It was built with a rare architectural technique where the two story building is split over three floors. The stone that is and was used for the roof tiles is 'shakudani' stone, a local stone that has a turquoise color to it. You can see this stone around Fukui prefecture today and was a sign of wealth during the Edo period. A small museum nearby provides information and displays about the temple’s history. Known as the ‘Mist Castle’, legend told that whenever enemies approached a thick mist would appear and cloak the castle… so to ensure good weather, make sure you visit with good intentions.
Visiting Maruoka Castle
The remaining structure is one of just 12 original castles left in Japan. It is possible to enter the building, which has a black wooden interior. The keep has three floors with slats where archers could shoot at incoming enemies. There's also a trap door where boiling oil could be poured on people climbing into the keep. The top floor was used as a watchtower, which now provides a great panoramic view of Maruoka town.
The castle is at its best in spring, with the surrounding Kasumiga-jo Park being home to around 400 cherry blossom trees. The town hosts a festival during the first three weeks of April in which the castle is illuminated and the trees are lit by more than 300 paper lanterns.
Spending Time in Fukui
Fukui City is a great base to discover the Maruoka Castle! It is a close bus ride with regular direct buses and also a train that stops nearby. If you are staying in the city and want to explore more of the region, join us for a tour of Fukui City and the famous Zen Buddhist Head Temple of Eiheiji! It is a full day of learning about the history of the area and feeling the spirituality of the Japanese mountains. See below for more information. If you're planning a longer stay in the area, check out our 20 Things to Do in Fukui page to plan your trip!
EIHEIJI & FUKUI CITY FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
As one of the head temples of the world-famous Japanese Soto Zen Buddhist sect, Eiheiji Temple is a place where you can feel the mystery and beauty of traditional architecture hidden in a natural paradise. On this tour you can choose start from either Kanazawa Station or Fukui Station. After grouping up at Fukui Station, we will take a tour of the city in the morning, seeing the castle walls, the "rainbow" shrine, and views of the city from the Atagozaka Slope. We will eat in the city before heading out on a direct bus to Eiheiji Temple. The ride into the mountains is about 30 minutes and we will arrive near the temple grounds. This area has had groupings of temples for over 500 years and at its peak had thousands of monks living in the area. We will walk through the temple and learn about the history as we climb up deeper into the temple. There are many excellent photo spots to discover, too. There are so many interesting angles that catch the intertwining of nature and architecture all over the complex. Try to find the one that touches you the most!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I want to charter a bus to take me to Maruoka Castle, can you help?
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer highly entertaining group-tours of Central Japan and the surrounding areas that are sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter. With door-to-door service, we can pick up you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighbouring regions. For more information, please check our standard charter rates or contact us for a custom trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Japan and help you discover even more!
Is Maruoka Castle worth visiting?
Maruoka Castle is a wonderful place to stop for an hour or two along your trip. Fukui City itself is perfect for one or two nights, especially if you've been to Japan before and are looking to get to somewhere a little less swamped. It's one of just 12 original castles left in Japan, so the place oozes history and atmosphere.
How can I get to Maruoka Castle?
There's a direct bus to Maruoka Castle from near Fukui Station, which takes around 40 minutes. Exiting the station on the West side, simply follow the main street down (there should be the tram track, to keep your bearings right). Cross the street and turn right. In a few minutes, you'll reach the Daimyomachi bus stop. Take the No. 31 Maruoka Line from there to Maruoka Castle.
