Yanagawa Castle (Fukuoka) Complete Guide: History, Highlights, and Access Information Explained in Detail
Located in Honjo-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa Castle is known as a famous castle that once ruled the Chikugo region. Also known as “Maizuru Castle,” this castle, with its unique fortifications surrounded by waterways, was the political and military center of Chikugo Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Yanagawa Castle, including its detailed history, existing remains, and tourist information.
Basic Information on Yanagawa Castle
Yanagawa Castle was a flatland castle located in Honjo-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and served as the administrative center of the Yanagawa Domain during the Edo period. Currently, the site of the main keep is the grounds of Yanagawa Municipal Yanagi-jo Junior High School, and the main keep area is designated as a Yanagawa City Historic Site.
Basic Data
- Location: Honjo-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Former Province: Chikugo Province
- Classification/Structure: Flatland castle, ring-shaped
- Keep Structure: 5-story composite tower (no longer existing)
- Builder: Kamachi Haruhisa or Kamachi Akimori (various theories exist)
- Construction Period: Bunki era (1501-1504) or Tenbun era (1532-1555)
- Major Renovators: Tachibana Muneshige, Tanaka Yoshimasa
- Main Lords: Kamachi clan, Ryuzoji clan, Tachibana clan, Tanaka clan, Tachibana clan (re-established)
- Year of Abandonment: Destroyed by fire in Meiji 5 (1872)
- Common Names/Alternate Names: Maizuru Castle, Yanagawa Castle
History of Yanagawa Castle
The Construction and Early History of Yanagawa Castle by the Kamachi Clan
There are several theories regarding the founding of Yanagawa Castle. One theory suggests it was built by Kamachi Haruhisa during the Bunki era (1501-1504), while another theory attributes its construction to Kamachi Akimori during the Tenbun era (1532-1555). In any case, it is certain that the Kamachi clan, a powerful local lord of Chikugo Province, built Yanagawa Castle as a branch castle of their previous base, Kamachi Castle, and later moved it to become their main castle.
As a powerful local lord in the Chikugo region, the Kamachi clan utilized the terrain between the Okihata River and Shiozuka River to construct a strong castle complex with a network of waterways. This waterway network became the prototype for the moats that later characterized the Yanagawa castle town.
The Invasion of the Ryuzoji Clan and the Downfall of the Kamachi Clan
In 1581 (Tensho 9), Ryuzoji Takanobu, a Sengoku daimyo of Hizen Province, attempted to expand into the Chikugo region. He lured Kamachi Shigenami, the head of the Kamachi clan, to Saga and killed him. This led to the downfall of the Kamachi clan, and Yanagawa Castle became the base of the Ryuzoji clan’s control over Chikugo. However, the Ryuzoji clan’s rule did not last long.
The Entry of Tachibana Muneshige and the Development of the Castle Town
In 1587 (Tensho 15), after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s conquest of Kyushu, Tachibana Munetora (later Tachibana Muneshige), the lord of Tachibana Castle in Chikuzen Province, entered Yanagawa Castle as the lord of the three counties of Mizuma, Yamato, and Shimotsuma, with a domain of 132,000 koku. Tachibana Muneshige was a renowned general praised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as “the greatest warrior in western Japan,” and he distinguished himself alongside Kato Kiyomasa during the Bunroku-Keicho War.
Muneshige undertook a large-scale renovation of Yanagawa Castle and promoted the development of the castle town. In particular, he is credited with strengthening the defensive system using a waterway network and implementing a unique urban plan that connected the entire castle town by waterways. The basic structure of Yanagawa Castle town was formed during this period.
