Maruoka Castle – Japan’s Fog-Enshrouded Fortress
Visit Maruoka Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original keeps, often surrounded by mysterious mist and rich with local legends.
Maruoka Castle– History and Features
Maruoka Castle is one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, offering a rare glimpse into the architecture and history of the feudal era. Located in a historically rich region, it features an original keep (genzon tenshu) that has withstood the passage of time. The castle’s strategic design, elevated location, and intricate defensive systems make it a fascinating site for both history buffs and casual visitors.
Whether surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring or framed by autumn leaves, Maruoka Castle provides a beautiful setting for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s samurai past. Inside, visitors can explore traditional wooden interiors, steep stairways, and lookout points offering panoramic views of the surrounding city or countryside. With its cultural significance and aesthetic charm, Maruoka Castle stands as a proud symbol of Japan’s living heritage.
Maruoka Castle – Key Facts
Sakai, Fukui
Hilltop Castle
Castle of Fog
- Oldest stone keep
- often misty atmosphere
Himeji Castle –Visitor Information
1-59 Maruoka-cho Kasumi, Sakai, Fukui 910-0231
Opening Hours
Time when the castle is open to visitors
08:30–17:00
Closed Days
Days when the castle is closed
New Year holidays
Admission
¥450 (Adults)
Official Website
URL of the official tourism or castle site
Castle Highlights
Shrouded in legend and mist, Maruoka Castle offers more than its timeless silhouette. Discover the quiet strength and stories hidden within its ancient walls.
Among the Oldest Existing Keeps
Nicknamed 'Kasumigajo' – Castle in the Mist
Compact Yet Fortified Structure
Rebuilt After Earthquake Damage
Unique Stone-Tiled Roof
Deeply Tied to Local Heritage
Learn more about Maruoka Castle
Introduction
Maruoka Castle, located in Sakai City of Fukui Prefecture, is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles and is steeped in regional legend and quiet charm. Often referred to as “Kasumigajo” or “Castle in the Mist,” its atmospheric presence is enhanced by natural fog that frequently envelops the area. Despite its relatively modest scale compared to other famous castles, Maruoka Castle commands a unique place in Japanese cultural heritage for both its architectural longevity and the folklore that surrounds it.
Constructed in the late 16th century, Maruoka Castle features one of the few remaining original tenshu (main keeps) and is widely believed to have the oldest keep in the country. Its simple, solid design contrasts with the ornate style of castles like Himeji or Matsumoto, emphasizing functionality and compact strength. The castle’s enduring character lies in its rough stone base, small wooden tower, and the quiet dignity of centuries past.
Visitors today are often surprised by the intimate scale of the castle, which adds to its appeal. Surrounded by cherry trees and local gardens, the castle blends seamlessly with its environment. Maruoka is not just a historical site—it’s a reflection of a quieter, humbler Japan where history whispers rather than shouts.
Origins and Construction
Maruoka Castle was constructed in 1576 by order of Shibata Katsutoyo, the nephew of Shibata Katsuie—a key general under Oda Nobunaga. Its construction took place during the tumultuous Sengoku period, when warlords across Japan scrambled to secure their territories with strong fortifications. Originally designed as a military outpost to control the Hokuriku region, Maruoka’s location was chosen for its strategic placement on elevated terrain with a commanding view of the surrounding plains.
One of the castle’s most distinctive features is its stone foundation, built using a technique called nozura-zumi. This method uses unshaped, natural stones stacked without mortar, creating a rugged yet stable base. The main keep is a compact three-story wooden tower, simple in layout but robust in design, with thick beams and small openings for defense. Unlike many larger castles, Maruoka’s design focused on functionality over grandeur.
The keep was constructed using local timber and features a rare stone-tile roof—a notable departure from the more common ceramic tiles used elsewhere in Japan. These heavy stone tiles add both visual uniqueness and structural weight, which required careful reinforcement throughout the interior. Even during the Edo period, the castle saw minimal alteration, preserving much of its original character.
