Kumamoto Castle

Some reviews are AI-translated.

• 禎禎

  13 Oct 2026 See More

  February 2026 was my first trip to Japan. I chose to visit Kumamoto because I wanted to see Japan's three great castles: Kumamoto Castle, Osaka Castle, and Nagoya Castle. I wanted to take my time visiting each one on foot and see their grandeur for myself. While walking uphill, you can see Kumamoto Castle undergoing repairs due to the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred in April 2016. According to the explanation, the stones are returned to their original positions rather than simply being used to fill any available hole. I guess this is what they call the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship!! Everyone is welcome to visit Kumamoto too, witness this historic engineering marvel, and experience its powerful impact in person!~~

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• BobbyJenny

  30 Sep 2026 See More

  When visiting Kumamoto, of course you have to stop by Kumamoto Castle, which has deep ties to Kato Kiyomasa. From a distance, the imposing castle walls and towering main keep are an impressive sight, giving you a sense of this famous castle's rich history.

  Strolling through the castle grounds, you can see sturdy stone walls and historic buildings. Walking slowly along the castle ruins, you can also imagine the ingenuity that went into its construction.

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• Mei

  14 Sep 2026 See More

  Kumamoto in December was cool and refreshing. As soon as I left the station, I could see Kumamoto Castle towering in the distance. It looked exactly like it did in the photos—the entire castle was dark and imposing, with such a commanding presence that I couldn’t help but stop in my tracks.
  What I wanted to see most on this visit was the legendary “Musha-gaeshi” stone walls. Seeing in person how the gently sloping walls suddenly became vertical, I couldn’t help but admire the castle-building craftsmanship of the Sengoku period. Just standing below and looking up, I could feel their overwhelming presence.
  The inside of the castle keep has a modern exhibition style, documenting the battles the castle has endured and the reconstruction process following the major 2016 earthquake. The best part was reaching the top floor. The clear December air made the visibility incredibly good, with sweeping views of downtown Kumamoto and the distant Aso mountain range. The cool breeze was so relaxing.
  After exploring the castle grounds, I stopped by Josaien, walking over a carpet of golden ginkgo leaves and buying some piping-hot local snacks to tide me over. Although it lacked the greenery of summer, the quiet, clear weather of early winter gave this castle visit a more serene atmosphere.

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• 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

  11 Sep 2026 See More

  Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most renowned castles, was built by the famous general Kato Kiyomasa. It is known throughout the country for its impregnable stone walls and stately black castle keep, steeped in centuries of history from the Warring States period.

  This fortress, which embodies the spirit of Kumamoto, has endured many hardships. After the long and difficult reconstruction following the powerful 2016 earthquake, it unexpectedly faced another major earthquake recently, which was deeply distressing. I sincerely hope that, with everyone’s support, this beautiful castle can once again be restored to its former appearance.

  This time, I visited at sunset in October, when the castle grounds were open for special nighttime viewing. As dusk fell, I slowly walked from the lively castle town, looking at the carefully restored and neatly numbered stones and the imposing castle towers. Everywhere, I could see the extraordinary resilience of the people of Kumamoto and the dedication of its craftspeople.

  Once night had fully fallen, warm golden lights illuminated the towering black castle keep, making it appear even more mysterious, composed, and majestic against the deep blue night sky. Walking beneath the ancient castle walls in the darkness, I was deeply moved by the spiritual strength of a place that has overcome disaster and continues to stand firm. It left a lasting impression on me.

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• Linda Liao

  11 Sep 2026 See More

  Standing tall in the heart of the city, Kumamoto Castle is not only Kumamoto's most iconic landmark but also one of Japan's important historic castles. Its majestic main keep, sturdy stone walls, and historic castle buildings make you feel the weight and solemnity of its centuries-long history as soon as you approach.

  The Kumamoto earthquake several years ago caused severe damage to this famous castle. Many stone walls collapsed, and some buildings were also damaged. After years of effort, many exterior walls and parts of the castle are still undergoing restoration. Walking through the castle and seeing the areas still under construction, it may not look as complete as it once did, but it also gives you a deeper appreciation of how difficult it is to restore a historic site.

  I never expected another major earthquake to strike this year, once again putting the weathered Kumamoto Castle to the test. The road to restoration may be long, and it may take many years to regain its former glory. I hope Kumamoto recovers soon and returns to its former splendor.

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