The Battle of Sekigahara and the Dispossession of the Tachibana Clan
In the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tachibana Muneshige sided with the Western Army, and after the war, he was dispossessed of his domain and forced to leave Yanagawa. Muneshige resisted to the end as a general of the Western Army, and even after the Battle of Sekigahara, he participated in the siege of Otsu Castle, but ultimately lost his territory by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Major Renovations and the Construction of the Castle Tower by Tanaka Yoshimasa
In 1600, due to his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara, Tanaka Yoshimasa entered Yanagawa Castle as a daimyo of Chikugo Province with a domain of 325,000 koku. Tanaka Yoshimasa was a master castle builder known for his renovations of Omihachiman Castle and Okazaki Castle, and he also carried out large-scale renovation work on Yanagawa Castle.
Tanaka Yoshimasa’s greatest achievement was the construction of a magnificent five-story, complex-style keep. Boasting high stone walls and a splendid keep, Yanagawa Castle became a symbol of the Tokugawa shogunate’s authority in the Chikugo region. He also promoted the development of the castle town and focused on revitalizing commerce.
The Reinstatement of the Tachibana Clan and the Establishment of the Yanagawa Domain
In 1620, when the Tanaka clan died out due to a lack of heirs, the former lord, Tachibana Muneshige, returned to Yanagawa. This is historically significant as the only example of a daimyo who was dispossessed of his domain during the Edo period returning to his former territory. Muneshige became the lord of the Yanagawa Domain with a stipend of 109,600 koku, and the Tachibana clan ruled the domain until the Meiji Restoration.
Under the rule of the Tachibana clan, the Yanagawa Domain enjoyed stability, and the castle town prospered as a center of commerce and culture. Water transport, particularly utilizing the canals, played a crucial role in supporting the town’s economic activity.
The Meiji Restoration and the Destruction of the Castle
After the Meiji Restoration, Yanagawa Castle was abandoned due to the abolition of the feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures. In 1871 (Meiji 4), the Yanagawa Domain was abolished, and the following year, 1872 (Meiji 5), a fire of unknown origin destroyed the main buildings, including the keep. While some speculate it was arson, the truth remains unclear.
This fire resulted in the loss of the magnificent five-story keep, turrets, and palace built by Tanaka Yoshimasa. Today, only parts of the stone walls and the remains of the moats remain.
Structure and Characteristics of Yanagawa Castle
Defense System Utilizing Waterways
The most distinctive feature of Yanagawa Castle is the network of waterways surrounding it. Taking advantage of its location between the Okihata River and the Shiozuka River, the entire castle complex was surrounded by waterways. These waterways served not only a defensive function but also as a means of transporting goods and providing water for daily life within the castle town.
The castle was surrounded by inner and outer moats, and a network of moats crisscrossed the entire castle town. This made enemy intrusion difficult while simultaneously creating a unique urban structure that allowed for easy travel by small boat from anywhere in the town. These moats still remain in various parts of Yanagawa City today and are utilized as a tourist attraction for river cruises.
Structure as a Flatland Castle
Yanagawa Castle is classified as a flatland castle, built on the lowlands of the Chikugo Plain. Unlike mountain castles that utilize elevation differences for defense, its defensive system is characterized by the use of waterways and wetlands. The castle layout is a concentric design with the main keep at the center, surrounded by the second and third baileys, each bailey separated by moats.
The main keep housed the castle tower, surrounded by palaces and turrets. The second bailey housed the residences of high-ranking officials and the domain’s offices, while the third bailey was lined with samurai residences. The castle town extended beyond the outer moat, forming merchant and artisan districts.
Keep and Turrets
The keep, built by Tanaka Yoshimasa, was a magnificent five-story, complex-style tower. Built atop high stone walls, the keep offered a panoramic view of the Chikugo Plain and stood as a symbol of the castle town. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire in 1872 (Meiji 5), so its detailed structure and appearance can only be known from drawings and records.
In addition to the keep, turrets were strategically placed in key locations within the main bailey and second bailey to strengthen defenses. These turrets were also lost in the Meiji-era fire.
Existing Remains
Main Bailey Site and Stone Walls
Currently, the site of Yanagawa Castle’s main bailey is occupied by Yanagawa Municipal Yanagawa Junior High School. A small, elevated hill remains in one corner of the school grounds, conveying the appearance of the former main keep. This main keep area is a designated historical site of Yanagawa City, recognizing its historical value.
