A part of Kumamoto Castle that has been closed to visitors since the 2016 earthquake is getting a rare airing this summer. The Takenomaru (竹の丸) area — a section of the castle grounds that has been off-limits due to ongoing restoration work — will hold four special open days across August and September 2026, and entry is completely free.
The timing is no coincidence. The opening is pegged to the flowering season of the Higo Asagao (肥後朝顔), a traditional morning glory variety cultivated at the Higo Meikanen garden within the grounds. The Higo Asagao is one of the classic Higo-ryu flowering plants historically associated with the samurai culture of old Kumamoto (then known as Higo Province), so seeing it bloom inside the castle precinct is a genuinely special experience.
If you haven’t been following Kumamoto Castle’s long road to recovery, the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes caused severe damage to the castle complex, and full restoration isn’t expected until 2052. The Takenomaru area has remained fenced off throughout, making these open days a rare window into a usually inaccessible part of the historic site.
Open Days at a Glance
| Date | Day | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 August 2026 | Saturday | 9:00–17:00 | Free |
| 9 August 2026 | Sunday | 9:00–17:00 | Free |
| 5 September 2026 | Saturday | 9:00–17:00 | Free |
| 6 September 2026 | Sunday | 9:00–17:00 | Free |
There are only four days in total, so if you’re planning a visit to Kumamoto Castle this summer, it’s worth aligning your trip with one of these weekends. No admission fee is charged for the Takenomaru area on these days — though standard castle admission may still apply for other areas of the grounds, so check the official Kumamoto Castle website for the latest details before you go.
Source: Kumamoto City Tourism Guide
If you are interested in learning more about Kumamoto Castle, check out our guided tours! After years of experience interpreting here in Kumamoto, we are always excited to share the stories and history so often lost in translation.
