History
The castle lies in the centre of Fukuoka, on top of Fukusaki hill. The Naka River (那珂川, Naka-gawa?) acts as a natural moat on the eastern side of the castle, while the western side uses a mudflat as a natural moat. Hakata, a ward with a bustling port, is located on the opposite side of the Naka River to the east. The castle town was set on the northern side, facing the sea.
Much of the castle grounds has been converted to Maizuru Park, which houses several sports facilities, a courthouse, and an art museum. Heiwadai Baseball Stadium, the past home field of the Nishitetsu Lions and Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, was also located on the castle grounds. Some of the castle's gates and yaguras are preserved inside of the park, one of which have been marked as important historical artifacts by the Japanese government.
The remnants of a Korokan (鴻臚館, Kōrokan?) foreign embassy were discovered under the castle grounds in 1987, showing that the castle was a vital geographical checkpoint even into the Heian period. This is the only Korokan remnant found in all of Japan.
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