Trip Planner: Asia / Japan / Kyushu / Kumamoto Prefecture / Kumamoto / Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto

4.3

Must see · Castle · Historic Walking Area

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One of Japan's most iconic structures, Kumamoto Castle dates back to the 15th century and draws flocks of visitors with its distinct architecture and scenic grounds. This castle was designed by a local warrior, who made it an effective defense fortification. While visiting the complex, you can roam the castle's stone walls and turrets, some of which survived unchanged for centuries, admire the imposing main keep, or pay a visit to the onsite museum, where you can view displays about the history and various reconstructions of the site's buildings. Boasting hundreds of plants, the grounds make an idea spot for viewing blossoming cherry trees. Before you head to Kumamoto, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Kumamoto trip planner, to make sure you see all that Kumamoto has to offer, including Kumamoto Castle.

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Tours to Kumamoto Castle

FROM $17 BOOK WITH VIATOR [Virtual Tour] Kumamoto a great Samurai city of Japanese culture [Virtual Tour] Kumamoto a great Samurai city of Japanese culture

Duration: 1 hour

Tours from $17 ›

FROM $138 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half-Day Guided Tour of Kumamoto Castle with Accessory Making Half-Day Guided Tour of Kumamoto Castle with Accessory Making

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $138 ›

FROM $839 BOOK WITH VIATOR Great nature "Mt.Aso" from Fukuoka : bus 27 pax *no trunk *transfer one day Great nature "Mt.Aso" from Fukuoka : bus 27 pax *no trunk *transfer one day

Duration: 10 hours

Tours from $839 ›

FROM $393 BOOK WITH VIATOR A Deep Look into Miyamoto Musashi and the Hosokawa Clan's Way of Life A Deep Look into Miyamoto Musashi and the Hosokawa Clan's Way of Life

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $393 ›

FROM $82 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half-day Samurai City Sightseeing in Kumamoto by Tram Half-day Samurai City Sightseeing in Kumamoto by Tram

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from $82 ›

FROM $1,127 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cherry Blossoms at Fukuoka and Kumamoto : bus 27 pax *no trunk *transfer one day Cherry Blossoms at Fukuoka and Kumamoto : bus 27 pax *no trunk *transfer one day

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $1,127 ›

FROM $212 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kumamoto Custom Full Day Tour Kumamoto Custom Full Day Tour

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $212 ›

FROM $81 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $81 ›

FROM $101 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Duration: 6 hours

Tours from $101 ›

FROM $122 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kumamoto Custom Half Day Tour Kumamoto Custom Half Day Tour

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $122 ›

Kumamoto Castle reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,718 reviews

Google

4.4

By BZimm08

I am a tourist so I had no idea about the earthquake that devastated Kumamoto in 2016. Still today, you can see the aftermath of the earthquake on the castle. I am so glad they are restoring it to...

I am a tourist so I had no idea about the earthquake that devastated Kumamoto in 2016. Still today, you can see the aftermath of the earthquake on the castle. I am so glad they are restoring it to... more »
By manolisk325

The Kumamoto castle is one of the best attractions in the region. It worths the time to visit it. It will give you a hint of the samurai period. It is very impressive and highly recommended

The Kumamoto castle is one of the best attractions in the region. It worths the time to visit it. It will give you a hint of the samurai period. It is very impressive and highly recommended more »
By domw872

I went here October 1, 2020 during a lot of renovations and really could only see the castle from a distance. I didn’t have time to see the museum and other things, however, it was cool to see and I..... more

I went here October 1, 2020 during a lot of renovations and really could only see the castle from a distance. I didn’t have time to see the museum and other things, however, it was cool to see and I..... more »

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Google

By Reagan B

Exceeded all expectations! Really fun castle to explore! The myths that you can read in the castle museum are so interesting! And you can download the castle app and read all the captions in English. The app also has an audio feature, but the reader is so slow and robotic, it would take ages to actually listen to it drone on and on. They should add a 2x speed option or something. But it is nice to read the captions in English so I recommend it. Also the shopping area is really cool, and it feels like you are in the alley ways of the old castle town. There was even a samurai dance event that was cute.

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By Josh Diddams

Beautiful castle on par with Hemeji for size and grandeur. The interior is remade as a museum, but there are enough interactive exhibits and holdovers from the original construction that it still feels like a castle. Displays are in Japanese with limited or no English, but still enjoyable and understandable. The dark interior is refreshing on a hot day. While much of the castle is still under repair from earthquake damage, you can see some great views from the purpose-built viewing walkway.

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By Waies AHMED

It s one of the oldest castle of Japan and a place with a lot of history. The main castle is quite big but if you count the walls and everything , it is even bigger. A lot of things got destroyed by the earthquake but it s being reconstructed even now. It lost a bit of the old castle feeling to be more modern now but it is still a famous place to go by in Japan and one of the main attractions to see in Kumamoto.

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By chyadosensei

Beautiful castle but sadly greatly damaged from the recent earthquake. Hopefully they continue to improve the looks as time moves on! Highly recommend checking it out. The view up top is worth it.

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By Kingston Obike

Even though it is a reconstruction of the original, it's a beautiful statue with rich history entrenched from it's very foundations to the top of the citadel. Despite being damaged by an earthquake back in 2016, the resilience of a people and the structure maintained for the purpose of revitalizing this city's touristic value, can very well be appreciated by all who venture here. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful standing castles in Japan.

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