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Kumamoto Castle

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Kumamoto Castle

A renowned castle with more than 400 years of history and a symbol of Kumamoto Prefecture.

4.11 21

Last update :
Supervised by :  Kumamoto Castle Management Center

Kumamoto Castle is a renowned castle built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607. Constructed using the most advanced technology of the time and an immense amount of labor, it later became the setting for many important events in Japanese history.

The main keep was destroyed by fire during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 but was rebuilt in its present form in 1960. It then suffered extensive damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, and restoration of the main keep was completed in March 2021. The latest seismic control technology was used in the restoration, establishing the keep as a “symbol of recovery.” Take in the spectacular view from the top floor of the newly strengthened main keep.

Another highlight is Shokun-no-Ma, the grand hall of Honmaru Goten Palace, which was reconstructed in 2008 based on historical illustrations, documents, and other records. Its lavish interior features gold leaf on the ceiling and walls. (As of May 2023, the interior is closed to visitors while restoration work is underway.)

Defensive features designed in preparation for battle can be found throughout the castle. These include Kuragari Passage, an underground corridor built between stone walls, and iron spikes known as shinobigaeshi, installed atop the stone walls of the small keep to prevent enemy intrusion. Looking for these features is one way to explore Kumamoto Castle.

Highlights

  • A symbol of Kumamoto with more than 400 years of history.
  • The top floor of the main keep offers panoramic views of Kumamoto City and the mountains of Aso.
  • The castle was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, but the main keep was fully restored in 2021. Restoration of the entire castle is scheduled for completion in 2053.
  • The castle has a total of 13 Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties, including turrets, turret gates, and walls.

Photos

  • Kumamoto Castle

    Kumamoto Castle

  • Kumamoto Castle at night

    Kumamoto Castle at night

  • Kuragari Passage (underground passage)

    Kuragari Passage (underground passage)

  • Kumamoto Castle after suffering extensive damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake

    Kumamoto Castle after suffering extensive damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake

  • Kumamoto Castle and cherry blossoms in spring

    Kumamoto Castle and cherry blossoms in spring

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available within the grounds?
A

Yes. It is available near the ticket offices, at the rest areas, inside the main keep, at Josaien, and in other locations.

Q

Are coin-operated lockers available?
A

Yes. They are available at the Josaien tourist facility near Kumamoto Castle and at the Ninomaru Rest Area. Within the paid area, only rolling suitcases can be stored at the Honmaru Rest Area (¥400).

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes. Several parking lots are available nearby.

Q

Where are the entrances to the paid area?
A

There are north and south entrances, but due to construction, the north entrance is closed except on Sundays and national holidays. Please enter through the south entrance. This is subject to change for events and other circumstances.

Q

Can visitors with limited mobility tour the castle?
A

Yes. The main keep has an elevator, providing access to the observation area. Electric wheelchairs are also available at each ticket office.

Reviews

21

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Jk
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    Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three great castles, instantly overwhelms you with the imposing power of a top-tier military stronghold from the Warring States period as you look up at its massive, jet-black main keep standing tall and commanding! Personally designed by the castle-building genius Kato Kiyomasa, this legendary castle’s most astonishing feature is undoubtedly the ingeniously curved “musha-gaeshi” stone walls. The base looks gently sloped and easy to climb, but it gets steeper the higher you go, becoming almost completely vertical at 90 degrees near the top. Even the most agile ninja or samurai would only end up hopelessly sliding back down halfway! The entire castle suffered devastating damage from powerful earthquakes, but today its main and secondary keeps have risen again through an impressive combination of modern engineering and traditional craftsmanship. The black wooden exterior walls and pure white accents look incredibly striking in the sunlight. Walking along the newly built accessible elevated viewing walkway to the top floor of the main keep, you can take in sweeping views of downtown Kumamoto and the distant Aso mountain range. Its resilient, indomitable spirit truly fills you with deep respect the longer you look!

  • Lucas L.
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    As one of Japan's Three Great Castles, Kumamoto Castle has a very modern, renovated interior in its main keep, with comfortable air conditioning, an excellent visitor flow, and plenty of interactive digital projections. After leaving the castle, stop by Josaien for a horse meat croquette and some souvenirs—it makes for the perfect half-day itinerary.

  • 禎禎
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    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!~~

  • BobbyJenny
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    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.

  • Mei
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    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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Details

Name in Japanese
熊本城
Postal Code
860-0002
Address
1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone
096-352-5900
Closed on
December 29
Hours
September–June: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:00 p.m.); last entry to the main keep is at 4:30 p.m.
July–August: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:00 p.m.); last entry to the main keep is at 6:30 p.m.
Admission
“Kumamoto Castle Special Opening, Phase 3”: ¥800 for high school students and older; ¥300 for elementary and junior high school students
Access
1) From JR Kumamoto Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen, take the Shiromegurin Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus for approximately 30 minutes.
2) 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station on the Kumamoto City Tram Main Line.
3) Approximately 50 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport by express limousine bus. Get off at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, then walk approximately 10 minutes.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa