Oka Castle Ruins National Historic Site
A historic Japanese castle with 800 years of history from construction to abandonment
Oka Castle is said to have been built to shelter Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who had fallen out with his older brother, Minamoto no Yoritomo. Spanning 800 years from its construction to its eventual abandonment, it is one of Japan's most historically significant castles.
Initially a yamajiro (mountain castle) made of earth, it later transformed into a stone castle with formidable stone walls, earning a reputation as an impregnable stronghold. Today, only the stone walls remain, but the castle’s enduring appeal lies in its dramatic sheer cliffs and the stone wall formations constructed along these precipices.
Notable features include the zigzagging yokoya-gakari stone walls resembling folding screens, the grand gate stone walls reminiscent of European castles, and the unique arched kamaboko-ishi (fishcake-shaped stones), now serving as the main visitor entrance. These diverse techniques and layouts showcase the advanced architectural skills of the era.
The castle grounds are also known for their cherry blossoms, earning a spot in the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan. During the annual Oka Castle Sakura Festival in early April, visitors can enjoy the blossoms along with a traditional daimyo procession.
Initially a yamajiro (mountain castle) made of earth, it later transformed into a stone castle with formidable stone walls, earning a reputation as an impregnable stronghold. Today, only the stone walls remain, but the castle’s enduring appeal lies in its dramatic sheer cliffs and the stone wall formations constructed along these precipices.
Notable features include the zigzagging yokoya-gakari stone walls resembling folding screens, the grand gate stone walls reminiscent of European castles, and the unique arched kamaboko-ishi (fishcake-shaped stones), now serving as the main visitor entrance. These diverse techniques and layouts showcase the advanced architectural skills of the era.
The castle grounds are also known for their cherry blossoms, earning a spot in the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan. During the annual Oka Castle Sakura Festival in early April, visitors can enjoy the blossoms along with a traditional daimyo procession.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Address (Japanese)
- 878-0013 大分県竹田市大字竹田2889
- Address
- 2889 Oaza Taketa, Taketa City, Oita, 878-0013
- Telephone Number
- 0974-63-1541（Okajo Castle Ruins Ticket Office）
- Opening Times
- 9:00–17:00
- Closed
- December 31–January 3
- Prices
- -High school students and older: 300 yen
-Elementary and middle school students: 150 yen
[Group Rates (20 people or more)]
-High school students and older: 200 yen
-Elementary and middle school students: 100 yen - Car Park
- 140 parking spaces for standard vehicles, 9 parking spaces for buses
- Access
- [By car]
Approximately 15 minutes from Taketa IC on the Naka-Kyushu Crossroad
[By taxi]
Approximately 5 minutes from JR Bungotaketa Station
[By train]
Approximately 30 minutes on foot from JR Bungotaketa Station - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
