Maruoka Castle, a historic gem located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, was built in the early Edo period in the 1620s. It is one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, known for preserving the oldest style of castle architecture in the country. As the only remaining castle tower in the Hokuriku region, it captures the hearts of not only history lovers but also many tourists.
The distinctive feature of Maruoka Castle lies in its unique architecture. The two-tiered, three-story tower, though compact, harmonizes wonderfully with the surrounding landscape. Notably, it is the only remaining castle tower covered with stone tiles and features astonishingly steep stairs with an incline of 65 to 67 degrees. Climbing these stairs is a thrilling adventure that invites you to relive the experience of medieval samurai.
From the top floor of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Maruoka townscape. It's a precious opportunity to share the same magnificent view that former feudal lords once enjoyed.
Exploring the interior of Maruoka Castle offers a fantastic opportunity to touch the essence of Japanese castle architecture. The bare wooden interior tells the tale of its long history. The simple interior, with few exhibits, stimulates the imagination, making it an ideal environment to envision the castle's former glory.
Maruoka Castle is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. There is an admission fee, but the chance to closely experience a historic Japanese building is well worth it. However, caution is advised when ascending and descending the steep stairs. Elderly visitors or those not confident in their physical strength might prefer to appreciate the castle's beauty from the outside.
Maruoka Castle is more than just a tourist spot. It is a living testament to the essence of Japanese history and architecture. With ongoing restoration plans for structures other than the castle tower, it promises to become an even more captivating historic site in the future. When visiting Hokuriku, be sure to include this historic jewel, Maruoka Castle, in your itinerary. It will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory.