Kiinokojyoshi in Chikujo, Fukuoka: Walk the Mountain Fortress of the Utsunomiya Clan

Jun 21

Moss-covered natural rock gate marking the entrance to Kiinokojyoshi, a Sengoku-era mountain fortress ruin in Chikujo, Fukuoka.

A Cliff-Perched Stronghold, Not a Castle

Located in the Sawada district of Chikujo Town, Chikujo District, Fukuoka Prefecture, the ruins of Kiinoko Castle are the remains of a mountain castle that can be reached by bus and on foot from Tsuiki Station. Built using the steep natural terrain of the mountains, the castle site features huge rocks known as “Omote-mon” and “Uramon,” which once served as natural defenses at key points.

The Utsunomiya (Kii) Clan’s Stronghold and Its Fall

This mountain castle was the stronghold of the Utsunomiya (Kii) clan, who had ruled the Buzen area for generations. In 1587, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s conquest of Kyushu, the castle lord, Utsunomiya Shizufusa, resisted the Kuroda clan after being ordered to leave his ancestral territory. He successfully used the difficult mountain terrain to resist Kuroda Nagamasa’s forces. A peace agreement was eventually reached, but Shizufusa was later killed at Nakatsu Castle in 1588, bringing the long history of the Utsunomiya clan in Buzen to an end.

Trek Through Sengoku-Era Defenses

On the route leading to the summit, visitors can get a glimpse of the defensive features of this Sengoku-era mountain castle. One of the highlights is “Sancho Bow Rock,” where a local story says that three bows were enough to keep even a single enemy from passing through.

Nature, Legacy, and Adventure in One

Although the elevation is not particularly high, the route to the castle ruins includes difficult sections with chains. Hikers should check the condition of the trail in advance and make sure they have appropriate equipment. If you feel that the route is not safe for you, do not attempt to continue. The mountain path to this historic site should not be underestimated. From the top, views of the Chikugo countryside and surrounding mountains, together with the natural rock formations of the former fortress, make this an interesting destination for history buffs and adventure seekers.

Kiinokojyoshi Special site