Kitsuki Castle

First built in 1394 by the fourth daimyo Kizuki Yorinao and located in the city of Kitsuki in Oita prefecture, Kitsuki Castle is, believe it or not, Japan’s smallest and obviously cutest castle.

Belonging to the Kitsuki Clan for almost fourteen generations and until the end of the 16th century, today’s castle is unfortunately not the same structure built in 1394. It suffered many natural disasters over the centuries, and in 1970 it was rebuilt from the ground up.

Because of its size, the best way to enjoy the castle is either from the air or from one of Kitsuki City’s many vantage points overlooking this small yet beautiful castle.

This video was made in cooperation with the Kitsuki Tourism Organization and Tourism Oita.