【公式】みやざき観光ナビ 宮崎県公式観光サイト

綾国際クラフトの城・綾城
Aya International Craft Castle/Aya Castle

Crafts showcasing masterful techniques and a mountain castle from the middle ages that has been revived in the modern era

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In Aya Town, which boasts an expanse of laurel forest, you can see studios and workshops—dyeing and weaving, woodworking, ceramics, and more—everywhere you look. Aya is well-known as a “craft town” where large numbers of artists and artisans gather. These experienced craftspeople create works that enrich people’s everyday lives through traditional hand crafting.
Aya International Craft Castle is the place where you can experience these artisan techniques. In the Kogeikan (“Crafts Hall”), the works of 26 studios and workshops in the town are assembled under one roof to be displayed and sold. These include pieces of dyeing and weaving, ceramics, glass, casting, and woodwork. There are also workshops offering textile, ceramic, and dyeing experiences—participants are supported by craftspeople so even first-timers can join in with peace of mind.
The castle located on the grounds is Aya Castle, which was constructed around 690 years ago and destroyed during the Edo period (1603-1868). Repeated investigations by the Nihon Jokaku Kyokai found that it was built as a watchtower castle structure during the early part of the Sengoku (warring states) period of the 15th and 16th centuries. The current castle is a faithful reconstruction, made with the full cooperation of the town’s carpenters, stonemasons, and other craftspeople. The inside of the castle is a history museum, displaying pieces such as blades by Tanaka Kunihiro, born in Aya and said to be Japan’s finest swordsmith, as well as armor and helmets. Walk up the steep stairs to the watchtower, and you’ll be gifted sweeping views of Aya Town.
The Kogeikan was built with the same techniques as Aya Castle by the hands of the town’s craftspeople, and is a must-see.
This town showcases masterful techniques not only in the numerous carefully created craft pieces, but also in its castle and buildings.

Area #Aya Town
Category #Nature and Scenery #Mythology and History #Tourism Sites
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Basic Information

Address 880-1302　宮崎県東諸県郡綾町大字北俣1012
Telephone Number 0985-77-1223
Fax no. 0985-77-1240
Closed Days Thursdays (open if Thursday is a holiday. Closed the following day)
Price Adults: 350 yen; High school students: 300 yen; Elementary and junior high school students: 250 yen
*Free for pre-school children (joint access to Aya Castle)
Transport ■ About 40 mins from JR Miyazaki Station
■ About 25 mins from the Miyazaki-nishi IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway
■ About 1 hr by Miyazaki Kotsu Bus from JR Miyazaki Station, travelling toward Aya or Shusen-no-mori; alight at Aya Machiaisho, and the castle is about 3 mins’ drive or 20 mins’ walk
Carpark Yes, free of charge
Related website Aya Town official website
Aya Town Craft Community Council official website
Aya International Craft Castle (Aya Castle) official Instagram

＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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