Akizuki Sakura Inspiration
#cherryblossom2024
The mountain fortress that inspired Kurosawa and Lucas
Akizuki Castle was the home of the powerful clan of the same name, which once ruled most of the lands of present-day Fukuoka Prefecture. The history of these places inspired two great directors — Akira Kurosawa and George Lucas — to create wonderful films.
The castle and the city built around it are small (you can get around them in one day), but here you can feel the living breath of history.
How to get there
Akizuki Castle is located 45 minutes from Fukuoka. You can get there by train, bus or car.
Take the JR Kagoshima Railway Line from Hakata Station to Kiyama Station and transfer to the Amagi Line to Amagi Station, then take the bus.
A charming city with a rich history
There is a breath of history in the city and Akizuki Castle. The castle was built in 1203 and rebuilt several times. They lived here until the beginning of the Meiji era (1873). Now all that remains of the castle are the stone walls and restored sections of the ancient gate, including the impressive Black Kuromon Gate.
There are several famous temples in the city. In the shrine of Akizuki Hachimangu, standing in the middle of the forest in the mountains south of the castle, samurai once prepared for battles and conducted religious ceremonies. To the north of the castle there is the Daireji Temple and the cemetery, where many descendants of noble families who lived in these parts rested.
Sakura flowers on Sugi-no-Baba
The city was mainly built around the castle and the main street leading to it, Sugi no Baba. There is the Akizuki Museum, several tea houses, including the beautiful Kuromontia, and, finally, the ruins of Akizuki Castle.
In addition, the most beautiful sakura of Fukuoka Prefecture grows on Sugi no Baba. Every spring, the trees shower the street with white and pink petals. Cedars used to grow here, but in honor of the victory in the Russian-Japanese War, cherries were planted in their place.
A secret fortress at the top of the mountain
A three-hour walk will take you from the city center to the top of Kose Mountain and the ruins of Akizuki Fortress. In 1958, these places inspired Akira Kurosawa to create the film "The Hidden Fortress". This picture also played a significant role in modern pop culture, influencing, in turn, George Lucas when he wrote the script for the first series of "Star Wars".
A little bit about local cooking
In Akizuki you will taste excellent food and wine. The Seiruan Ryokan is located in the forest, a traditional hotel with a charming outdoor onsen. An excellent multi-course Japanese dinner is served here. Le Vandemiare wine shop has a great selection of French wines. And the noodle shop at the foot of Kose Mountain is so popular among locals that it is quite difficult to find a free place here, besides the noodles run out quickly.