Very little of the original castle structure survives at Fukui Castle Ruins. The most prominent remaining features are the stone walls and portions of the moat that once surrounded the castle complex. A reconstructed Tatsumi Yagura (southeast turret) has been built to give visitors an idea of the castle's former appearance. The original castle buildings were dismantled in 1871, and subsequent fires destroyed most remaining structures. Today, the Fukui Prefectural Office occupies the former castle grounds.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Fukui Castle Ruins. The site is freely accessible to the public as it forms part of the open space surrounding government buildings. Visitors can walk around the stone walls, view the moat, and explore the perimeter at any time without purchasing tickets.
Fukui Castle Ruins are approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Fukui Station. Simply walk north from the station along the main roads toward the city center. The castle ruins are located in the downtown area and are easily identifiable by the stone walls and moat surrounding the prefectural government complex. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.
Fukui Castle was built in 1606 by Yūki Hideyasu, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the first lord of the Fukui Domain. The castle served as the administrative headquarters of the powerful Fukui Domain for over 260 years under the rule of the Matsudaira clan. Its historical significance lies in its role as the political center of the Echizen region throughout the Edo period.
Visitors can walk around the preserved stone walls and photograph the moat that still encircles portions of the site. You can explore the Hon-maru (main bailey) area, though it now houses government buildings, and view the reconstructed Tatsumi Yagura turret. Informational plaques provide historical context at various points. The adjacent Fukui Castle Site Park offers a relaxing green space, making it suitable for a brief cultural stop while exploring Fukui City.