Historical Role and the Feudal Era
Throughout the Edo period, Maruoka Castle served as the administrative center of the Maruoka Domain, a small but strategically located territory governed by the Arima and later the Honda clans. Despite its modest size, the domain played a key role in regional stability and governance in northern Fukui. The castle housed not only military personnel but also samurai administrators and bureaucrats responsible for local affairs, agriculture, and taxation.
Unlike castles in more populous or conflict-prone areas, Maruoka experienced relatively little upheaval during the feudal era. This relative peace contributed to the preservation of its architecture and allowed the domain to focus on civil development. The surrounding castle town (jokamachi) evolved into a hub for trade and craftsmanship, fostering the development of local textiles and lacquerware that still influence the region today.
The castle also carried symbolic importance for the local population. Seasonal festivals, cultural rituals, and New Year gatherings often centered around its grounds, reinforcing the connection between the feudal leadership and everyday citizens. Even in peaceful times, its presence reminded the people of the castle’s role as both protector and symbol of unity.
Unique Features and Architecture
Maruoka Castle’s architectural appeal lies in its simplicity and resilience. The tenshu (main keep) stands just three stories tall, but its thick wooden beams, narrow staircases, and modest footprint evoke the practicality of 16th-century military engineering. The keep lacks the decorative flourishes found in larger castles but offers a genuine, unfiltered glimpse into the past.
A rare and distinctive feature is the use of shakudani stone for the roof tiles. These stone slabs, sourced from nearby quarries, give the roof a rough, muted appearance unlike the glossy ceramics of other castles. While the heavy weight of these stones made construction more difficult, they have weathered storms and time exceptionally well. The use of local materials not only grounded the castle in its environment but also showcased the ingenuity of regional craftsmanship.
Inside the keep, visitors will find traditional wooden flooring, exposed beams, and functional design features such as weapon racks and observation windows. There is little ornamentation—only the essentials for defense and control. The steep, narrow stairways make for a challenging but authentic climb, giving modern visitors a tactile connection to the physicality of historical life.
Surrounding the main keep are remnants of stone walls and moats, as well as reconstructed elements that help evoke the castle’s original atmosphere. In spring, cherry blossoms soften the fortress’s rugged lines, creating a picturesque harmony between stone and nature.
Modern Preservation and Public Access
Maruoka Castle has faced significant challenges in preservation, most notably the 1948 Fukui Earthquake, which caused its original keep to collapse. Fortunately, nearly 80% of the original materials were salvaged, and in 1955, the keep was faithfully reconstructed using traditional techniques. This meticulous restoration effort is widely regarded as one of the most successful early examples of post-war Japanese heritage preservation.
Today, the castle is operated as a public heritage site, featuring a small but informative museum and multilingual signage to support international tourism. Visitors can explore the keep’s interior, enjoy panoramic views from the top floor, and walk the surrounding grounds, which include stone gates and a historical garden. The site is fully integrated into Maruoka Park, providing space for both cultural appreciation and recreational activities.
The castle also plays a central role in local festivals, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival held every April. These events attract thousands of visitors and help revitalize the local economy while fostering cultural pride. In recent years, community-driven projects have introduced guided tours, stamp rallies, and educational programs for schools, ensuring that Maruoka Castle continues to inspire future generations.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Despite its small stature, Maruoka Castle holds a significant place in Japan’s cultural memory. It is officially designated as an Important Cultural Property, and many believe it to be the oldest original keep in existence, though debate remains due to reconstruction history. Its nickname, “Kasumigajo,” embodies its atmospheric charm, and it has become a symbol not just of local identity but of Japan’s broader castle tradition.
The castle is also deeply woven into regional folklore. One of the most well-known legends involves a woman named Oshizu, who is said to have been sacrificed to appease the castle’s unstable foundations. Her spirit is said to bring the mist that shrouds the castle, giving rise to its nickname and contributing to its mystical aura. This tale is preserved and retold through performances and storytelling events held annually at the site.
For both locals and visitors, Maruoka Castle is more than a relic—it is a living cultural site that continues to evolve. Its role in education, community pride, and heritage tourism keeps it relevant in the 21st century. Unlike larger castles that dominate cityscapes, Maruoka offers intimacy, authenticity, and a tangible connection to Japan’s feudal roots. Its quiet walls speak volumes for those willing to listen.