Maruoka Castle

Maruoka Castle is a Japanese castle that was located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, and today only the keep remains. This hilltop castle has a keep said to date to the Azuchi-Momoyama period and is designated an Important Cultural Property. The stairs up to the keep are extremely steep, so it may be difficult for visitors who are not confident in their balance or mobility. Rope supports are installed to assist climbing. Around the castle, several hundred Somei Yoshino cherry trees have been planted, creating stunning springtime cherry blossoms. Kasumigajo Park is a Japanese-style garden park that includes Maruoka Castle, where you can stroll through greenery while viewing monuments and historical markers. There is also the legend of "Oshizu the human pillar," which tells that after a human sacrifice was made but a promise to Oshizu was not fulfilled, her resentment brought heavy rains. A memorial monument to Oshizu stands to calm this resentment. In spring, the Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and in autumn, the Maruoka Kojou Festival takes place. To reach Maruoka Castle, take a bus from JR Awaraonsen Station for about 20 minutes, get off, and it is about a one-minute walk.