Discover the rich history of Bizen Fukuoka, a city that flourished as a major commercial hub during the medieval period. Known for its sword-making, the city was home to the renowned Fukuoka Ichimonji school of swordsmiths. The city's name is also the origin of the modern-day Fukuoka.

Begin your journey by learning about Kuroda Nagamasa, as a child, he was called Shojumaru and served as a hostage to Oda Nobunaga, then entrusted to Hashiba Hideyoshi, later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
At the Battle of Sekigahara, he fought on the Tokugawa side of the Eastern Army and made a major contribution to the victory. He was given most of the Chikuzen Province and built Fukuoka Castle together with his father.

Next, we visit Kyoizan Myokoji Temple. This Nichiren sect temple was founded in 1403 by Nichiden Shonin, the son of Akamatsu Norioki, the lord of Harimaro Province. Kishimojin is enshrined in the main hall, and a Kishimojin ceremony is held there on the evening of the 8th of each month.

Continue to the Kuroda Family Graveyard, where there the possible gravestone of Kuroda Kanbei Takataka's great-grandfather Takamasa. In 1601, Kanbei's son Masanaga began building a castle in the west of Hakata, and named it after the hometown of his ancestors. It is said that the castle was named Fukuoka Castle because of this.

Follwoed by a visit to the tomb of Ukita Okiie Okiie, the father of Ukita Naoie, who built Okayama Castle. He died of illness in Tenbun 5 (1536). It is believed his grave and a memorial tower reside at Myokoji Temple.

Finally, visit the Higashihara Residence, an old house built in the early Taisho period. This is the home of the master carpenter who built the Nakazaki Residence. It generously embodies the carpenter's skills that he has cultivated over the years.