Kumamoto Castle has announced the cancellation of all three of its planned August events in the wake of the earthquake that hit Kumamoto on July 28, 2026. Castle management stated that visitor safety was the top priority in making the decision.
The following events have been canceled:
- Natsu no Irodori ~Ayumi no Jutto~ (Summer Illumination light-up event)
- Kumamoto Castle REVIVAL Tour (guided behind-the-scenes restoration tour)
- Takenomaru Special Opening (limited public access to the Takenomaru section of the castle grounds)
If you had been looking forward to any of these — the light-up was marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 earthquake, the REVIVAL Tour offered rare access to active restoration works, and the Takenomaru opening was timed to summer blooms — this will be disappointing news. The castle asks for your understanding given the circumstances. For those who had already made travel plans around these events, it’s worth reviewing your accommodation and transport bookings as soon as possible.
The castle says it will share the latest updates via its official website and social media channels. If you are visiting Kumamoto and want to know the current status of the castle grounds, check there before heading out. General castle admission rules and any further safety closures will also be announced through the same channels.
Source: Kumamoto Castle
