Hakata Ikinomatsubara Stone Fortifications

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A short train ride from Hakata station brings you to the Ikinomatsubara stone fortifications. These are the remains of the stone walls built to defend Hakata Bay in response to the Mongol invasion in 1274. They were put to the test during the Battle of Hakata Bay, 23-30 June 1281. These walls provided a safe position from which the Japanese defenders, including mounted samurai, launched volleys of arrows at the Mongol forces trying to land on the beaches. 

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The remaining sections of wall are well preserved and include a visualisation of the Mongol invasion from the Japanese perspective.

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Another artifact from the Mongol invasion of 1281 is the Mongol stone anchor that is preserved in the grounds of Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka.