Chikuzen Matsuo Castle is classified as a mountain castle, and is located in Fukuoka Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Chikuzen Province. It is associated with the Akizuki, Kuroda clans. Dates in use: 15?? - 1615.

This castle was never more than a minor, Sengoku-period mountain fort; a far cry from the expansive citadels built around or after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. I probably shouldn't compare, as this castle wasn't build then but a little earlier. Though unable to confirm the year of its construction, I do know that it was the Akizuki clan who built it.

Based upon excavations, the form of the walls & ditches are known. What can't be determined is how the buildings & fences looked. It is speculated that on the east edge of the main enclosure sat a single-story hall turret which acted as the castle's main tower.

Kuroda's six border castles (黒田六端城)

From the time the Kuroda clan first came here in 1600 and until 1615, there six small forts along the eastern border of Chikuzen Province. Sharing the border was the province of Buzen which was governed at the time by the Hosokawa clan.

Timeline

15??	Fortifications were believed to have been built by the Akizuki clan.
1600	The castle was transferred to the Kuroda clan along with much of Chikuzen Province.
1615	The One country, one castle law was passed, the castle was decommissioned.

Historical recognition

Site	Prefectural Historic Site