
Kumamoto Castle (熊本城) is a historic castle located in Kumamoto City, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture, in the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. It was originally built in the 17th century by Kato Kiyomasa, a Japanese feudal lord, and it is considered one of the most impressive castles in Japan.
The castle has been the site of many historic battles throughout its history, including the Seinan War in 1877, when it was besieged and heavily damaged. However, the castle was later restored to its former glory and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The castle is a complex of buildings, including several towers and gates, surrounded by extensive fortifications and moats. The castle grounds also feature beautiful gardens and a museum displaying historical artifacts related to the castle’s history.
Kumamoto Castle is a symbol of Kumamoto City and a popular destination for tourists visiting Kyushu. In recent years, the castle has undergone renovations to repair the damage caused by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which caused significant damage to the castle’s structures and walls.
Getting there
From Kumamoto Station to Kumamoto Castle:
Tram | Kumamoto Station ↓ A-Line ↓ 17 minutes (7 stops) Kumamoto Castle/City Hall ↓ Walk about 15 minutes ↓ Kumamoto Castle (Cost 180 yen) |
Walk | About 35-40 minutes (3.3 km) |
Details
Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM. |
Admission | High school students and above: 800 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 300 yen |
Phone | +81 96-352-5900 |
Address | 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002 |
Official Website | https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/ |
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