Kumamoto Castle
Overview
Kumamoto Castle (熊本城) is located in Chuo-ku of Kumamoto City. It is one of the three best castles in Japan. Therefore, it is a historical site very much worth seeing in Kumamoto.
The castle was built over a period of 7 years from 1601 by Kiyomasa Kato. Since then, Kumamoto Castle has been an important stage of various Japanese histories for 400 years.
The castle area covers 98 hectares. And, it has a perimeter of 5.3 km. On tis large grounds, there were more than 40 gates when it was built.
The castle has many facilities for visitors.
One of the popular facilities is a museum. The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art locates in the Ninomaru zone, one of the 10 zones of the castle area.
Ninomaru Square is another popular spot at Kumamoto Castle, especially for families. If you visit Kumamoto Castle with kids, why not visiting Ninomaru Square.
In spring, many people visit the castle to enjoy cherry blossom viewing. Kumamoto Castle is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing not only in Kumamoto but also in Kyushu.
Damage by the Kumamoto earthquake
On April 16, 2016, Kumamoto Castle was damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake. Stone wall collapsed in six places and stone wall stones fell in several places. In addition, the long wall, an Important Cultural Property, collapsed over a length of 100 meters.
Kumamoto Castle is currently under restoration work, but part of the castle has been open to the public since October 2019.
Recommended season
- Spring (The end of March ~ early April) for cherry blossom
SNS Gallery
Information
- URL : https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/
- Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002
- Distance from the major station
- 2.4km (1.5miles) from Kumamoto station
Huis Ten Bosch
