KUMAMOTO, RIGHT NOW

Kumamoto Castle 7~8月: 9:00-19:00 (最終入園18:00, 天守閣最終登閣18:30まで) Open TodayIllumination Tonight
  • Mon Aug 31 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Tue Sep 1 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Wed Sep 2 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Thu Sep 3 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Fri Sep 4 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Sat Sep 5 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Sun Sep 6 Sunset-Sunrise, all-night illumination
  • Rainy weather may close the castle; check official notices for updates
  • September onwards: color illumination resumes (dates listed on schedule page)
  • North gate entrance/exit may be restricted depending on construction progress
Suizenji Garden 8:30-17:00 (final admission at 16:30) Open Today

Admission-free when wearing a traditional yukata (casual kimono) during yukata month

  • Higo Morning Glory Autumn Exhibition Sep 4-6, 2026 Small potted single-vine cultivation and nine-petal bloom varieties displayed 9:00-12:00
Aso Crater Access Restricted (Level 3)Use Caution

JMA Eruption Warning Level 3 is in effect. The area within approximately 2km of Nakadake crater is off-limits to visitors. The Aso Park Road remains open during daylight hours (currently 8:30 AM–6:00 PM through October), but crater viewing is prohibited.

  • Restricted radius: 2,000 m
  • Crater shuttle bus: Operating
  • Areas affected: Nakadake crater

Traffic/Parking (schedule estimate, not live sensor data): Today is school summer break combined with late-morning/early-afternoon timing typically means slower going and a fuller lot than usual.

If it looks busy: The Minamiaso approach (via Nakamatsu) usually bypasses Kusasenri entirely, but that road is normally the first one closed when the crater alert is elevated like it is right now -- don't count on it today. Kusasenri's own parking/viewing area typically stays open even at higher alert levels, but the road beyond it to the summit terminal may not be; check the Aso Crater Access status above before heading up. Aso City publishes specific congestion forecasts ahead of major holiday weekends (Golden Week, Obon) on its website, worth checking the day before if you're coming on one. If Kusasenri's lot is full, Daikanbo and Komezuka are nearby viewpoints with their own separate parking.

Our Tours

updated 2 hours ago
  • The Essential Kumamoto Castle Tour Next available: Mon, Aug 31
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