September 2026– date –

We visited Karatsu Castle (Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan No.185) with our 8-year-old son. The stamp is right next to the keep's ticket counter, and a visit takes about 1 hour. Enjoy views of Karatsu Bay and Niji-no-Matsubara, plus parking, admission and elevator fees.

We visited Kokura Castle (Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan No.181) with our 8-year-old son. Plan on about 1 hr 20 min. A 15-minute walk from JR Kokura Station: parking, admission, and kid-friendly highlights like the yabusame game and the Ganryujima photo spot.

A 5-day, 4-night family itinerary from Tokyo covering 7 castles in Fukuoka, Saga, and Hiroshima (Kokura, Fukuoka, Hizen-Nagoya, Karatsu, Yoshinogari, Saga, Hiroshima) plus Miyajima, with timetable, transport, hotels, and local food.

For castle fans who want to cut shinkansen costs on Top 100 Castles trips: how JRE BANK perks give discounts on JR East fares, and tips to make the most of them for castle trips.

Tatsuoka Castle Goryokaku (Continued Top 100 Castles No. 129), one of only two star-shaped forts in Japan: time needed, route, parking and fees for families. Stamp at “Deai no Yakata,” about 2 hours including the viewpoint.

Ueda Castle (Japan's Top 100 Castles No. 27) with our 8-year-old son: how the Sanada twice repelled the Tokugawa using cliffs and terrain. Stamp at the castle park management office and other spots, about 4 hours.