Kyuden Kitsune is not a very large castle, and is unusual in being constructed almost entirely of stone. Most Rokugani castles use significant quantities of wood in their construction, but the Kitsune family abhors the cutting of trees, so the only wood used in their palace was harvested from either deadfall or from particularly sick or damaged trees of the Kitsune Mori. The resulting structure and its surrounding community could easily have become dour and forbidding as a result, but the Kitsune invested much effort in ensuring this was not the case. The castle is designed to be light and airy, with many windows and other apertures, and the interior is decorated in themes reminiscent of nature in general and the woodlands in particular. A side-effect of this is that the resulting structure is much less capable of military defense than similar Rokugani holdings; however, Kyuden Kitsune’s location inside the Kitsune Mori makes it difficult to approach with any sort of large armed force. Moreover, the character of the forest itself – rife with spirits, almost all of whom look with favor on the Kitsune – provides a unique additional protection against any would-be attacker. In fact, throughout its history, Kyuden Kitsune has never been threatened at all.
The settlement surrounding Kyuden Kitsune likewise reflects the character of the forest and its topography. Many dwellings and buildings are scattered throughout the Kitsune Mori, some well away from the Kyuden itself. It is said that secret trails and even tunnels connect all of the Kitsune’s homes and other buildings, and may even extend beneath much of the Kitsune Mori itself. The Kitsune themselves are mute on the extent to which this is true, or if it is even true at all.
In addition to its practical value, Kyuden Kitsune is becoming a popular destination for young courtiers during the winter because of its proximity to the mysterious and beautiful Kitsune Mori, one of the most breathtaking forests in the Empire. It has developed a reputation as an inspiring sight for young lovers, especially when its trees are covered in snow during the winter months.