KUMAMOTO, RIGHT NOW

Kumamoto Castle 9:00~17:00 (Sept–June); 9:00~19:00 (July–August) Open TodayIllumination Tonight
  • Fri Sep 4 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Sat Sep 5 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Sun Sep 6 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Mon Sep 7 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Tue Sep 8 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Wed Sep 9 Sunset–22:00, emergency awareness
  • Thu Sep 10 Sunset–sunrise, earthquake commemoration
  • Following the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, all-night (24-hour) illumination of the castle is currently in effect to provide support and hope to visitors.
  • Color-coded special illuminations resume from September 2026.
  • Weekdays: entry/exit via south gate only; weekends and holidays: entry/exit via north or south gates.
  • Castle closed only on December 29 (New Year's preparation); may close on severe weather days.
  • September 9 (Wed): Blue color illumination for Emergency Services Day (Sunset–22:00).

Official castle site ↗ · updated 2 hours ago

Suizenji Garden 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) Open TodaySpecial Event Today

Admission-free when wearing yukata (traditional summer garment) during designated months; otherwise standard admission applies

  • Higo Morning Glory Autumn Exhibition - Small Potted Single Vine and Nine-Star Blooms Sep 4-6 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily
  • September Limited Commemorative Stamps - Red Dragonfly and Moon Sep 1-30 Available at Izumi Shrine

Official Suizenji site ↗ · updated 2 hours ago

Aso Crater Access Restricted (Level 2)Likely Clear

Aso volcano is at JMA Eruption Alert Level 2 (Crater Surrounding Warning). The area within approximately 1km from the crater is restricted and off-limits; however, access to the mountain-top plaza (山上広場) and the toll road is permitted during operating hours (currently 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM in summer season through October 31).

  • Restricted radius: 1,000 m
  • Crater shuttle bus: Operating
  • Areas affected: Nakadake first crater, crater rim area

Traffic/Parking (schedule estimate, not live sensor data): No particular reason to expect crowding right now -- a weekday outside peak season and peak hours.

Official Aso regulation status ↗ · updated 2 hours ago

Aso Volcano Guide for Any Condition ↗

Our Tours

updated 2 hours ago
  • The Essential Kumamoto Castle Tour Next available: Fri, Sep 4
Book a tour ↗

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