About
Kumamoto Castle's restored main keep (tenshukaku) photographed in February 2023, showing the completed restoration following the 2016 earthquake damage. Photo from Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain).
Kumamoto Castle stands as one of Japan's three premier castles alongside Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle, renowned for its innovative defensive architecture and pivotal role in samurai history. Constructed between 1601 and 1607 by the legendary daimyo Kato Kiyomasa, the castle's origins date to 1467 when fortifications were first established by Ideta Hidenobu. When completed, the complex included 49 turrets, 18 turret gates, and 29 smaller gates, creating one of the most elaborate defensive systems in Japanese history. π π
The castle's most distinctive feature is its musha-gaeshi ("warrior repellent") curved stone wallsβan engineering innovation by Kato Kiyomasa. These walls start with a gentle slope and become progressively steeper, making them impossible to scale. The design proved remarkably durable: 90 percent of the original stone walls, built over 400 years ago, withstood the devastating 2016 earthquakes. π
Cultural & Historical Significance
The Satsuma Rebellion (1877)
The castle's defining historical moment came during the Satsuma Rebellion, the last major armed uprising of samurai against the Meiji government. The fortress served as the imperial army's primary garrison in Kyushu and withstood a desperate 52-day siege led by the famed samurai Saigo Takamori. Even after 250 years, the fortress proved impregnable, forcing Saigo to concede, "I did not lose to the government army. I lost to Lord Kiyomasa." This event marked a turning point in the decline of the samurai class. π
Connection to Miyamoto Musashi
The legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years in Kumamoto under the patronage of the Hosokawa clan, who succeeded the Kato clan as castle lords. It was here that he authored his seminal work on strategy and philosophy, The Book of Five Rings. π
Kato Kiyomasa's Engineering Legacy
Kato Kiyomasa designed the castle to withstand long sieges by planting ginkgo and nut trees and incorporating edible taro stems into the castle's tatami mats for emergency food supplies. This earned the castle the nickname "Ginnan-jo" (Ginkgo Nut Castle). A large ginkgo tree in the square in front of the castle tower is said to have been planted by Kiyomasa himself. Beyond military prowess, Kiyomasa was a skilled civil administrator who implemented successful flood control and forestry projects. The people of Kumamoto affectionately refer to him as "Seishoko-san" (Prince Kiyomasa), and he is enshrined as a deity at Kato Shrine located on the castle grounds. π π
The Honmaru Palace
Completed in 1610, the Honmaru Goten Palace served as the residence and administrative center for feudal lords. The palace's construction is unique among Japanese castle structures as it is built over two stone walls, creating an underground passage called "Kuragari-Tsuro" (Passage of Darkness), named because it remains dim even during daytime. The palace was destroyed during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. In 2008, to commemorate the castle's 400th anniversary, the Honmaru Goten Great Hall was faithfully restored using local craftspeople and traditional techniques. π π
Visiting Information
Getting There
From Kumamoto Station:
- Kumamoto City Tram: Take the tram to "Kumamoto Castle/City Hall" stop (ηζ¬εγ»εΈε½Ήζε)
- Travel time: 10 minutes
- Cost: Β₯150-Β₯200
- Walking distance from tram stop: 5-10 minutes π
From Aso Kumamoto Airport:
- Airport Limousine Bus: Take bus to "Sakuramachi Bus Terminal"
- Walking distance: 10 minutes to castle π
Alternative Transportation:
- Kumamoto Castle Tour Bus "Shiromegurin": 30 minutes from Kumamoto Station π
Practical Details
Operating Hours:
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) π
Admission Fees:
- Adults (high school and above): Β₯800
- Children (elementary and junior high): Β₯300
- Children under 6: Free
- Group discounts available for 30+ people π
Exemptions: Elementary and junior high students attending schools in Kumamoto City, residents over 65 years old, and those with physical disability handbooks are exempt from admission. π
Best Time to Visit:
- For crowds: Weekday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) or late afternoon to avoid tour groups π
- For autumn foliage: Mid-November to early December for golden ginkgo trees
- For illuminations: Check for special evening openings during autumn foliage season π
Typical Visit Duration: 2-3 hours to tour the main keep, walk the grounds, and appreciate the reconstructed sections and historical exhibits π
Current Status: The main keep (tenshukaku) has been fully restored and reopened to the public since June 28, 2021, with visitors able to enjoy top-floor observation deck views. However, extensive restoration work continues throughout the castle grounds. The Honmaru Palace suffered major damage and complete dismantling work began in December 2024, with restoration completion scheduled for 2032. Full castle restoration is projected to continue until 2052. π π
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi in select areas
