The Ruins of Oka Castle
Ingrained within the castle city of Taketa is a unique and complex history. Stories of hardship, creativity and triumph come together here, making Taketa not only intriguing, but also inspiring.Taketa is situated in Kyushu region, one hour’s drive from Oita centre, and is known as the home of Oka Castle. Although, there isn’t much left of Oka Castle unfortunately, its main buildings were torn down in 1874 during the Meiji Restoration. However, despite the castle ruins still being one of the main attractions, Taketa also has other alluring features.
Taketa is a small city, home to around 23,000 people, and the centre is easy enough to explore by foot. The ruins of Oka Castle are worth exploring. The elevation offers some charming views across Taketa. The areas around the ruins are maintained, but are not well-manicured like many of Japan’s representative parks, castles and gardens. In my opinion though, this rusticness is in keeping with what Oka Castle is all about.
Bukeyashiki Street, Bukeyashiki means “samurai residence”, was once a former samurai residence area. Although the former residences are not open to the public, Taketa Soseikan (below) has a collection of armour and Hina dolls for public viewing.
Taketa’s famous Christian Chapel tells a story of both sadness and triumph. Christianity was heavily persecuted under the Shoganate (from the late 1500’s), so many Christians had to keep their faith a secret. It was only during the Meiji Restoration, some 300 years later, that Christians were granted the right to legal existence. This church is said to have been a hiding place for Christians, giving them light during their darker days.
Taketa is a small city, home to around 23,000 people, and the centre is easy enough to explore by foot. The ruins of Oka Castle are worth exploring. The elevation offers some charming views across Taketa. The areas around the ruins are maintained, but are not well-manicured like many of Japan’s representative parks, castles and gardens. In my opinion though, this rusticness is in keeping with what Oka Castle is all about.
Bukeyashiki Street, Bukeyashiki means “samurai residence”, was once a former samurai residence area. Although the former residences are not open to the public, Taketa Soseikan (below) has a collection of armour and Hina dolls for public viewing.
Taketa’s famous Christian Chapel tells a story of both sadness and triumph. Christianity was heavily persecuted under the Shoganate (from the late 1500’s), so many Christians had to keep their faith a secret. It was only during the Meiji Restoration, some 300 years later, that Christians were granted the right to legal existence. This church is said to have been a hiding place for Christians, giving them light during their darker days.
