Oka Castle

Oka Castle ruins sit on a ridge above Taketa in Oita Prefecture, with the stone walls spread across a long hilltop that looks out over a wide valley. The castle was built in the 14th century and remained important through the Warring States period before eventually being abandoned in the early 1600s. What remains today are the layered stone walls, watchtower foundations, and gate ruins, all set within a park. In late March and early April, around 4,000 cherry trees along the approach and within the grounds bloom together, drawing visitors from across Kyushu for the contrast of pale blossoms against dark stone.