Akizuki Castle - 秋月城 (map)
photos: Daniel O'Grady
Location: |
Fukuoka (Chikuzen Province) |
| 福岡県 (筑前国) | |
Clan: |
Akizuki, Kuroda |
| 秋月氏, 黒田氏 | |
Dates: |
1203 - 1871 |
Type: |
Hilltop |
Main tower: |
None |
Categories: |
Kyūshū | Buildings |
Summary:
It was originally built by Harada Tanekatsu of the Akizuki clan but in the early 1600's it became the residential castle for the son of Kuroda Nagamasa & his descendants. Now, only one original & one rebuilt gate remain along with minor stonework.In addition to the remaining gates, stonework & moat, located a short distance to the West are the ruins of the Kuroda built Toki Yagura. Presumably, the role of this turret was to announce time. Interestingly, this turret was built over the ruins of a much older fort, Fukutake Castle.
If you follow the moat to the North there is the residence that housed the former lords of this castle. There are several buildings one of which houses items relating to its history including armour & a scale model of the castle.
Timeline:
| 1203 | Two sets of fortifications were built by Harada Tanekatsu. The first, a mountain castle atop Mt Kosho & then at its base a fortified residence. This clan would later take the name Akizuki. |
| 1587 | Toyotomi Hideyoshi took control of the area during the Kyūshū invasion. The Akizuki clan abandoned the castle. |
| 1600 | The fief was awarded to the Kuroda after the battle of Sekigahara. |
| 1623 | Akizuki castle was built by Kuroda Nagaoki utilizing materials from the two much older castles. |
| 1876 | The castle was dismantled not long after the Akizuki rebellion. |
| 1987 | The Nagaya Mon was rebuilt, completed in 1990. |
Historical recognition:
| Site | Prefectural Historic Site |
