Enjoy a special moment
at Maruoka Castle,
enchanted by the castle
keep that remains today.
ABOUT MARUOKA CASTLE TOUR
An exhilarating experience spent
at Maruoka Castle
for one day only
There were once nearly 50,000 castles
in Japan.
Although most of them have been lost over time,
Maruoka Castle is one of the 12 surviving castle towers in Japan,
and it continues to be preserved even 400 years after its construction.
in Japan.
Although most of them have been lost over time,
Maruoka Castle is one of the 12 surviving castle towers in Japan,
and it continues to be preserved even 400 years after its construction.
The "Tsukimachi Banquet Oboro" is a tour that allows visitors to experience local history, food, culture, and technology in the special setting of Maruoka Castle.
Please enjoy a special moment while admiring the existing castle tower.
Please enjoy a special moment while admiring the existing castle tower.
contents.1
-Aperitif-
contents.2
-Ippitsu Keijo-
(Brief Letter)
(Brief Letter)
contents.3
-Castle Dining-
ABOUT MARUOKA CASTLE
Maruoka-cho in Sakai City is full of history, food,
craftsmanship,
and a variety of other attractions
Maruoka-cho in Sakai City, where Maruoka Castle is located, is in the northern part of Fukui Prefecture and has developed as a castle town.
In addition to being known as the home of "Koshihikari," one of Japan's most delicious varieties of rice, the region is also one of the prefecture's top producers of buckwheat noodles.
Echizen is also a town with a rich history, food, and craftsmanship, with the development of woven name tags, which account for 80% of the market share in Japan, and Echizen textiles,
a traditional handicraft.
In addition to being known as the home of "Koshihikari," one of Japan's most delicious varieties of rice, the region is also one of the prefecture's top producers of buckwheat noodles.
Echizen is also a town with a rich history, food, and craftsmanship, with the development of woven name tags, which account for 80% of the market share in Japan, and Echizen textiles,
a traditional handicraft.
Maruoka Castle has gone through many dramatic events over the 400 years since its construction.
We would like to introduce three attractions that are essential when telling its story.
We would like to introduce three attractions that are essential when telling its story.
01. One of 12 existing castle towers
Maruoka Castle was built in 1576 by "Shibata Katsutoyo", a nephew of Shibata Katsuie, and is one of the 12 castles with an existing castle tower built before the Edo period. It is also known as "Kasumigajo Castle" because legend has it that a giant snake appeared during a battle and spewed haze, hiding the castle. Although the castle has been placed in danger on numerous occasions, such as during the Meiji period when the castle was demolished and the moat was filled in, and the Fukui Earthquake of the Showa era, the passion of the local people has preserved the castle in its original state and continues to convey its value to the public.
02.
Craftsmanship glimpsed
in simplicity
The stone walls, in a style known as "Nozura-tsumi", are made by piling natural stones with little processing. Even though the piles may look rough with many gaps, they are piled with the skill of a master craftsman to ensure good drainage and to prevent collapse even in heavy rains. The restoration of the castle tower, which once collapsed after the Fukui earthquake, was another feat of master craftsmanship. More than 70% of the pillars and beams are from the Edo period, and were repaired exactly as they were before the collapse. From the Edo period to the present day, Maruoka Castle has been protected by master carpenters, stonemasons, and plasterers, supported by simple but traditional Japanese techniques.
03. The shortest letter in Japan, "Ippitsu Keijo"
The shortest letter in Japan,
"Ippitsu Keijo"
This is a letter written by the father of Honda Narishige, the first feudal lord of the Maruoka domain, to his wife from the battlefield.
"A brief note. Be careful when handling fire. Take care of our son, Senchiyo. Keep our horses well-fed"
The letter shows the kindness and concern for his wife, which can be seen in its simplicity and clarity, and is still popular today as a model example of a letter.
"Ippitsu Keijo"
This is a letter written by the father of Honda Narishige, the first feudal lord of the Maruoka domain, to his wife from the battlefield.
"A brief note. Be careful when handling fire. Take care of our son, Senchiyo. Keep our horses well-fed"
The letter shows the kindness and concern for his wife, which can be seen in its simplicity and clarity, and is still popular today as a model example of a letter.
MARUOKA CASTLE TOUR POINT
Recommended contents
of the tour
that you can't experience
anywhere else
contents.1
-Aperitif-
Enjoy aperitifs on the top floor
of the castle tower
Normally, eating and drinking are prohibited on the top floor of the castle tower, and this is the only special experience allowed on this day. Please enjoy the sunset over the vast Sea of Japan, a favorite of successive lords of the castle, while sipping fine sake nurtured in the land of Fukui Prefecture.
*Non-alcoholic drinks are also available
*Non-alcoholic drinks are also available
contents.2
-Ippitsu Keijo (Brief Letter)-
Letters to loved ones written on
the top floor of the castle tower
"A brief note. Be careful when handling fire. Take care of our son, Senchiyo. Keep our horses well-fed"
The shortest letter in Japan, written by the father of Honda Narishige, the first feudal lord of the Maruoka domain, to his wife from the battlefield. The letter shows the kindness and concern for his wife, which can be seen in its simplicity and clarity, and is still popular today as a model example of a letter. The top floor of the castle tower is where you can enjoy a modernized version of the "Ippitsu Keijo" ceremony, so you can express your feelings to your loved ones that you would normally not be able to convey.
The shortest letter in Japan, written by the father of Honda Narishige, the first feudal lord of the Maruoka domain, to his wife from the battlefield. The letter shows the kindness and concern for his wife, which can be seen in its simplicity and clarity, and is still popular today as a model example of a letter. The top floor of the castle tower is where you can enjoy a modernized version of the "Ippitsu Keijo" ceremony, so you can express your feelings to your loved ones that you would normally not be able to convey.
contents.3
-Castle Dining-
This event is limited to this day only.
Rare open-air restaurant
This premium dinner, supervised by Fukui's top restaurants, will be held at a special location overlooking the castle tower. Enjoy a luxurious moment as you savor a variety of dishes prepared by chefs using local ingredients and their masterful techniques, while gazing at Maruoka Castle illuminated by moonlight.
RESERVISION
Schedule
- First session
-
Saturday, October 28, 2023
- Second session
-
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Charter plans are
also available
Fee
-
Both days 100,000 yen~
/per adultAccommodation reservations
can be made separately
CONTACT
General Incorporated Association
DMO SAKAI KANKOUKYOKU
Tel.0776-50-3200
(Reception Hours : weekday AM10:00 ~ PM5:00)