Kumamoto Castle

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Introduction｜Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots. Every spring, the castle grounds are blanketed in pink sakura, attracting visitors for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
Kumamoto Castle remains a cultural treasure, offering visitors a deep dive into Japan’s feudal past and an inspiring story of recovery.
Despite severe damage from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, ongoing restoration has made parts of the main keep open, symbolizing resilience and community spirit.
The restoration of Kumamoto Castle’s entire tower has been completed, and starting from April 26, 2021, visitors can enjoy the fully renewed exhibits and the stunning view from the top floor.
The updated exhibits primarily focus on the history of the castle tower, covering its construction, destruction during the Satsuma Rebellion, reconstruction in 1960, and the damage and recovery from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Information is presented through models and videos in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
To enhance your visit, Kumamoto Castle offers a free mobile application called “”Kumamoto Castle Official App.”” This app provides audio and subtitles for the explanatory texts and video content of the castle’s permanent exhibition. Additionally, on the top floor of the tower, the AR function allows you to enjoy a panoramic view overlaid with old photographs from the Meiji era. We highly recommend downloading the app before your visit.

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Instructions & Notes

1. Please make sure to redeem your e-ticket in advance via the Travel Contents App. (Once redeemed, ticket cannot be cancelled.)
2. Please note that depending on the crowd, you may have to wait to enter the castle tower.
3. Please wear non-slip footwear during rainy weather to prevent accidents caused by slippery floors.
4. Please avoid using camera tripods or selfie sticks when it’s crowded.
5. Pets are only allowed in the outdoor paid areas outside the castle tower. However, they must be kept in a cage with no visible faces. Service dogs are an exception and are allowed to enter. Please remember that pets must always be on a leash when visiting other areas.
6. Fires are strictly prohibited in Kumamoto Castle Park. There is no smoking area within the paid area, so please smoke at the smoking area next to the Ninomaru “”Reconstruction Castle Lord Reception”” or the smoking area at Josaien.
7. Please refrain from eating in the paid area. Only beverages with lids are allowed.
8. For those who require a wheelchair (including electric assist) during the tour, the facility offers complimentary rentals with an accompanying person. Wheelchairs are not available in case of rain. The number of units is limited, and reservations are not available.
9. You are allowed to bring a stroller and use it.
10. Please note that coin lockers are not available for storing large luggage in the paid area of the castle tower. Additionally, luggage with wheels is not permitted inside the castle tower. For your convenience, coin lockers (charges apply) can be found in front of Ninomaru’s Rest Area or in front of the tourist information center at Josaien.
11. The Kumamoto Castle Official App provides audio and subtitle commentary, as well as video content, for the permanent exhibition inside the castle tower. Moreover, visitors can use the AR function to see a view overlaid with old photographs from the Meiji era on the top floor of the castle tower. It is recommended to download the app prior to your visit for a more enjoyable experience.
12. Please note that there are three elevators, known as “”compassionate elevators,”” inside the castle tower. These elevators are reserved for the following individuals:- Persons who use wheelchairs or strollers (including caregivers)- Persons who have difficulty using stairs. If you belong to any of these categories and would like to use one of the elevators, please speak to the staff at the castle tower entrance when you visit. They will be happy to assist you.
13. Please ensure that you allocate sufficient time for viewing and consider using public transportation.
14. Free Wi-Fi in Kumamoto: Follow these simple steps to use Kumamoto Free Wi-Fi: 1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, tablet, or any other device and select “”Kumamoto-free-wifi”” as the network (SSID) 2. Open your device’s browser 3. Register as a user on the registration screen to connect to the internet. Register as a user when using the service for the first time. You only need to register once for each device. From the second time onwards, you can connect to the Wi-Fi network (SSID) by selecting “”Kumamoto-free-wifi.” This free Wi-Fi service is available in the following areas: Sakura no Baba Castle Garden, General Tourist Information Center, Ninomaru Parking Lot South Restroom, Ninomaru Ticket Office, Uto Yagura, Castle Tower Square, Inside the Castle Tower, and around the extraordinary tour passage.
15. Participants using wheelchairs/mobility equipment should be accompanied. Please refer to the venue’s official website for more information about PWD accessibility.