Castle & Palace · Kitsuki

Kitsuki Castle 杵築城

Compact hilltop castle keep over the confluence of a river and the sea, about 20 minutes from Oita Airport, with views over the bay and the samurai town below.

Hours10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30, approx.)

ClosedOpen daily (approx.)

PriceCastle (adult): ¥500
Common ticket (castle + samurai houses): ¥800

Getting thereKitsuki bus terminal, 10 min walk; Oita Airport, 20 min by car

Time needed45 minutes

Best timeAfternoon

Address16-1 Kitsuki, Kitsuki, Oita

About

Kitsuki Castle stands on a promontory where the Yasaka River meets Morie Bay; the original fortress dates to 1394, and the present three-storey keep is a 1970 reconstruction housing samurai armour and the history of the Matsudaira lords. The view from the top over the estuary, the bay and the old town's rooftops is the reason to climb. Below it lies one of Kyushu's best-preserved castle towns, built on two ridges with merchants in the valley between, so the castle pairs naturally with the samurai lanes. A common ticket covers the castle and several samurai residences.

Highlights

Hilltop keep over a river mouth and bay
Samurai armour and Matsudaira clan history
Views over the Kitsuki castle town
Common ticket with samurai residences

Tips

Buy the common ticket if you'll also visit the samurai houses
Walking the town in kimono gives free entry to many public sights
Fees were revised in 2026; check current prices on site
From Oita Airport take a taxi (about 20 min) or the bus via Kitsuki bus terminal

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Kitsuki Castle 杵築城

About

Highlights

Tips

Nearby