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Kumamoto Castle: A Symbol of Resilience

Discover Kumamoto Castle: A majestic fortress with a rich history, resilient spirit, and ongoing restoration in the heart of Kumamoto City.

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Kumamoto Castle, an iconic landmark in Kumamoto City, is one of Japan's most impressive castles, known for its imposing black exterior and strategic design. Originally constructed in the early 17th century, it has withstood sieges, wars, and earthquakes, embodying the city's resilient spirit. While undergoing extensive restoration after the 2016 earthquake, the castle remains a must-see attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and architectural grandeur.

A brief summary to Kumamoto Castle

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking, and some paths may be steep.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting and dress accordingly.
  • Take public transportation to the castle, as parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Download the Kumamoto Castle Official App for audio guides and information in multiple languages.
  • If visiting during peak hours, be prepared to wait in line to enter the castle tower.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From JR Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto City Tram to Kumamotojo-mae tram stop. The tram ride takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥170. From the Kumamotojo-mae stop, it is a short walk to the castle gates. Alternatively, take the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiromegurin) from Kumamoto Station to the Ninomaru parking lot for ¥130, or purchase a day pass for ¥300. A 1-day pass for unlimited use of trams and city buses is available for ¥500.

  • Walking

    From Kumamoto Station, you can walk to Kumamoto Castle in approximately 30-45 minutes. The walk is a scenic route through the city center. From Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, the castle is about a 10-minute walk. Note that the north entrance is closed except on Sundays and public holidays.

  • Taxi

    From Kumamoto Station, a taxi ride to Kumamoto Castle takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1300 and ¥1600. Taxis are readily available at the station.

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Discover more about Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, completed in 1607 by Kato Kiyomasa, was designed as a strategic fortress with 49 turrets, 18 turret gates and 29 smaller gates. The castle played a pivotal role in the Seinan Civil War in 1877, withstanding a two-month siege. The main castle keep unfortunately burned down just before the siege. In 1960, the exterior of the castle keep was reconstructed. In 2021, the interior of the keep reopened as a modern museum displaying the castle's history. The Honmaru Goten Palace was reconstructed using original materials and methods to celebrate the castle's 400th anniversary, opening to the public in 2008. The castle suffered significant damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, and restoration work is expected to continue until around 2042. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, view the main tower up close from the elevated walkway, and learn about the castle's history through exhibits and audio guides. The Uto Turret is one of the few original structures, dating back to the castle's construction. Kumamoto Castle is conveniently located in the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation.

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