Kumamoto Castle was severely damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake which occurred in 2016. Five years after the disaster, we have gradually expanded the area to convey the state of reconstruction. Finally the restoration of the castle main keep has been completed! The castle main keep will be opened to the public as [3rd Special Exhibition of Kumamoto Castle].
The interior of the renovated main keep is filled with elaborate exhibitions up to the observation floor overlooking Kumamoto city! The Kumamoto Castle main keep is a space that fuses captivating technology and history, such as the latest earthquake resistance construction, free audio guide app, projection mapping, etc.
Surely you will be moved after seeing the impressive appearance of the main keep, which is a work of fine craftsmanship.
This time, we will be guided by Hirohito Yoshimura of the "Kumamoto Castle General Office" inside the main keep while moving toward the complete restoration in 2038.

* In order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19, please check the latest information and requests announced by Kumamoto Prefecture and each local government, and thoroughly implement basic infection prevention measures such as hand washing, wearing masks, and maintaining safe distances between people when visiting the facilities.

The "Special Tour Passage", connected to the “South Exit Ticket Office,” is scheduled to be demolished in 2038 when the castle restoration is complete. Until then, it is a recommended course where you can discover the castle's hidden charms through a unique perspective.

This viewpoint, from a height of about 6 meters above the ground, is only here for a limited time, as it will be removed in 2038 when the renovation is complete. While observing the difference in masonry between the two stone walls on the right side of the photo, make sure to read the commentaries scattered along the passage.

"We used cypress from Kumamoto Prefecture to build the "Special Tour Passage" leading to the Honmaru Palace, without digging the ground so that we do not damage the ruins below, but it is sufficiently strong to resist earthquakes. If you look closely, you can notice the single leg support, as an additional consideration toward the ruins below" says Mr. Yoshimura. 

Around the castle main keep, there are also towers and stone walls that remain damaged. We are also carefully and speedily proceeding toward their renovation now that the main keep has been completed. We are looking forward to this next step.

How intense it is when you look at the "Special Tour Passage" from the bottom! Although it is a modern design that reminds us of the black reminiscent of Kumamoto Castle, it is not very noticeable from the surroundings and blends into the landscape. The enjoyment eminating from this edifice is also one of the highlights of the new Kumamoto Castle.

The main keep rises in a dignified manner and is strinking against the background of the blue sky. We carefully picked up and collected the stones from the collapsed stone walls, numbered all the stones to be repaired, and repaired them in the same configuration as before using only few materials and masonry techniques! 

After the long slope, we finally arrive inside the castle main keep! At the entrance, you will be greeted by a video projected on a huge screen that summarizes the history of Kumamoto Castle.
If you download the Kumamoto Castle official app at the entrance, you can take advantage of a free service that allows you to listen to multilingual audio guides on your smartphone or tablet device. Make sure not to miss this opportunity.

After entering, you can see "Anagura", the basement floor of the small tower. Here, you can observe the seismic dampers we installed to protect the castle main keep in the event of a nearby earthquake. In addition to the overwhelming presence of huge seismic dampers surrounded by stone walls, you can also enjoy the contrast between the technologies and masonry techniques from different eras. 

In the exhibition of the main keep, each floor will guide you through different era backgrounds, from before the construction of Kumamoto Castle to the present-day. The Kato period on the first floor,  the Hosokawa period on the second floor, and the history of modern times on the 3rd and 4th floors. 
Using various means such as colorful illustrations, precise models as well as videos created especially for this renewal, the history of Kumamoto Castle and Kumamoto city are expressed in an easy-to-understand manner so that everyone can enjoy it.

This is Mr. Yoshimura`s favorite spot. Knowledge comes in through the collaboration between the exhibition and the video, in which the background of the times is drawn on the entire wall. The biggest attraction of this renewal is that you can experience exhibitions that are both entertaining and educational everywhere. When you experience history with an exhibition that combines the latest technology and engaging materials, time will pass in a blink of an eye.

This is a projection mapping of the "castle and castle model" on a diorama that precisely reproduces the area around Kumamoto Castle in the Edo period. The exhibition is full of details on the history, geography, and culture of the city of Kumamoto. One of the major features is that you can deepen your learning by experiencing through many hands-on exhibits such as a tower model that lets you see the inside of the building using a touch panel, a Kumamoto Castle test quiz etc. 

The castle is equipped with barrier-free viewpoints. In addition to being able to move from the Ninomaru parking lot on a ramp slope, you can download the Kumamoto Castle official app at the entrance or in advance to access the museum exhibits' multilingual audio guides and video subtitles directly on your smartphone or tablet.
 Additionally, the exhibition floors were planned so that wheelchairs can easily pass through, while the elevators connecting each floor were thoughtfully designed. Furthermore, the multipurpose toilets can be used by parents and children, and braille blocks were installed to make sure that everyone could enjoy in comfort.

The ramp slope leading to the entrance of the small tower. The floor concrete has been paved with the tiles of Kumamoto Castle that were broken down by the earthquake! "It's the embodiment of our desire not to waste any materials," says Mr. Yoshimura. I can't help but feel great awe for the people who have continued to support the restoration of Kumamoto Castle without cutting corners even a little.

By using the Kumamoto Castle official app and scanning the AR marker on the observation floor of the main keep, you can see a photo that captured the cityscape of Kumamoto about 150 years ago pop out! Please use it in conjunction with the superb view seen with the naked eye. 

At the end of the tunnel of history comes the top floor of the main keep. The view from the observation floor is a masterpiece! Let's immerse yourself in the feeling of royalty while musing about the past and present of the city of Kumamoto overlooking Aso in the distance. 

After enjoying the view, it is one of the secret pleasures to closely observe the tiles that cover the main keep. While the shape reproduces the same appearance as before, the entire roof is said to be lighter. The pure white plaster that covers the tiled joints will not last long.

Kumamoto Castle main keep is reborn. The highlight is not only its magnificent appearance, but also its huge picture scroll-like exhibition that makes use of the latest technology. A special space where you can discover the origins and the history of Kumamoto and experience many things every time you visit. Please fully enjoy the charm and splendor of Kumamoto Castle main keep now that is has recovered fully from the great earthquake!

* There is a possibility of temporary closure or change of business hours, so please directly check the business hours with the Administration Center before visiting.