Reviewing the photos that I took in several visits of Kumamoto Castle in the past, I would like to share some of the meaningful ones in this article. They were taken in 2015 and 2017. Back in the good old days more than 10 years ago before 2016 earthquake and over tourism in Japan, Kumamoto castle was a nice and tranquil castle with not that many visitors.

I am grateful to have visited the castle during cherry blossom in 2015. Even though the weather wasn't perfect, I it was still nice to visit the main castle, get a glimpse of the exhibition inside and take in the spectacular view of the city from the top. Who would predict that it was the last time for a very long time.

The 7 magnitude earthquake in 2016 destroyed numerous buildings, injured thousands of people and tens of thousands had to be evacuated from their homes. It was such a big shock that I could feel it over 1,000km away in Tokyo city!

In 2017, I visited the site again when I put together content for my Kyushu Travel Guide, and saw the extensive damage. Restoration work and donation were in progress but I was able to walk around the to view the castle from afar. 

Today, as I update travelmomo, I found that the castle is now partially open. 

Today, the top floor of the castle tower, Tenshukaku, Kumamoto Castle, was completed and open for viewing. Please check the official website for update and entrance details:

Kumamoto Castle Administration Management Center
1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Desk Hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
TEL ： 096-223-5011

Access From Kumamoto Station:

• Local Tram: 17 minutes by tram and get off at Kumamoto Castle/City Hall, walk 10 minutes.
• Kumamoto Bus Tour: 30 minutes (It's a loop bus that goes between Kumamoto Station and the Castle.