[2025 Sakai Attraction] Travel Guide for Maruoka Castle (Updated May)

Claim to be one of the oldest castle in Japan but being reconstructed after destroying by the earthquake a couple years ago. This is quite a small castle, but a lot of fun to climb up the steep wooden ladder like interior stairs to get to the next floor. Luckily there is a sturdy rope to hang onto to help you up and down. It's easier than it looks, but I wouldn't recommend it for the very young or very old. The views out the windows at the top are lovely. One direction you have mountains, the other direction you have the city. If I remember correctly there is a model map of the area, and old black and white photos of other famous Japanese castles up around the walls. You have to take off your shoes at the entrance so as not to scuff or dirt the lovely wooden floors. There are friendly guides and attendants at the entrance, but don't expect them to speak English. Overall it was a good experience! #givethanks #givethanks

The world is so wonderful, and there are always places where we can feel the fusion of tranquility and mystery in Japan. Fukui is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and is home to ancient castles, beautiful beaches, and unique culture. Attraction Recommendations: Maruoka Castle, the oldest existing castle tower in Japan, tickets are about JPY 500. Tojinbo, a spectacular columnar jointed coast, free of charge. Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of the Soto sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism, free of charge. Food Experience: Echizen crab, with delicious meat, costs about JPY 3,000 per person. Fukui's specialty desserts, such as Echizen and Sanbon sugar, vary in price. Local dessert shops are recommended. Accommodation Recommendations: You can choose hotels in Fukui City or homestays near attractions, with prices ranging from JPY 5,000 to 15,000 per night. Travel Tips: Best travel time: Spring and autumn. Transportation: Train, bus, etc. Notes: Pay attention to etiquette and environmental protection. Travel Route: Day 1: Visit Maruoka Castle. Day 2: Go to Tojinbo and Eiheiji Temple. This journey in Fukui will be an unforgettable trip full of tranquility and mysterious charm. Come here and start your journey to Japan's tranquil and mysterious land!

#DomesticTravelRecord Record of castle tours in Fukui Prefecture ✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ─── ◼︎Maruoka Castle A castle located in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture Built by Katsutoyo, nephew of Shibata Katsuie, in 1576 It is one of the 12 existing castle towers The stairs from the first floor to the second floor are 65 degrees, and from the second floor to the third floor they are 67 degrees, making them a rare steep staircase in the country The roof is covered with stone tiles, and is the only one of its kind among existing castle towers ◼︎Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Remains of the Sengoku period feudal lord Asakura Clan, who ruled Echizen Province from Ichijodani Castle during the Sengoku period, located in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture Ichijodani Castle and the castle town at the foot of the mountain #DomesticTravel #GirlsTrip #SoloTrip #CastleTour #Fukui #Trip to Fukui #Tourism in Fukui

Maruoka Castle is an ancient castle located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. It was built in 1576. Among all the existing castle towers in Japan, the castle tower of Maruoka Castle is known as the "oldest", but there is actually some controversy about the "oldest". Because the Maruoka Castle tower collapsed in the 1948 Fukui earthquake, it was not rebuilt until 1955. Therefore, some people believe that Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture, completed in 1617, is the oldest castle tower in Japan. According to legend, in ancient times, when the enemy attacked Maruoka Castle, a giant snake spit out a large cloud of "Kasumi" (smoke) to hide the castle, so Maruoka Castle is also known as "Kasumi Castle". #ChristmasDestinations2024

Maruoka Castle, built in the 1570s, is one of Japan’s oldest, and it was humbling to stand before something so steeped in history. As we approached the castle grounds, the towering structure of the main keep emerged from the trees. Its ancient wooden walls stand strong against the test of time. It was easy to imagine samurais once walking the very paths we tread, centuries ago. The climb up to the top of the keep was a little steep, but the view from the top of the castle keep was breathtaking—rolling hills, the quiet town of Maruoka, and the distant mountains painted a picture of Japan’s natural beauty. We ended our visit by sitting outside, enjoying the serenity of the surrounding park. It was a peaceful moment, the kind that makes you pause and reflect. 🏯 #voyagevibes #myitinerary #travel #thingstodo

Maruoka Castle was built in 1576 during the Sengoku period by Katsutoyo, the nephew of Katsuie Shibata. The castle keep (a nationally designated Important Cultural Property) has an exterior that appears to be two stories, but the interior is actually three floors in a standalone watchtower style. The stone walls are constructed using an old method called 'Nozura-zumi,' which, despite its rough appearance with many gaps, provides excellent drainage and is said to prevent collapse during heavy rains. Additionally, in spring, the approximately 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, add beauty to the ancient castle, befitting its nickname 'Kasumigajo' (Mist Castle). It is about a 20-minute ride on the Keifuku Bus bound for Eiheiji from JR Awara Onsen Station, getting off at Maruoka Castle, or about a 50-minute ride on the Keifuku Bus bound for Maruoka Castle from Fukui Station West Exit, getting off at Maruoka Castle. It is also a 5-minute drive from the Maruoka IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.

Maruoka Castle You probably haven't heard much about this name Because it is indeed not very famous, compared to the World Heritage Himeji Castle Don't look at its small castle, Maruoka Castle is one of the twelve remaining castles in Japan It is also the only one in Hokuriku History fans can't miss it. The entrance fee is 450 yen, all three buildings are common. There is free parking. 50 minutes by Keifuku Bus Route 36 from platform 1 of Fukui Station Or take lines 86, 87 from Luyuan Hot Spring Station for 20 minutes. According to your itinerary, utilizing Kyofuku Bus’s Tohokubo, Maruoka Castle, and Eiheiji two-day pass, you can string together the three-degree places for two days. #Fukui #Maruoka Castle #Twelve Existing Tenshu

Maruoka Castle, an ancient castle situated on a small hill in the northern part of Fukui City, is considered one of the oldest castle towers remaining in Japan and is the only one left in the Hokuriku region. The structure of the castle is a small wooden construction with three floors, and visitors can enter and view the inside of the castle. Around the castle, there are over 400 cherry trees planted, making it a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in the city (from early to mid-April) and it is recognized as one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. A cherry blossom festival is held here every year. Admission fee: 450 yen Access: 50 minutes by bus from Fukui Station

Maruoka Castle is located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. Many people may not know this, but there are only 12 castle towers remaining in Japan. The rest are basically replicas. Maruoka Castle is one of the few remaining castle towers in Japan and has been designated an Important Cultural Property. This castle is famous for its letters, and it seems that a letter competition is still held every year, triggered by a letter addressed to a superior. After that, we moved to Awara and went to Tojinbo! It's a classic spot in suspense dramas. On the way there was a souvenir street and we had a seafood bowl with fresh seafood. #besttrip2023