Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Fukuyama Castle stands on a hill overlooking the Tsugaru Strait, and is the northernmost Japanese-style castle in Japan, with its origins in Fukuyama Hall built by Matsumae Yoshihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae Domain. Completed in 1854 as a defense against foreign ships, this castle, selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles, once had a wooden keep designated as a National Treasure, but it was destroyed by fire in 1949. Later, in response to the wishes of local residents, a reinforced concrete reconstruction keep was built in 1960. The Honmaru Omon Gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, preserves its original appearance, and passing through this imposing wooden gate, you can see the keep standing with dignity atop the stone walls. Inside the castle, the Matsumae Castle Museum displays models of Kitamaebune ships, armor, and fortress layout plans, where you can learn about the history of the Matsumae Domain and its role in coastal defense.

Cherry trees are planted around the castle, and in spring it becomes a famous spot where about 250 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom in profusion. The sight of white and pink flowers enveloping the keep, set against the blue sea and sky, creates picture-perfect beauty. By exploring the reconstructed Tenjinsaka Gate, Karamete Nino Gate, and the remains of seven gun batteries in the Sannomaru, you can appreciate the castle's role in defending the sea. Climbing the stone steps while feeling the sea breeze and viewing the Tsugaru Strait from the keep, the history of this castle that has watched over the northern seas resonates in your heart.