Wrapped in a Carpet of Autumn Leaves: A Journey Through Akizuki Castle Ruins

A Stroll Through Time

Tucked away in the gentle hills of Asakura, Fukuoka, Akizuki Castle Ruins is one of those rare places where time feels beautifully suspended. When I visited, a soft drizzle fell, wrapping the old stone paths in a subtle glow. The sound of raindrops on roof tiles, the faint mist rising through the maples — it was as if the entire town was breathing in unison with the past.

The Story Behind the Ruins

Akizuki Castle was built in 1624 by Kuroda Nagahiro, the second son of the famed warlord Kuroda Nagamasa, following his father’s wish to establish the Akizuki Domain. Unlike the towering battle castles of the Sengoku period, this one was designed more for governance than for war — an “jin’ya-style” castle, modest and graceful in structure.

Today, the stone walls, moats, and two iconic gates — the Kuro-mon (Black Gate) and Nagaya-mon (Longhouse Gate) — are all that remain, but they whisper stories of a quieter, more elegant age. This simplicity is exactly what gives Akizuki its charm, earning it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Chikuzen.”

Where Autumn Paints the Air

Each November, Akizuki transforms. Around twenty maple trees turn the Black Gate into a natural frame of blazing red and gold. The contrast between the deep black of the gate and the vivid leaves feels almost cinematic. Standing beneath them, you can’t help but pause — the air stills, and the moment lingers.

A short walk ahead, around the Nagaya-mon, fallen leaves blanket the ground. Walking there feels like stepping across a carpet of autumn, each step a gentle rustle that reminds you how fleeting beauty can be. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in all of Fukuoka, and even if you put your camera away, the scene stays etched in your memory.

Best Time to Visit

The autumn colors usually reach their peak between late November and early December. On clear, crisp mornings, sunlight filters through the trees, turning the castle ruins into a glowing world of amber and red. Checking local updates before your trip will help you catch the best timing — but truthfully, even just before or after the peak, Akizuki has a quiet grace that never fades.

Beyond the Castle — The Town of Akizuki

Surrounding the ruins is a charming castle town lined with old wooden houses and stone-paved paths. Wandering here is like walking through a living museum — slow, silent, yet full of warmth. Stop by the Akizuki Museum, explore the preserved Kuno Samurai Residence, or simply wander aimlessly through narrow lanes beneath the autumn canopy.

For a sweet pause, try the town’s handmade Japanese confections — such as black rice ohagi or seasonal treats made with local persimmons. Pottery and indigo-dyed crafts make for lovely souvenirs, each carrying a touch of the town’s gentle craftsmanship.

A Soothing End to the Journey

After soaking in all that beauty, drive just 20 minutes to Harazuru Onsen, one of Fukuoka’s most beloved hot springs. Known as a “beauty skin” spring, its mildly alkaline waters leave your skin smooth and refreshed. Soaking outdoors while gazing at the Chikugo River and the surrounding mountains — that’s the perfect way to close a day at Akizuki.

In Every Season, a Gentle Invitation

While Akizuki is famous for its autumn leaves, each season brings a new rhythm — cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, and quiet stillness in winter. But no matter when you go, the spirit of this place is the same: tranquil, grounded, and quietly radiant.

It’s a journey not just through history, but through the slower heartbeat of Japan — one that stays with you long after you’ve left the cobbled path behind.