🗺️ Ju Chicheng

Jukjichung, built before 1350 AD on the Miihara Plateau, is an ancient Korean-style mountain castle with a circumference of about 3.5 kilometers. At that time, the Yamato court dispatched troops to Baekje but suffered a great defeat against the Tang and Silla allied forces in the Battle of Baekgang (663 AD), putting Japan in a crisis of being attacked. As a result, castles were constructed in various locations to defend the Dazaifu, which governed Kyushu. It is generally believed that Jukjichung served as a supply base for weapons, food, and soldiers for these castles. In 1937, investigations began at the site of Jukjichung, revealing numerous ruins of buildings such as warehouses and barracks, as well as structures like gates, earthen ramparts, and reservoirs. Today, the rare octagonal buildings influenced by the Baekje Kingdom, such as the "Octagonal Drum Tower" and "Barracks," along with the "Rice Granary" built in the style of a storehouse, have been restored to recreate the appearance of Jukjichung at that time. Adjacent to it is the "Wenguxuanshengguan," which opened to introduce the history of Jukjichung through unearthed artifacts, screens, and videos with simple and easy-to-understand explanations. There is also a souvenir shop called "Chōjakan."

The ancient Yamashiro built by the Yamato court in the latter half of the 7th century. The Onko Chōsei-kan provides insights into the history of Kijichijo through excavated artifacts and films. Within the castle, designated as a national historic site, there are many restored buildings.