Kumamoto Castle

Patty Nermal a month ago

The castle is just so elegant and rich in history. I was not expecting it to be very big. They reconstructed it after it was heavily damaged and they made the inside like a modern museum. I just had a challenge understanding the descriptions as there's no written english translation. Entrance fee for the castle along is ¥800. At the time I visited, there are many construction on-going around the area.

Benny CHAN 2 months ago

When we first went here over a decade ago, the Kumamoto castle was a very traditional Japanese architecture with everything preserved perfectly, the pebbled path, the river and the castle itself. In 2017, there was a serious earthquake the castle almost fully collapsed, which was a heartbreaking news for everyone. We went here after they rebuilt most things, and built a brand new elevated path for visitors, with its entrance fee higher as well. It's still a great place to see architecture and history, the only drawback is they do not have much English narratives or translations, or we would understand their heritage better.

Ray Rusch 3 months ago

wow! this castle is absolutely breathtaking ! halfway destroyed after a big earthquake a couple of years ago, they're about to rebuild the entire area matter of fact stone by stone. They massively reinforced the entire castle from the ground up with a steel frame inside the masonry. therefore the interior is absolutely modern-style but still classic and original external... super splendid and massive work they've done. however it takes another 30+ years to rebuild the entire place after that huge earthquake.

Andrew Finlay 3 months ago

Got in early as it feels that most people don't get up until 9-10am. Walked the castle and did not need to wait long for popular photo spots. Amazing castle and interesting history. Well worth the 800 yen (per adult) entry fee. I would recommend paying the extra 50 yen to see the castle museum which is down the hill a little and has some interactive displays for kids (and adults)

Grace 3 months ago

-Easy access from Kumamoto station via bus. We bought the one day bus pass. -We visited on a Wednesday and it was not that crowded. -Nice scenery and interesting to view the inside of the castle. There are exhibitions on each floor so be prepared to walk up the stairs to the top level. There is a lift from the top floor to exit.