Kumamoto Castle, Koshi Travel Guide

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Discover Kumamoto Castle: Witness history and resilience at one of Japan's most impressive fortresses, currently undergoing a remarkable restoration.

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Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three premier castles, boasts a rich history dating back to 1607. Severely damaged in the 2016 earthquake, it stands as a testament to Kumamoto's spirit, with ongoing restoration efforts blending history and modern technology.

A brief summary to Kumamoto Castle

1-1 Honmaru, Kumamoto, Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, JP
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kumamoto Castle.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially steep paths.
Check the official website for the latest information on opening hours, events, and any area closures due to ongoing restoration.
Consider visiting during the spring to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Take public transportation to the castle, as parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
Allow at least half a day to explore the castle grounds and exhibits thoroughly.

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A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kumamoto Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto City Tram (Line A) to Kumamotojo-mae tram stop. The ride is approximately 15 minutes and costs ¥170. From the tram stop, it's a short walk to the castle entrance.
Bus

From Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto Castle Bus Tour "Shiromegurin" to the Ninomaru parking lot. The one-way fare is ¥160 for adults and ¥80 for children. A one-day ticket is available for ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for children. Alternatively, take any Kumamoto Toshi Bus or Kyushu Sanko bus to Katei Saibansho Mae; the journey takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥170-¥250.
Taxi

From JR Kumamoto Station, a taxi to Kumamoto Castle takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1500 and ¥1900.
Walking

From Kumamoto Station, it is approximately a 30-45 minute walk to Kumamoto Castle. Follow the main road towards the city center, and you will see signs directing you to the castle.
Parking

If driving, several parking lots are available near Kumamoto Castle, including Ninomaru Parking Lot, Sannomaru 1st and 2nd Parking Lots, Miyauchi Parking Lot, and Sakurano-Baba Tourist Information Office Parking Lot. Parking fees for cars are ¥200 for the first 2 hours and ¥100 per hour thereafter. For buses, the fee is ¥500 for 2 hours, with ¥200 for each subsequent hour.

Discover more about Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan (Ginkgo) Castle, is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto, in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan. Originally constructed in 1607 by Katō Kiyomasa, the castle was a large and well-fortified complex, featuring 49 turrets, 18 turret gates, and 29 smaller gates. Its signature curved stone walls and wooden overhangs were designed to prevent attackers from penetrating the castle.Kumamoto Castle played a pivotal role in the Seinan Civil War. In 1877, the castle keep and other parts were burned down during the Satsuma Rebellion. The strength of the castle was demonstrated by its ability to withstand 19th-century weapons without falling. The castle keep was reconstructed in 1960. From 1998 to 2008, the castle complex underwent restoration work, during which most of the 17th-century structures were rebuilt.In April 2016, Kumamoto Castle suffered serious damage in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake. Restoration efforts began in June 2016 and are expected to continue until around 2052. Despite the ongoing work, the castle remains a popular tourist attraction. A special walkway opened in 2020, allowing visitors to observe the reconstruction progress. The interior of the castle’s main keep was reopened to the public in 2021, featuring a modern museum with displays on the castle's history and construction.