Kumamoto Castle

Japan travel adventures with the family

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle suffered extensive damage in the 2016 Earthquake. The Castle is under reconstruction and although the castle itself is not open, some of the grounds and viewing areas are currently open. See below for further details about planned castle unveiling.

Kato Kiyomasa directed the building of Kumamoto Castle in 1601-1607. Kumamoto is Japan’s third largest castle after Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle.

Kato was acclaimed. as a master architect and the Kumamoto castle is fitted with multiple defences, including portholes for dropping stones and other missiles onto attachers below, archery holes and false walls. Kumamoto Castle has never been successfully attacked.

Gates with multiple traps and defences

Kumamoto castle has extensive grounds that cover 98ha and a circumference of 5.3km! Throughout the grounds are extensive walls, gates, turrets, moats and storehouses.

View from the top of the Castle
The Castle grounds are beautiful, particularly in cherry blossom season.

The extravagant Golden Honmaru Goten Palace was reconstructed and opened in 2008, although smaller then the original palace, it houses intricate awe-inspiring artworks.

The Golden Honmaru Goten Palace which was reconstructed for the 400th anniversary in 2008.
The Kuragari or Darkness Passageway goes underground and leads to the Honmaru Palace.
Kumamoto Castle Japan
Around the castle, ‘historical re-enactors’ pose for photos.

Kumamoto Castle Grand Unveiling

Kumamoto Castle is still under restoration after the 2016 earthquakes, however, the reopening of the castle or “Grand Unveiling’ is planned in three stages, with stage 1 already open.

Stage 1. Viewing areas – Open from October 2019
Stage 2. Specially designed observation pathway – Opening on 29th April 2020.
Stage 3. Completion of the Tenshukaku reconstruction and opening of the interior – scheduled for Spring 2021.
For up to date information on the unveiling and maps check out the official Kumamoto Castle Grand Unveiling Website.

Tickets

Currently the viewing areas are only open on Sundays and National Public Holidays. For up to date ticket information, prices and opening times, check out the official Kumamoto Castle Website.

How to get here

From JR Kumamoto Station catch the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiromegurin)
Operates from 9am to 5pm daily leaving every 15-20 minutes

Need more info?

Kumamoto Castle official site.
Japan Visitor
Japan Guide Kumamoto Castle
Japan Guide blog article with pictures of the damage to the castle and reconstruction.