Background

元寇防塁 (Waki District): A Testament to Fukuoka's Resilience

Explore the remnants of Fukuoka's 13th-century defense against Mongol invasions at the 元寇防塁 (Waki District), a site of historical significance.

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The 元寇防塁 (Genkō Bōrui), or Mongol Invasion Prevention Barrier, in Waki district, Fukuoka, stands as a historical landmark of Japan's defensive efforts against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Though only the base remains, this site offers a glimpse into the scale of the defense and the determination of the Kamakura Shogunate to protect its shores.

A brief summary to 元寇防塁(脇地区)

  • 1 Chome-35-3 Odo, Fukuoka, 1 Chome Odo, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0001, JP
  • +8192-711-4666

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Marine City or Odo Park for a full day of sightseeing.
  • Read the information panel carefully to understand the historical context and significance of the 元寇防塁.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grassy area.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hakata Station, take the subway to Meinohama Station. From Meinohama Station, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the 元寇防塁 (Waki District). Alternatively, take a bus from Meinohama Station to a nearby bus stop, reducing the walking distance. Subway fare from Hakata Station to Meinohama Station is around ¥300. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but expect to pay around ¥200-300 for a short trip.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Hakata Station to 元寇防塁 (Waki District) will take approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000. Taxis are readily available at Hakata Station.

  • Walking

    From Meinohama Station, walking to the 元寇防塁 (Waki District) takes about 20 minutes. Head north from the station, following signs for the waterfront. The path is mostly flat and offers views of the surrounding area.

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Discover more about 元寇防塁(脇地区)

The 元寇防塁 (Genkō Bōrui) in Waki district is a section of the stone barrier constructed in 1276 by the Kamakura Shogunate to defend against the anticipated second Mongol invasion, following the initial attack in 1274. This defensive wall, known as Ishitsui-ji, stretched approximately 20 kilometers along Hakata Bay. The Waki district section, located on the northern side of Meinohama, underwent excavation in 1979, revealing a 4-meter wide base constructed from sandstone. Today, the site has been carefully preserved; the base is covered with grass, forming a raised area, and an explanatory sign provides historical context. While the visible remains may be subtle, the site carries significant historical weight, representing a crucial moment in Japanese history when the nation stood firm against foreign invasion. The construction of the Genkō Bōrui played a vital role in repelling the second Mongol invasion in 1281, as the wall prevented the Mongol-Goryeo forces from landing. Visitors to the Waki district 元寇防塁 can reflect on the ingenuity and resolve of the people who built and defended this barrier. Although much of the original structure was lost over time, with stones repurposed for Fukuoka Castle during the Edo period, the preserved section serves as a tangible link to the past.

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