Kumamoto Castle: A Great Fortress Rising Again
How to visit Kumamoto Castle: its sweeping stone walls, recovery after the 2016 earthquakes, the reopened keep and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: one of Japan's great castles, built by Kato Kiyomasa and completed in 1607.
- Famous for: curved stone walls known as musha-gaeshi, designed to stop climbers.
- Recovery: badly damaged in the 2016 earthquakes. The main keep reopened in 2021.
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Best time: cherry blossom in late March and early April.
Kumamoto Castle's black keeps rise above stone walls that curve up like the bow of a ship. In 2016 two strong earthquakes shook stones loose and cracked its towers, and the castle has been slowly rebuilding ever since.
Why Kumamoto Castle is a wonder
The warlord Kato Kiyomasa was a master of castle building. His walls start gently and then curve almost vertical, making them nearly impossible to climb.
In 1877, the castle withstood a siege during the Satsuma Rebellion, though the keep burned. It was rebuilt in concrete in 1960.
Recovery after the earthquakes
The 2016 earthquakes damaged walls and buildings across the site. The main keep was repaired and reopened in 2021, with a museum about the castle's history and recovery.
Full restoration is expected to take decades. An elevated walkway lets visitors watch the repair work safely.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Main keep | A museum and views over the city | 45 minutes |
| Elevated walkway | Views of the restoration work | 20 minutes |
| Musha-gaeshi walls | Curved stone walls that resist climbers | 15 minutes |
| Josaien | A street of food stalls and shops below the castle | 45 minutes |
| Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza | Interactive castle history | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Late March to early April: cherry blossom in the grounds.
- Autumn: clear skies and festivals.
- Evening: the keep is lit up after dark.
- Weekdays: fewer school groups.
Our tip: Walk the outer walls before going in. The scale of the stonework, and the scars from the earthquake, tell the castle's story best.
Getting there
- From Kumamoto Station: trams take about 15 minutes to Kumamotojo-mae.
- To Kumamoto: the Kyushu Shinkansen reaches Kumamoto from Fukuoka in about 35 minutes.
- On foot: the castle is about 10 minutes from the Shimotori shopping arcade.
Visiting tips
- Some areas are still closed for repairs, so follow the marked route.
- Do not climb on the stone walls.
- Check the castle's site for current opening areas and fees.
- Expect crowds during cherry blossom season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kumamoto Castle open after the earthquake?
Yes. The main keep reopened in 2021, though repairs continue elsewhere.
How long will the restoration take?
Full restoration is expected to take many more years.
How do you get to Kumamoto Castle?
Take a tram from Kumamoto Station, about 15 minutes.
What are musha-gaeshi walls?
Stone walls that curve steeply near the top to stop attackers climbing them.
Tokyo Tower
An orange and white tower that became the symbol of Tokyo's rebirth.
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