Kumamoto Castle

熊本城

Kumamoto Castle is a symbol of Kumamoto, with a striking black facade and a commanding view over the city. It was constructed in the early 1600s, and has an eventful history, having changed hands and suffered damage and subsequent reconstruction over the ages. The castle was badly damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, but the tower has since been restored. Inside there are easy-to-understand exhibits on the history of Kumamoto Castle and displays using models and videos to demonstrate the recent restoration process. A guide app is available in multiple languages. From the observation floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the surrounding city. A special walking tour route allows you to see the ongoing restoration work on the ramparts and turrets up close.