Parts of the stone walls still remain, providing valuable remnants for understanding the castle-building techniques of the time. In particular, sections of the stone walls from the Tanaka Yoshimasa era are preserved around the main keep and can be viewed. However, since it is within the junior high school grounds, consideration is required when visiting.
Moat Remains and Marker Stones
Marker stones indicating “Yanagawa Castle Site” are erected at the four corners of the castle moat, marking the former castle grounds. These marker stones were installed after the Meiji era and serve as important landmarks that convey the castle’s boundaries to the present day.
Parts of the moat still remain as waterways, forming a distinctive Yanagawa landscape in conjunction with the moats of the castle town. In particular, waterways that retain the appearance of the past continue along the Okihata River and are part of the river cruise route.
Relationship with Ohana (Shotoen)
Ohana, located adjacent to the west side of Yanagawa Castle, was the villa of the Tachibana clan and is now a tourist facility including Shotoen, a nationally designated scenic spot. During the Edo period, it was used as a retirement residence for the feudal lord and a guesthouse.
Within the grounds of Ohana is the Tachibana Family Historical Museum, which displays valuable materials related to Yanagawa Castle and the Tachibana clan. Visiting Ohana in conjunction with Yanagawa Castle will allow for a deeper understanding of the castle’s history.
Characteristics of Yanagawa Castle Town
Canal-lined Streetscape
The most distinctive feature of Yanagawa Castle Town is the network of canals (waterways) that crisscross the entire town. With a total length of approximately 930 km, this waterway network, which began as a defensive system for the castle, developed into a vital infrastructure for the town’s daily life.
The canals functioned as transportation routes for goods and were also used for domestic water supply and firefighting. During the Edo period, merchant houses and samurai residences lined the canals, creating a unique landscape with small boats traversing the waterways.
Even today, canals remain in various parts of the city and are utilized for the “canal cruise,” a highlight of Yanagawa tourism. A ride on a traditional donko boat along the canals allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of the castle town in its heyday.
Structure of the Castle Town
Yanagawa Castle Town was systematically developed around the castle. The merchant district was located outside the outer moat, surrounding the samurai residences of the main keep, second bailey, and third bailey. The merchant district was divided by occupation, forming merchant and artisan districts.
Merchant houses lined the main roads, becoming the center of the castle town’s economic activity. Temples and shrines were also strategically placed, playing a role in defense and serving as the spiritual pillars of the castle town.
Highlights When Visiting Yanagawa Castle
Exploring the Yanagawa Castle Ruins
When visiting the Yanagawa Castle ruins, first check the marker stone and stone walls of the main keep site. Information boards are also installed around Yanagawa Castle Junior High School, allowing you to learn about the former layout of the castle.
Walking along the remains of the moat will give you a real sense of the castle’s scale and structure. The waterway along the Okihata River, in particular, strongly retains the remnants of the original moat and is an important point for understanding the relationship between the castle and the waterway.
Visiting Ohana (Shotoen)
Ohana, located within walking distance of the Yanagawa Castle ruins, is a must-see. Spread across 7,000 tsubo (approximately 23,000 square meters), Shotoen is a beautiful Japanese garden designated as a national scenic spot, offering seasonal views as a pond-centered strolling garden.
The Tachibana Family Historical Museum displays old maps of Yanagawa Castle, armor associated with Tachibana Muneshige, and relics of successive feudal lords, allowing visitors to learn deeply about the castle’s history. The museum also houses restaurants and other eateries where you can enjoy Yanagawa’s specialty, steamed eel.
River Cruise Experience
A highlight of Yanagawa sightseeing, the river cruise is a 70-minute tour of the castle town’s canals in a small boat. While listening to the boatman’s commentary, you can experience the atmosphere of the castle town from the water.
