, Hakata Bay and Ohori Park. It is reached by subway to Ohorikoen (line 3).