- Direct entry via QR code ticket
- Audio guides recommended (English available)
- No re-entry allowed once you exit π
The Castle Experience
Main Keep (Tenshukaku)
The restored main keep showcases modern museum exhibits inside while maintaining its historical exterior appearance. The interior features multi-floor exhibitions about the castle's history, construction techniques, and role in Japanese history. The top-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Kumamoto city, though staff regulate visitor flow to prevent crowding. The restoration merged history with technology, incorporating modern earthquake-resistant construction while preserving the castle's traditional aesthetic. π π
Honmaru Palace Interior
Though earthquake restoration is ongoing (completion scheduled for 2032), portions of the palace accessible during your visit showcase traditional feudal lord residences with dazzling gold-leaf decorations, elaborate painted fusuma (sliding doors), traditional tatami mat rooms, and the underground "Passage of Darkness" (Kuragari-Tsuro). π
Castle Grounds & Gardens
The extensive grounds feature:
- Musha-gaeshi stone walls: Walk the perimeter to appreciate Kiyomasa's engineering genius
- Ginkgo trees: The famous trees planted by Kato Kiyomasa turn brilliant golden yellow in late November
- Cherry blossom sites: Approximately 800 cherry trees bloom in late March to early April
- Reconstruction observation: Special tours allow visitors to observe ongoing restoration work π
Kato Shrine
Located on the castle grounds, this shrine honors Kato Kiyomasa as a deity, reflecting his enduring legacy and the deep respect Kumamoto residents hold for their castle's founder. π
Practical Visiting Tips
November 2025 Seasonal Considerations
Autumn Foliage:
- Early November marks the beginning of foliage color change
- Mid-November to early December represents peak viewing for ginkgo trees
- The large ginkgo tree planted by Kato Kiyomasa turns deep golden yellow
- Special evening illuminations often coincide with peak foliage season π
Weather Conditions:
- Average temperatures: 8-17Β°C (47-62Β°F)
- Generally cool and pleasant conditions ideal for walking the extensive grounds
- Bring layers for temperature variations between morning and afternoon
Crowd Levels:
- November typically less crowded than cherry blossom season (late March/early April)
- Weekday visits recommended to avoid weekend tour groups
- Autumn foliage illuminations may attract evening crowds
Photography Conditions:
- Excellent lighting for photography in autumn weather
- Golden ginkgo trees provide stunning foreground for castle tower photos
- Late afternoon "golden hour" ideal for capturing castle illuminated by setting sun
Photography
Restrictions:
- Photography and video recording permitted for personal use only
- IMPORTANT: Posting or streaming photos/videos on social media is NOT allowed π
- Some interior exhibits strictly prohibit photographyβfollow signage
- Do not photograph other visitors or obstruct their view
Best Photo Spots:
- Square in front of castle tower with large ginkgo tree
- Perimeter walkways showcasing musha-gaeshi stone walls
- Observation deck for panoramic city views
- Secret viewing spots around the castle grounds π
Visitor Strategy
Crowd Avoidance:
- Arrive at 9:00 AM opening time for fewer crowds
- Visit on weekdays rather than weekends/holidays
- Late afternoon visits (after 3:00 PM) typically less crowded
- Allow extra time for potential ticket purchase lines π
Maximizing Your Visit:
- Use audio guide or guidebook as on-site information is sparse π
- Allow full 2-3 hours to appreciate both interior exhibits and grounds
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for extensive grounds exploration
- Top floor observation time is regulated by staff to manage flow
Cultural Etiquette
General Behavior:
- Remove shoes before entering main keep and palace buildings (wear socks)
- Refrain from touching walls, screens, or artifacts
- Maintain quiet, respectful demeanor appropriate for historical site
- Do not eat or drink outside designated areas
- Be mindful of ongoing restoration work and restricted areas π
Respecting the Space: This is a site of immense cultural and historical importance to Kumamoto residents, particularly given the 2016 earthquake damage and ongoing restoration efforts symbolizing regional resilience. Approach your visit with appropriate reverence for both the historical significance and contemporary recovery efforts.
Accessibility & Practical Considerations
- Some areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing earthquake restoration
- Check official website before visit for current access restrictions
- Main keep has been made accessible with modern renovations
- Extensive grounds require significant walking π
Planning Considerations:
- Confirm current access restrictions on official website before visit: castle.kumamoto-guide.jp
- Weather-appropriate clothing for November (layers recommended)
- Comfortable walking shoes essential for extensive grounds
- Allow buffer time for potential ticket purchase queues
- Check for special autumn illumination schedules
- No re-entry policy means plan your visit duration carefully
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kumamoto/kumamoto-castle.md