Get to know the castle
Castle at a glance
- Site & layout
- Coastal castle with seawater moats and a former harbour
- Origins
- Begun 1602; buildings completed around 1608
- Builders & patrons
- Todo Takatora
- Other names
- Fukiage Castle
- What remains today
- Walls and moats; modern interpretive keep and reconstructed Kurogane Gate
THE STORY
The story behind the walls
Todo Takatora began work in 1602. Building construction followed the earthworks, with completion estimated around 1608. The saltwater moats and harbour made it a stronghold closely connected to the sea. After the buildings were dismantled in the Meiji period, an interpretive keep was built in 1980. Kurogane Gate and associated structures were reconstructed in 2007, giving different parts of the site distinct reconstruction histories.
LAYOUT & ARCHITECTURE
Read the landscape and the buildings.
The castle occupied flat coastal ground with broad saltwater moats and an internal harbour. The present keep is an interpretive modern tower on a former corner-turret site, rather than a faithful replica of an earlier keep. Kurogane Gate, by contrast, was reconstructed from historical research and demonstrates the defence of a boxed entrance court.
A CLOSER LOOK
Details worth a closer look.
Moats connected to the sea
Its broad moats drew in seawater, and the castle once included a harbour. Considering both land defences and boat access explains the maritime role.
Kurogane Gate
The gate and turrets reconstructed in 2007 illustrate the defence of a boxed entrance court. Its reconstruction differs from that of the modern keep.
Views from the keep
The top floor overlooks the town and Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Looking down over the moats and town clarifies the low-lying coastal setting.
THROUGH THE YEARS
A short timeline
- 1602
Takatora begins construction.
- Around 1608
The castle buildings are thought to have been completed.
- 1980
The modern interpretive keep is built.
- 2007
Kurogane Gate and associated structures are reconstructed.
BEFORE YOU GO
A note before you go.
The keep, exhibition buildings and park have different access arrangements. Check official opening notices, including exhibition closures.
Information checked: 27 September 2026
Sources & official information
Some official sources are available in Japanese only.
