Located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, on the northern tip of Kyushu, the closest city to Honshu in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kokura Castle is the only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture with a tower.
The castle tower is the sixth tallest in Japan, and the ground floor area is one of the largest in the country, making it a very magnificent castle.
The castle tower is called a “karazukuri” or castle tower, characterized by the fact that the fifth floor is larger than the fourth floor, with no roof sheathing between the two.
The Kokura Castle Garden in front of the castle tower is a cultural facility with a replica of a feudal lord’s garden and a typical Edo period samurai residence, along with a tea ceremony room and an exhibition building. In the tea room, visitors can experience matcha (sencha) green tea in an authentic manner, with a taterei-seki (tea room with a desk and chairs) setting. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy authentic tea ceremony in the garden of a Japanese castle.
In addition, a limited number of people can enjoy the tea service while viewing the beautiful garden.

Many people visit Kokura Castle for wedding photos because it makes for beautiful scenery from the Castle Garden, and recently it has attracted attention amoung photographers because you can get a picture of the castle and torii gate together, which is rare in Japan.
It is also famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract many tourists in spring.
The impressive Kokura Castle Theater in the castle tower tells the 400-year history of the Castle. (Subtitles in foreign languages are available).
The third floor is dedicated to the famous swordsmen Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, who are closely associated with Kokura Castle, and there is also a “Ganryujima Photo Spot” where you can take a picture with a real figure of Miyamoto Musashi.
The observation space on the 5th floor offers a panoramic view of the city of Kokura and an opportunity to feel like a lord in the Edo period!

Various events are held at Kokura Castle.
You can enjoy a special experience called “Kampai (cheers) at the Castle! You can enjoy the night view of Kokura and drinks from the castle tower at the “Tenshukaku Bar,”. There is also a night cafe in the Castle Tower so you can have a special experience and luxurious time in this extraordinary space,

The most unique experience of all is probably the only nightclub in a Castle tower in Japan. (Held periodically. Please check the official website for details) (there is an elevator to the 5th floor where the keep is located).
Kokura Castle also offers plans to rent out Kokura Castle Keep, Kokura Castle Garden, and Shiro Terrace at night for various parties and other events. The castle rental service, which is rare in Japan, will be a precious experience that will remain in your memories for a lifetime.
CNN Travel’s “19 Places to Visit in 2019” also named the area of Fukuoka Prefecture, including Kokura Castle, as the only area in Japan that is “the perfect destination for anyone looking to see a new corner of Japan.” they say, “Why not add it to your travel destinations?”
It takes about 20 minutes from Hakata Station to Kokura Station on the Shinkansen bullet train and about 1 hour on the limited express. From Kokura Station to Kokura Castle is about a 15-minute walk. (From Nishi-Kokura Station, it is about a 10-minute walk.)

– Basic Information –

Kokura Castle
Location: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 803-0813
phone number: 093-561-1210
Business hours: 9:00 – 20:00 (April – October) 9:00 – 19:00 (November – March) *Entry is until 30 minutes before closing.
Opening hours may change depending on events, etc. 　
No holidays
https://www.kokura-castle.jp/

Photo Credit：九州観光機構（１Page）