Kato Shrine at Kumamoto Castle

This shrine enshrines Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) as its principal deity. He was active as a Sengoku warlord and, in the Edo period (1603-1868), ruled Higo Province as the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, earning the affectionate nickname “Seishoko-san” among the people. It stands in the Honmaru (the castle’s main bailey) of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles, which Kiyomasa built.

The shrine grounds include several vantage points where you can photograph Kumamoto Castle’s main keep from a beautiful angle, making it a popular photo spot.
From near the torii gate, you can also see the Uto Turret (Uto Yagura), a surviving Azuchi-Momoyama-period structure designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan (under reconstruction as of December 2025). Other highlights connected to Kiyomasa include the Taiko Bridge, the flag-raising stone, and a tree he is said to have planted.

Also worth seeing is the ceiling painting in the worship hall, dedicated in 2025 and open for general viewing except during weddings and busy prayer times. Spanning about 5 m by 15 m-one of the largest in Japan-the powerful image of Kiyomasa and a tiger is truly impressive.

Because of Kiyomasa’s surname, Kato, the shrine is said to bring blessings for victory, and many visitors come to seek omamori (amulets) said to boost winning luck. Based on Kiyomasa’s life and achievements, it is also believed to grant blessings for work, career advancement, and protection for civil engineering and construction. All goshuin (seal stamps given at shrines), including pre-written ones, are handwritten. Limited designs offered for different seasons and events are also popular.