The castle was originally built in 1597 by Fukuhara Naotaka, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The site is nicknamed 'Funai-jo' or 'Floating Castle' due to the water-filled moats surrounding the fortification.
The宗門櫓 (Shumon Yagura) and the Ninomaru Ote Yagura gate are identified as tangible cultural properties.
The castle was once the seat of the Oita Domain, ruled for many generations by the Matsudaira clan.
The park grounds have been repurposed from their original military function to serve as an administrative and public space since the Meiji period.
The stone walls demonstrate construction techniques common to the Momoyama and early Edo periods.
Oita Funai Park, known locally as Funai Castle Ruins Park, preserves the stone walls and moats of the former Oita Castle. The site serves as a public green space located in the Niagemachi district of central Oita. It features restored castle gates and turrets reconstructed based on historical architectural designs. Visitors can walk along the perimeter of the moats, which are original to the Edo-period fortress. The park serves as a central urban landmark, integrating historical fortification elements with contemporary landscaping. It is managed by the Oita City government as a cultural heritage site.
The view of the Ninomaru Ote Yagura gate reflecting in the moat water.
Walk the full circumference of the moat to see the stone wall construction variations.
Visit during the early spring to view cherry blossoms reflected in the moat waters.
Combine a visit with a walk through the adjacent Oita Prefectural Art Museum area.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the historical stone walls, as they are fragile and protected cultural assets.