The river cruise route passes through the remains of the castle moat and the castle town’s canals, allowing you to feel the history and culture of Yanagawa firsthand. You can also enjoy the scenery of each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum
Yanagawa is also known as the birthplace of the poet Kitahara Hakushu. Hakushu Kitahara’s birthplace is preserved along the canal and can be viewed from the inside. The adjacent Kitahara Hakushu Memorial Museum introduces Kitahara’s life and works, offering insights into Yanagawa’s cultural aspects.
Namikura (Row Warehouses)
The red brick warehouses remaining along the Okihata River are rice warehouses built during the Meiji era. Formerly the site of the Yanagawa Domain’s rice warehouses, they are now used as a museum and tourist information center. The boarding point for river cruises is also nearby, making it a base for Yanagawa sightseeing.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line: Approximately 47 minutes by express train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station
- From Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station to Yanagawa Castle Ruins: Approximately 15 minutes on foot, or approximately 5 minutes by bus
While Yanagawa Castle Ruins and Ohana are within walking distance from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, using the sightseeing bus or rental bicycles allows for more efficient sightseeing. ### Access by Car
- Kyushu Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Miyama Yanagawa IC
- Ariake Sea Coastal Road: Approximately 10 minutes from Okawa Higashi IC
Parking is available at Ohana and other tourist facilities in the city. There is also parking near the river cruise boarding area.
Estimated Time Required for Sightseeing
While a visit to Yanagawa Castle Ruins alone takes about 30 minutes, a half-day to full-day trip including a visit to Ohana, a river cruise, and a stroll through the castle town is recommended. The river cruise takes approximately 70 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Mihashira Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the Tachibana clan, the lords of the Yanagawa domain, located within walking distance of the castle ruins. A bronze statue of Tachibana Muneshige is also located on the grounds, allowing visitors to experience the history of Yanagawa.
Yanagawa Domain Lord Tachibana Residence Ohana
As mentioned above, this is the villa of the Tachibana family, which also owns the nationally designated scenic spot, Shotoen. At the Tachibana Family Historical Museum, you can see valuable materials related to Yanagawa Castle and the Tachibana clan.
Yanagawa City Historical and Folk Museum
This museum comprehensively introduces the history and culture of Yanagawa. It also has exhibits on Yanagawa Castle, allowing for a deeper understanding of the castle’s history.
Okihata Suiten-gu Shrine
This Suiten-gu shrine stands along the canal and is included in the river cruise course. It enshrines the god of water and is a center of local faith.
Cultural Value of Yanagawa Castle
Yanagawa Castle possesses high cultural value not only as a military fortress but also for creating a unique castle town culture. Its urban planning, utilizing waterways, is unique among Japanese castle towns and remains a tourist attraction as “Yanagawa, the Water Town.”
As a castle ruled by the renowned general Tachibana Muneshige, and as the stable center of the Tachibana clan’s domain throughout the Edo period, Yanagawa Castle was the political, economic, and cultural center of the Chikugo region. It remains a core element of Yanagawa City’s identity and a beloved historical heritage site for its citizens.
Summary
Yanagawa Castle was a renowned castle that flourished as the center of Chikugo Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. Beginning with its construction by the Kamachi clan, it underwent renovations by Tachibana Muneshige and Tanaka Yoshimasa, and once again functioned as the administrative center of the Yanagawa Domain under the rule of the Tachibana clan.
Although the buildings were lost in a fire in 1872 (Meiji 5), some of the stone walls and the remains of the moats remain. In particular, the moats that crisscrossed the entire castle town still form a distinctive landscape of Yanagawa today. When visiting the Yanagawa Castle ruins, combining it with a visit to the Ohana (flower viewing) or a river cruise allows you to deeply experience the history and culture of a castle town that lived in harmony with water.
When visiting Fukuoka Prefecture, be sure to visit the Yanagawa Castle ruins and the waterside townscape to experience the diversity and charm of Japanese castle culture.
