Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Japan  /  Kyushu  /  Kumamoto Prefecture  /  Kumamoto  /  Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto

4.3
#1 of 5,143 in Things to do in Kyushu
Must see · Castle · Historic Walking Area
One of Japan's most iconic structures, Kumamoto Castle dates back to the 15th century and draws flocks of visitors with its distinct architecture and scenic grounds. This castle was designed by a local warrior, who made it an effective defense fortification. While visiting the complex, you can roam the castle's stone walls and turrets, some of which survived unchanged for centuries, admire the imposing main keep, or pay a visit to the onsite museum, where you can view displays about the history and various reconstructions of the site's buildings. Boasting hundreds of plants, the grounds make an idea spot for viewing blossoming cherry trees. Before you head to Kumamoto, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Kumamoto trip planner, to make sure you see all that Kumamoto has to offer, including Kumamoto Castle.
Create an itinerary including Kumamoto Castle
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Kumamoto Castle

FROM $508 BOOK WITH VIATOR A Deep Look into Miyamoto Musashi and the Hosokawa Clan's Way of Life
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $508 »
FROM $776 BOOK WITH VIATOR Cherry Blossoms at Fukuoka and Kumamoto :microbus 1-20pax
Duration: 11 hours
Tours from $776 »
FROM $236 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kumamoto Custom Full Day Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $236 »

Kumamoto Castle reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,702 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • By manolisk325
    The Kumamoto castle is one of the best attractions in the region. It worths the time to visit it. It will give you a hint of the samurai period. It is very impressive and highly recommended  more »
  • By domw872
    I went here October 1, 2020 during a lot of renovations and really could only see the castle from a distance. I didn’t have time to see the museum and other things, however, it was cool to see and I.....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Rene Trevino
    Some of the beautiful views of the phenomenal Kumamoto Castle. By far, this is one of the most exceptional castles that can be found in Japan. The history and just the massive scale of the whole complex is truly amazing for all to enjoy. These are from before the earthquake but even now, it is still so impressive
  • By Danison Tan
    Majestic castle but unfortunately destroyed by the recent earthquake. Restoration works are heavy now and closed to tourists. Can only see from outside. So sad such an important historical site destroyed and after restoration, may not be the same again. However, still a nice and beautiful area to walk around in the morning. Definitely a tourist area.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Kumamoto

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Kumamoto

Suizenji Jojuen Garden ©
Garden
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
4.0
Duration: 30 minutes
Sakuranobaba Johsaien ©
History Museum
Sakuranobaba Johsaien
3.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kato Shrine ©
Religious Site
Kato Shrine
4.0
Duration: 1 hour
Kumamon Square ©
Landmark
Kumamon Square
3.9
Duration: 1 hour

Side trips from Kumamoto

Takachiho Gorge ©
Canyon
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho-cho
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Daikanbo ©
Lookout
Daikanbo
Aso
4.6
Duration: 1 hour
Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge ©
Lookout
Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge
Kokonoe-machi
3.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Takachiho Shrine ©
Religious Site
Takachiho Shrine
Takachiho-cho
4.4
Duration: 1 hour

Museums in Kumamoto

Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto ©
Art Museum
Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto
4.0
Duration: 30 minutes
Newspaper Museum
History Museum
Newspaper Museum
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
History Museum
Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art ©
Art Museum
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
3.6
Duration: 1 hour

Hidden gems in Kumamoto

Suizenji Ezuko Park ©
Park
Suizenji Ezuko Park
4.0
Duration: 1 hour
Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens ©
Zoo
Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3.9
Duration: 1 hour
Kamitori Shopping Street
Historic Walking Area
Kamitori Shopping Street
3.3
Duration: 1 hour
Kumamotojoinari Shrine ©
Religious Site
Kumamotojoinari Shrine
3.5
Duration: 1 hour

Historic Sites in Kumamoto

Reigando
Religious Site
Reigando
4.0
Duration: 1 hour
Kengun Shrine ©
Religious Site
Kengun Shrine
3.9
Duration: 1 hour
Catholic Tetori Church ©
Church
Catholic Tetori Church
4.2
Duration: 1 hour
The Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
Historic Site
The Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
4.0
Duration: 1 hour

Nearby attractions in Kumamoto

Kato Kiyomasa Statue ©
Monument
Kato Kiyomasa Statue
3.6
Duration: 1 hour
JR Kumamoto Station
Landmark
JR Kumamoto Station
3.1
Duration: 1h 30 min
Shinshigai Shotengai
Landmark
Shinshigai Shotengai
2.4
Duration: 1 hour
Kumamoto City Hall, Large Hall Floor ©
Government Building
Kumamoto City Hall, Large Hall Floor
3.6
Duration: 30 minutes

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Kumamoto Castle by other users

54 days in Japan BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS Tokyo · Matsumoto · Takayama 23 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Tokyo · Matsumoto · Takayama 11 days in Tokyo & Kumamoto BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tokyo · Kumamoto 55 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tokyo · Hakodate · Sapporo 20 days in Kyushu BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA Miyazaki · Kagoshima · Kumamoto 28 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tokyo · Fukuoka · Nagasaki