Kumamoto Castle Travel Guide

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.