What other travelers are saying about Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle looks beautiful from the outside and the reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake is impressive. Inside it feels modern, more like a museum about the castle than a place showing how it once looked. There are no traditional rooms or old interiors like in Himeji.
There’s also a separate Castle Museum but it can be skipped since the main castle already explains most of the history and the rebuilding process. Great to see from the outside, but not the old Japan vibe I expected.
A very well preserved historical monument, and very cleverly and sensitively remodelled to include visual and static exhibits, including modern amenities like walking paths and ramps, and elevators and toilets. Becoming a user friendly and accessible place for everyone.
The visual displays and video documentary present very detailed historical and rehabilitation backgrounds, making the visit very interesting and educational.
Kumamoto Castle was my 1st Japanese castle tour, and it was amazing. We arrived just before the last entry at 4pm. Most of the information inside is in Japanese, but it was still a great experience.
The tour involves a lot of walking under the sun before reaching the castle, so I recommend bringing an umbrella. It was quite sunny when we went late in September 2025.
I also bought myself a souvenir: a gojoin and a gojoincho.
The castle is quite beautiful, but so is many other castles around Japan. While the constructed elevated walkway does take away from the historic look and feel, it does however give a different vantage point to the ground path. There are still many spots where the earthquake damage is “preserved”. The tourist facilities are very well laid out and most staff can speak basic English, and restaurant and snacks stalls are a bit expensive but reasonable for a tourist spot. Worth a visit if you are already coming to Kumamoto, but I wouldn’t bother travelling long distance just to see the castle.
We had one of the most fun castle visits in Kumamoto! My family and I really enjoyed the activities: trying on traditional Samurai clothes while exploring the site, watching the exciting Samurai battle performance, and taking photos in the beautifully designed areas with authentic architecture and house backdrops. The castle itself is a magnificent sight, full of rich history to discover. Everything was well-organized, and the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. Truly a memorable experience!
Some parts of the castle are closed for repairs, but visitors can still explore the grounds and see the restoration work up close. There are exhibitions and observation areas that explain the castle's history and the rebuilding process.
Spring is the best time, as the castle’s 800 cherry trees bloom beautifully. Autumn is also great, with colorful leaves adding to the scenery. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays is best if you want to avoid crowds.
The castle is easy to reach from Kumamoto Station by tram or bus. Its central location in the city makes it convenient for visitors.
Near the castle, you can visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden, and Sakuranobaba Johsaien, a shopping area styled like an old Edo town. These places are perfect to explore alongside the castle.
