On this trip to Kurume, of course I had to add the Kurume Castle Ruins to my itinerary! My main reason was to collect the Japan's Continued Top 100 Castles stamp, and I also stopped by the neighboring Sasayama Shrine to look around and pay my respects. The weather was great that day, and there weren't many people, so it was very pleasant to explore. I originally came just for the stamp, but unexpectedly ended up enjoying a relaxing stroll. I was really happy to add another stamp to my collection!
This was once the residence of the lords of the Kurume Domain, but the castle was later abandoned, and its structures no longer remain. Today, the main attractions are Sasayama Shrine, the Arima Memorial Museum, and other facilities.
The weather was great that day, and when I arrived, I found that there weren't many visitors. The whole area was very peaceful, and the air was fresh, making it especially pleasant to walk around. You can also see the river nearby, so it's a nice place for a leisurely stroll or even to find a spot to sit and do nothing while enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
Although you can no longer see what the castle looked like in the past, it's still well worth a visit for anyone who enjoys Japanese castle ruins. Especially for those collecting the Japan's Continued Top 100 Castles stamps, getting the stamp really gives you a sense of accomplishment!
If you'd like to buy omamori or prayer-related souvenirs from the shrine, check the service counter to the left of the shrine's main entrance.
As for transportation, it's about a 15-minute walk from the station. However, the route passes through an industrial area where large trucks come and go, so be especially careful while walking.
Overall, this isn't a lively attraction with lots of tourist facilities, but I really like quiet, pleasant places like this. Traveling isn't only about visiting popular attractions. Sometimes, small places like this, where you can slow down and quietly enjoy the scenery, can also leave you with wonderful memories!
