Tour Kumamoto Castle, the Soul of the City
Tour Kumamoto Castle, the Soul of the City
Overview
When the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle began after the earthquake ten years ago, the city announced a decades-long plan to rebuild exactly as it was, using the same traditional methods employed over 400 years ago. Instead of opting for the fastest option or shoehorning in modern methodology, Kumamoto chose to honor the soul of the city. This dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship and allowing visitors to observe from above shows the castle means to Kumamoto.
Its towering walls and imposing castle keeps have defined the skyline for as long as the city has existed. The brutal experiences and dedicated of craftsmanship of “the Demon General” Lord Kato Kiyomasa molded the hillside into the most formidable fortress in the country, even inspiring the designs of Osaka and Nagoya Castles. But these walls did more than just defend; they uplifted the community by hosting the prefecture’s first schools and providing paid jobs to local peasants four centuries ago. The castle brought the city to new heights and carried it through its deepest lows.
On this tour of Kumamoto Castle, we invite you to experience the castle for yourself and listen to its stories. As we walk the grounds together, let’s discover what it means to rebuild the symbol of a city and discover why Kumamoto Castle means everything to Kumamoto.
Places You’ll See :
1. Kumamoto Castle
Location
Schedule Details
Meet at the Statue of Kato Kiyomasa
Let's meet at the statue of the man who started it all, Kato Kiyomasa.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLKsB1ucK9oT2riZ6
(Optional) Pit Stop at the Josaien
It's a 1.0 kilometer (.67 mile) walk up to the castle. So, if you need to use the restroom or would like to grab a snack or a drink to take with you, we can make a brief stop at the castle town.
Short Walk to the Special Observation Path Entrance
The previous entrances to the castle collapsed in the 2016 earthquake and are now primarily routes for construction workers, so we will be walking on the Special Observation Route, a platform that allows us to see the castle from above. Tickets to the castle are included, so we should be able to enter very quickly.
Walk the Special Observation Path
This elevated walkway will take us over the castle grounds, revealing the castle's layout and an overhead view of the reconstruction process.
Photo in Front of the Keep
Take a photo at the most photogenic spot in the castle grounds!
(Optional) Break at the Souvenir Shop
There are no bathrooms on the upper floors of the castle, so if you need water or a short break, this is a great spot to do so.
Enter the Keep
The Castle Keeps have been renewed into a six-floor museum of the castle's history. There are no English signs in the castle, so we will provide explanations as we go.
(Optional) Break at the Souvenir Shop
If you would like to stop at the Souvenir Shop or take a break before walking back, this is a great time to do so.
(Ending 1) Finish in the Castle Grounds
If you would like to spend more time exploring the castle grounds, we can finish in front of the castle keep.
(Ending 2) Finish in the Castle Town
If you are interested in seeing the castle town or getting a meal after the tour, we can walk you down to the castle town and help you explore the shops or choose a restaurant.
(Ending 3) Visit Kato Shrine
If you enjoy photography or enjoy visiting shrines, Kato Shrine is a storied place of worship where the castle's architect is enshrined with a unique vantage point of the castle.
F.A.Q
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes to walk in (no heels), clothing appropriate for the weather.
What are the best times to go on the tour?
What happens if it's raining?
Get Enquiry
Activities
- City Tours
Why Book With Us?
- Learn the secret history of Kumamoto Castle
Got a Question?
- Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +81-96-321-6115
- info@adastra.co.jp