* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Kii Castle
基肄城
Kii Castle is a historic castle in the Kyūshū region (Built in 665 (Tenji 4)). Its lord was The Yamato court (built for the defense of the Dazaifu government office).
Overview
Overview
Kii Castle is an ancient mountain fortress built on Mount Kiyama (404 m) in Kiyama Town, Mikasa District, Saga Prefecture, and Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Built in 665 (the 4th year of Emperor Tenji) together with Ōno Castle, it was a facility for the Yamato court to defend Dazaifu, a strategic point in northern Kyushu. Its construction is recorded in the Nihon Shoki.
Background to Construction
After the Yamato-Baekje allied forces were defeated by the Tang-Silla coalition at the Battle of Baekgang in 663, the Yamato court strengthened the defense system of northern Kyushu against Tang and Silla invasions. Kii Castle, together with Ōno Castle and the Mizuki earthwork, formed part of the defensive line protecting Dazaifu, and it is said to have used continental fortification techniques brought by Baekje refugees.
Scale and Structure
This is a "valley-enclosing" mountain castle, with about 3.9 kilometers of walls encircling the valley of Mount Kiyama, and an enclosed area of about 60 hectares. Most of the walls are earthen ramparts built along the ridgeline, and the valley sections are closed off with stone ramparts. Four gate sites (including estimated sites) have been confirmed, and the water-gate outlet is said to be among the largest in Japan. It is reported to be the only ancient mountain castle in Japan with four or more drainage facilities on a single stone-wall face.
Present Condition
Excavations have identified the remains of foundation stones of about 40 buildings. Earthen ramparts, stone ramparts, gate sites, the water gate, and foundation stones remain in good condition.
Cultural Property Designation
On March 20, 1954, it was designated a National Special Historic Site as "Kii Castle Ruins." In 2017 it was selected as No. 184 in the Continuation of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan.
Highlights
- An ancient mountain fortress built in 665, together with Ōno Castle, to defend Dazaifu after the defeat at the Battle of Baekgang in 663
- A "valley-enclosing" mountain castle with about 3.9 kilometers of walls surrounding the valley, covering an area of about 60 hectares
- The water-gate outlet is among the largest in Japan; it is the only known example in Japan of four or more drainage facilities on a single stone-wall face
- About 40 foundation-stone building remains have been confirmed, and earthen ramparts, stone ramparts, gates, and the water gate survive in good condition
- Designated a National Special Historic Site; selected as No. 184 in the Continuation of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.