Kumamoto Castle | Review by WANG

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Kumamoto Castle

A Kumamoto Prefectural Icon! A famous castle with over 400 years of history inside.

4 Sep 2026 See More

On this trip to Kumamoto in Kyushu, I finally got to see Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three great castles, in person! As soon as I reached the castle grounds, I was overwhelmed by the massive, imposing black-and-white stone walls known as musha-gaeshi. Their curves are both beautiful and steep, and just standing beneath them, you can feel their powerful historical presence as defenses.

Although the castle suffered severe damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, after years of careful and persistent restoration, the main keep has now been perfectly restored to its former regal appearance. Inside the exhibition hall, historical artifacts and models are presented in a very modern and vivid way, telling in detail about the castle-building ingenuity of Kato Kiyomasa and its other successive lords, as well as the turbulent history of this renowned castle.

After making the tough climb to the observation deck on the top floor, the entire Kumamoto cityscape and the distant mountains suddenly spread out before me. The view was incredibly expansive. Besides the main keep, the restored large wooden historic buildings nearby, such as Sukiyamaru Niyou-no-Tsubo, are just as intricately crafted and give off an authentic Edo-period atmosphere.

I highly recommend putting Kumamoto Castle on your must-visit list when traveling to Kumamoto in Kyushu. Whether you come to see the magnificent black castle architecture or experience the resilience local people have shown in the face of disaster, it will definitely be a moving journey through history and culture!

Other Reviews by WANG

Hakodate Station

Hakodate Station's commercial zone was renovated in 2016 with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. On the first floor is the "Hokkaido Shikisaikan JR Hakodate Store" offering a variety of local specialties and products, while the second floor features restaurants and an observation deck called the "Rotunda Deck" where visitors can take pictures of trains arriving and departing on the platforms.
- Hakodate and Matsumae
- Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers
9 Sep 2026 See More

In front of the spacious, bright welcome plaza outside the station, you can look up and see the prominent three-dimensional “JR Hakodate Station” sign and the thoroughly modern building exterior. The clean, orderly streets around it give the city a comfortable rhythm.

Inside the station's high-ceilinged concourse, there are well-planned ticket counters and a tourist information center, as well as a variety of souvenir shops and convenient facilities. The layout is very easy to navigate.

From the platforms or around the station, you can often see the bustle of trains arriving and crowds coming and going. Together with the gradually changing evening sky, it creates a distinctive urban port-city atmosphere.

I highly recommend making Hakodate Station an important landmark on your itinerary. Whether you've just arrived and are ready to begin an exciting exploration or your trip is over and you're preparing to board a train and leave, you can enjoy a perfectly efficient and convenient experience here!
HAKOVIVA

HAKOVIVA is a commercial complex that opened in front of JR Hakodate Station in 2019. The complex's centerpiece is Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho, a sports gym, convenience stores, restaurants, and more. The area is lined with numerous restaurants, mainly local stores, and is frequented by both Hakodate residents and tourists.
- Hakodate and Matsumae
- Commercial Buildings
9 Sep 2026 See More

In front of the plaza, the most eye-catching feature is the pavilion with a large lantern prominently displaying the character “誠.” Together with the surrounding buildings that blend traditional Japanese and modern styles, it instantly evokes a strong sense of the late Edo period.

Once inside the shopping area, which has a “Showa retro” theme, you’ll find all kinds of local food, souvenir shops, and hot spring facilities. Every corner is filled with details that are fun to explore and photograph.

Standing in the illuminated stone-paved plaza, you can look up and see a unique scene where modern hotels intertwine with traditional Japanese streetscapes. The atmosphere is very charming.

I highly recommend making HAKOVIVA either the first or last stop on your Hakodate itinerary. Whether you’ve just gotten off the train and want some local food to fill you up, or you want to stroll around and experience Taisho-era romance and the historical atmosphere of the Shinsengumi, it will add a rich experience to your trip!
Hachimanzaka Slope

Hachimanzaka, named after the Hakodate Hachiman Shrine that once stood at the top of the hill. The beautiful cobblestone street stretches straight out to sea, lined on both sides by neatly maintained roadside trees, and offers a view of Hakodate Bay and the Mashu Maru, the memorial to the Seikan-Hakodate Liaison Ship, both of which are moored and on display.
- Hakodate and Matsumae
- Tourist Attractions
9 Sep 2026 See More

For one of the most iconic romantic street views, Hachimanzaka Slope, which stretches straight toward the harbor, is definitely the top place to visit.

As soon as you reach the top of this famous slope and look down, you’ll see a straight stone-paved road lined with lush green trees. The view extends all the way to the end, where it perfectly meets the deep blue waters of Hakodate Bay and the blue sky.

This uniquely magnificent composition of a straight street leading directly to the sea is not only visually striking, but also a popular filming location for many classic movies and commercials.

Standing on the slope in the sea breeze and looking at the beautiful scene created by the ships in the distant harbor, blue sky, and white clouds makes you want to slow down and take it all in.

I highly recommend including Hachimanzaka Slope in your walking itinerary around Motomachi. Whether you’re admiring the classic view of the seaside slope or capturing the beauty of its straight, far-reaching perspective, it will add a captivating visual experience to your trip!