Kumamoto Castle
Tourist attraction
Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most impressive and well-known castles in Kumamoto, Japan. It was built by Kato Kiyomasa during the Edo period. The castle is famous for its huge stone wall and tricky defenses. Even though it was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, it still attracts thousands of visitors every year. When you visit, don't miss the Honmaru Goten Palace. There, you can see beautifully restored turrets, living quarters, and the former residence of the feudal lord from the Hosokawa clan. You can also climb to the top floor of the main castle to get amazing views of Kumamoto City. But that's not all! The castle hosts lots of events. The Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival and Spring Festival are big hits with popular activities like taiko drumming shows at the castle grounds. So why wait? Explore the rich history of Kumamoto Castle for yourself! You'll walk through history and experience unforgettable sights and events.
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1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan
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The best of Kumamoto Castle
Bucket-list experiences
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Klook's choice
Kumamoto Castle, Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, Aso Shrine, Kurokawa Onsen Day Tour (Depart from Fukuoka/Kumamoto)
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English available
Free cancellation
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US$ 39.85
Kumamoto 1 Day Tour from Fukuoka with Lunch
Bestseller
English available
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US$ 49.90
Kumamoto Castle, Kusasenrigahama, & Mount Aso Day Tour from Fukuoka
English available
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US$ 76.79
Kyushu｜Takachiho Train & Takachiho Gorge & Tenyasu River One-Day Tour｜Chinese and English Tour Guide (Depart from Fukuoka)
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English available
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US$ 35.89
Kumamoto Castle & Kusasenri & Aso Crater & Aso Boys Scenic Train Day Tour (Depart from Fukuoka/Kumamoto)
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US$ 79.65
Fukuoka, Aso, Kumamoto, Yufuin, Beppu, etc. Customized itinerary
Private tour
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Private group
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US$ 338.59
Kumaoto Josaien Kimono and Yukata experience
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US$ 38.00
Kimono Rental & Suizenji Jojuen Garden Sightseeing in Kumamoto
Morning departure
7+ hrs
English available
Private group
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US$ 63.65
Snapshot photography experience (Kumamoto)
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
English available
Private group
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US$ 130.55
Kaguya's Shining Garden in SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto Admission Ticket
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US$ 12.79
Aso, Takachiho George day tour from Kumamoto
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English available
US$ 115.19
Make it a getaway
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THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO
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Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring
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&and COMFY HOTEL Kumamotojo View
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto
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US$ 51.32
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
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Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
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US$ 75.90
US$ 117.26
REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS
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Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto
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HOTEL MYSTAYS Kumamoto Riverside
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Toyoko Inn Kumamoto Ekimae
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fav KUMAMOTO
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US$ 109.46
Grids Premium Hotel Kumamoto
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US$ 49.74
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Kumamoto car rentals | Choose from multiple car models
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Toyoko Inn Kumamoto Shin Shigai
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Klook's choice
Kumamoto Suizenji Kimono and Wahuku experience
7+ hrs
English available
Free cancellation
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US$ 38.00
Kumamoto City, Aso Jinja, Daikanbo, & Kurokawa Onsen Tour with Lunch
English available
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The New Hotel Kumamoto
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Nest Hotel Kumamoto
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Hotel Nikko Kumamoto
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US$ 85.93
KKR Hotel Kumamoto
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto
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Hotel Wing International Select Kumamoto
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US$ 51.73
Why people love Kumamoto Castle
Sharon ***
12 Jan
Convenient to charter a bus for our group of 14 but the places outside Fukuoka are very far. Much time is spent on travelling.
廖 **
12 Jan
The tour guide explained in detail. It was a pity that we were not able to see the crater on the itinerary. If we could stay at Kumamoto Castle for two and a half hours, we would have more time. I was very satisfied with the overall itinerary.
1+
WANG *****
11 Jan
This business hotel is a fairly new hotel. The location is good. The hotel is clean and bright. The front desk staff are very kind and polite. I recommend you choose this hotel when you come to Kumamoto. The CP value is very high👍👍👍
2+
WANG *****
10 Jan
The hotel is in an excellent location. It is located in Shimotori. It is convenient for shopping and the transportation is excellent. I have stayed here for the third time. I will choose this hotel next time I come to Kumamoto. The CP value is very high. Highly recommend 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️
chan ****
11 Jan
Very, very, very good. The location is convenient. I am very satisfied with the hot spring and sauna in the hotel. I also recommend it to people who like massage. It is worth a try and you will fall in love with it.
SU ****
11 Jan
The room is small in size but fully functional. There is a self-service bar on the second floor. There is a hot spring in the hotel. There is also a coin machine that you can use after bathing in the hot spring. It is also close to the shopping street. The overall experience is very good.
To ********
10 Jan
A very cost-effective one-day tour. The tour guide’s explanations were detailed, clear and interesting. The journey was rich. Not only did we see Kumamoto Castle, but we also saw Aso Volcano and Kumonoza Shrine. We were lucky. When we just went to the volcano, the wind direction allowed. We visited the crater, but when we left, we were no longer allowed to enter, because the local area would decide whether to open it to visitors based on the spread of volcanic gas. In addition, the lunch buffet is also surprisingly good, with many choices and exquisite and delicious food. All in all, it is a one-day tour that is well worth going.
Chau *************
10 Jan
This morning on January 9th, we could only go to Cao Qianli because of the danger of snow on the road. We were not allowed to go up to the crater. After staying in Cao Qianli for half an hour, the Klook team leader informed us that we could go up to the volcano now. He gathered us and got on the bus. Let’s go to the crater again👍🏻. I feel that the tour guide is very responsible. He definitely doesn’t have to inform us, but he is very responsible and tries his best to provide the group members with the opportunity to go to the crater again. Although the weather when we went to the crater was too bad, it was windy and snowy and we couldn’t see much. The scenery, but I still feel very grateful to him🙏🏻💖
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Things to do at Kumamoto Castle, Japan
Explore the Castle Grounds
When you visit Kumamoto Castle, begin by checking out the large castle grounds. The area has a lot of important historical spots, tall stone walls, and historic moats. You can also find beautiful gardens and ancient trees that add to the castle's charm.
Visit the Honmaru Goten Palace
The Honmaru Goten Palace is a major highlight of Kumamoto Castle. It used to be the home of a powerful feudal lord and has been beautifully restored. Inside, you can see fancy decorated rooms and old artifacts that share the castle's rich history. There is even a recreated banquet hall where you can picture the grand feasts that happened long ago. This place is perfect for anyone interested in Japan's history and old traditions.
Climb the Main Tower
Be sure to climb the main tower of Kumamoto Castle for amazing views over Kumamoto City. From the top, you can see the whole castle area and the city around it. The tower itself is a beautiful example of old Japanese architecture from the Edo period. As you go up, you'll see displays about the castle's history, like the 2016 earthquake and the repairs being done.
Attend Special Events and Festivals
Kumamoto Castle has lots of fun events and festivals all year that show off Japanese culture. The Autumn Festival and Spring Festival are especially popular. They have traditional performances and plenty of food stalls with local treats. It's a great opportunity to take part in local traditions and make your trip to Kumamoto Castle extra special.
Learn About the Satsuma Rebellion
When you visit Kumamoto Castle, you'll find exhibits about the Satsuma Rebellion. There are displays and multimedia shows that tell you about the actions of the Meiji government and the end of the feudal system. These exhibits help you understand why the castle was important for the military. It's a cool way to learn about history and see how the castle helped shape modern Japan.