Kokura Castle Garden
What is Kokura Castle Garden?
Kokura Castle Garden is a restored feudal lord’s garden that was once the Lower Residence (Goyūsho) of the Ogasawara Clan, serving as their villa. It also features a cultural facility that recreates a typical Edo-period samurai residence, complete with a tea room and exhibition hall, offering visitors a chance to experience history and traditional culture.
The Ogasawara Clan, which ruled Kokura Castle for 234 years after succeeding the Hosokawa Clan, was a powerful feudal family under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Additionally, the Ogasawara Clan was the head family of all Ogasawara lineages in Japan and is well known as the founder of the Ogasawara-ryū School of Etiquette. Reihō (etiquette) is a traditional Japanese cultural practice that emphasizes consideration for others and the spirit of hospitality.
Kokura Castle Garden introduces the history and philosophy of this etiquette, with the goal of preserving and passing down traditional Japanese customs. It is the only facility in Japan dedicated to Reihō (etiquette studies).
Despite being located in the heart of the city, Kokura Castle Garden offers an Edo-period atmosphere, making it a notable historical site in Kitakyushu. Visitors can immerse themselves in history, enjoy matcha (green tea), and experience the beauty of nature and culture in a tranquil and relaxing setting.
History of Kokura Castle Garden
In 1602 (Keichō 7), Matsui Yasuyuki built a residence on this site when he moved from Nakatsu Domain to Kokura Domain with his lord, Tadaoki Hosokawa.
Later, in 1632 (Kan’ei 9), Tadazana Ogasawara took over the governance of Kokura Domain, replacing the Hosokawa Clan.
During this period, it is said that Miyamoto Iori, the son of the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, and Ogasawara Mondo, a retainer of Hidemasa Ogasawara (father of Tadazana), shared this residence, dividing it into two parts.
In the era of Tadamitsu Ogasawara, the Lower Residence (Shimoyashiki) was completed as a retreat for poetry and tea ceremonies.
Because this residence was located just below the castle’s keep, it became known as the “Oshita-yashiki” (御下屋敷, Lower Residence).
However, in 1866 (Keiō 2), during the Second Chōshū Expedition, the Oshita-yashiki was destroyed by fire.
Over time, various structures were built on this site, reflecting the changes of each era.
Although the buildings have changed, it is believed that the garden remains in nearly the same location as in the past.
Kokura Castle Garden Guide
Japanese Garden(日本庭園)
This garden is a strolling pond garden (Chisen-kaiyū-shiki), designed for visitors to walk around the pond while enjoying different scenic views.
Its most distinctive feature is the “Nozoki-ike” (Overlook Pond), where the water level is set significantly lower than the surrounding landscape.
It is also called the “Ukimi-no-niwa” (Floating View Garden) because the entire garden can be viewed from the veranda of the Shoin (samurai residence).
With its changing seasonal beauty, visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere throughout the year.
Shoin Hall(書院棟)
This building is a traditional Japanese wooden structure built in the Shoin-zukuri architectural style.
Inside, it consists of several rooms, including the “Jōdan-no-ma” (Raised Room), “Ichi-no-ma” (First Room), “Ni-no-ma” (Second Room), and “Toritsugi-no-ma” (Connecting Room).
The Ichi-no-ma and Ni-no-ma, each 18 tatami mats in size, are separated by fusuma (sliding doors) and ranma (transom panels), allowing them to be used as independent seating areas.
Additionally, part of the veranda extends over the pond in a “Kakezukuri” (cantilevered) structure, offering a stunning panoramic view of the garden below.
At Shoin Hall, visitors can enjoy a Japanese sweets café operating daily and occasional afternoon tea events.
Relax and enjoy an elegant moment with a beautiful garden view.
The hall is also available for pre-wedding photoshoots and special photography sessions, providing a perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories in a historical and traditional setting.
Additionally, a special seating area has been set up on the Shoin Hall veranda, where guests can savor high-quality wagashi (traditional sweets) and matcha while gazing at the garden.
Enjoy a moment of tranquility and luxury, immersing yourself in the beauty of Japan.
Click here for details about the Japanese sweets café
For details about afternoon tea, click here
Exhibition Hall
The permanent exhibition introduces the history of Reihō (Japanese etiquette) under the themes of “Gifting” and “Savoring”, showcasing this traditional Japanese cultural practice.
The exhibit provides an easy-to-understand explanation of how etiquette originated, evolved, and became integrated into daily life.
Visitors can also learn about table manners and gifting etiquette, exploring how traditional customs continue to shape modern Japanese society.
Additionally, the exhibition features displays on samurai etiquette and tea ceremony traditions passed down by the Ogasawara Clan.
The exhibition explains in detail how Japanese etiquette, rooted in the spirit of “Wa” (harmony), evolved from courtly rituals in the aristocratic society to the samurai class and later developed into the customs practiced today.
The special exhibition room hosts various themed exhibitions related to traditional Japanese culture.
The hall also includes a training room, which can be used for various purposes.
Japanese Cultural Experiences
At Kokura Castle Garden, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Japanese traditional culture while experiencing the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
Tea ceremony experiences are offered almost daily throughout the year, and visitors can also participate in Kokura-ori textile workshops year-round.
In this historical setting, guests can learn about the graceful movements and refined spirit of Japanese culture while enjoying a peaceful and calming moment.
Tea Ceremony Experience
At Kokura Castle Garden, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Japanese traditional culture while experiencing the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
Tea ceremony experiences are offered almost daily throughout the year, and visitors can also participate in Kokura-ori textile workshops year-round.
In this historical setting, guests can learn about the graceful movements and refined spirit of Japanese culture while enjoying a peaceful and calming moment.
At Kokura Castle Garden, guests can enjoy matcha (or sencha) and seasonal Japanese sweets in a Ryakurei-style tea room (where tea is served with tables and chairs).
This facility is rare even in Japan, allowing visitors to experience an authentic tea ceremony while watching the tea-making process—all without reservations, available throughout the year.
※ Please note that, depending on the situation, the tea-making demonstration may not be available.
Additionally, guests can also enjoy matcha and sweets while admiring the garden from the Shoin Hall veranda at the Special Shoin Seating Area.
Don’t miss this unique and memorable tea experience.
The Reconstructed Main Keep and Its Unique Architecture
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | December 28 – 31 |
| Price | 1,200 yen per person |
Special Shoin Seating Area
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | December 28 – 31 |
| Price | 1,500 yen per person |
On weekdays and Saturdays, tea is prepared by Kokura Castle Garden’s dedicated tea ceremony staff.
On Sundays and public holidays, tea is served by various tea masters from Kitakyushu City.
Cultural Lectures
Kokura Castle Garden also hosts cultural lectures, where visitors can learn from expert instructors about Ogasawara-ryū etiquette, which has been established since the Muromachi period, as well as Kōdō (the way of incense) and Sadō (tea ceremony).
These classes are open to everyone, from beginners to experienced practitioners, offering a deeper understanding of diverse aspects of Japanese culture.
Rental Rooms
As a hub for traditional culture in Kitakyushu, Kokura Castle Garden provides Japanese-style rooms, a training room, and Shoin Hall for rent at affordable rates, supporting the city’s efforts to promote a culturally rich environment.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
