Abstract: There is disclosed a spool type direction control valve for controlling the oil flow direction in a hydraulic circuit including a pressure source, a hydraulic cylinder and a spool member. A flow control mechanism is provided in an oil passage connecting one of the oil chambers of the hydraulic cylinder to the spool member. The flow control mechanism comprises a poppet type piston adapted for opening and closing the oil passage. When the spool member is switched over for supplying the pressure fluid to the other oil chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, the pilot pressure from the pressure source is caused to act on the piston in the valve opening direction, while the back pressure of the discharge side pressure fluid corresponding to the load acting on the one oil chamber is caused to act on the piston in the valve closing direction, so as to control the discharge flow of the pressure fluid from the one oil chamber.