Kumamoto Castle completion guide: history, light points, and heavy construction of Japan’s three major castles
Kumamoto Castle is located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, and is one of the most representative castle forts in Japan. Designed by famous fort builder Kato Kiyomasa, Yomiro Castle and Matsumoto Castle are also known as Japan’s “Three Great Castles.” Kumamoto Castle, also known as “Ginkyo Castle”, has a 400-year history. During the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, Kumamoto Castle was heavily damaged, but in front of it, there were ongoing repairs and reconstruction efforts, with the traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Kumamoto Castle history and construction background
Built by Kiyomasa Kato
The history of Kumamoto Castle began in 1588, when it was built by Kiyomasa Kato, a vassal of Hideyoshi in the northern part of Empress Province (now in the northern part of Kumamoto). At first, Kato Kiyomasa lived in Kumamoto Castle, but the new castle was built on the Chausu Mountain Plateau, which was built in 1591.
Yuyu Bunroku Long Union (Japanese Invasion Dynasty) was destroyed, the construction was interrupted once, but it was resumed in 1601, and finally completed in 1607 (Yulong 12). At the time of the castle fort operation, the most advanced technology, the consumption of enormous manpower, and the masterpiece of Kato Kiyomasa castle construction technology.
Jidai Shigawa
In 1632, after the Kato family was removed from the land, Tadatoshi Tetsukawa became the owner of Kumamoto Castle, the owner of Kumamoto Castle, with an area of 540,000 koku (the equivalent of 540,000 koku of rice). Approximately 240 years later, the Meiji period was restored, the Teikawa family lived in Kumamoto Castle, and the Kumamoto Domain was established. In the years since, Kumamoto Castle has been constructed and constructed, and the construction has been completed and the center of the feudal government has been established. ### Kumamoto Castle during the Hauma clan war
An important drama that was played during the Explosive War of the Souma clan in 1877 (Meiji 10) while he was in Kumamoto Castle. As Kumamoto Castle rose to prominence, the Soma domain’s army was in trouble, the government was established, and the government’s army continued to advance for over 50 years, making many attacks. Before the current position, a large fire of unknown cause occurred in one of the main construction areas of the main castle tower, Awa Main Hall. However, the solid defense construction of Kumamoto Castle was completed, and the Souma clan’s military began its offensive, and Kato Kiyomasa’s outstanding castle and pond construction techniques were developed.
Architectural features of Kumamoto Castle
Bomu Stone Mound
This is one of the most famous special expeditions at Kumamoto Castle, and its nickname is `Mushagaeshi.'' It has a unique arc-shaped stone wall, the bottom level is flat, the level is improved, it has strong defensive function, and the envoys can't invade. This type of stone turret is also known as `Ougatapo”, which is an example of the construction technique of Kato Kiyomasa Castle.
The highest stone coffin is approximately 20 meters, its beautiful composition is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, and it is also practical and Japanese style.
The structure of the castle tower
Kumamoto Castle’s first Ubiza castle tower: One troupe large castle tower, one troupe small castle tower. The existing castle tower was constructed in 1960 (Showa 35), with a heavy structure of steel and reinforced concrete. The main castle tower has six floors above ground and one below, and is approximately 30 meters high.
Inside the fort, there is a museum, exhibiting historical and Japanese cultural relics of Kumamoto Castle; there is a viewing platform, with a bird’s-eye view of Kumamoto City. The black outer walls of the fortifications and the white fortifications of the castle walls were formed in the light of the light, and the people were able to take advantage of the scenery.
Honmaru Gosho repairs
In 2008 (Heisei 20), the Honmaru Imperial Palace was renovated and restored to its appearance during the Edo period. The palace hall is approximately 3,000 square meters in size, decorated with beautiful screen paintings, traditional Japanese sculptures, and the living space of the feudal lords at the time. Among them, the decoration is decorated with gold leaf and Japanese style decorations, and the “Zho’s Time” attracts a lot of attention, and is an important place for guests to meet feudal owners.
2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and Shigetakenoji
Earthquake-induced destruction
From April 14th to 16th, 2016, the construction of Kumamoto Castle was completed due to the Kumamoto Earthquake. Kumamoto Castle was attacked in all directions, and the Japanese stone walls of the castle tower, which were designated as important cultural properties, fell off, as well as pieces of tiles falling off from the castle tower.
Specially, the Eastern 18th, North 18th and other nationally designated important cultural treasures have been heavily praised, and approximately 30% of the stone burial mounds (approximately 80,000 square meters) have been toppled. This is the most important breach in the history of Kumamoto Castle.
Basic plan for repair and heavy construction
After the earthquake, Kumamoto City established the “Basic Plan for Repairing Kumamoto Castle,” which was decided to proceed in stages, and the estimated construction time was 20 years. The total cost of the item was 640 yuan, and the repair work was carried out with the support of the current Japanese government and financial institutions throughout the country.
The repair work progresses step by step, and the repair work of the castle tower is the first item to be repaired. The repair work for the castle tower was completed in October 2019, and the new construction was opened in June 2021. At the moment, the repair work for the stone coffin tower is underway.
Special scenic route
During the period of the immediate envoy’s stay, Kumamoto Castle was also opened to visitors. Here, we have set up a “Special Scenic Route”, which allows visitors to view it from a distance. The route of the passage, the visitor can see the stone wall, remove and build it, and then proceed with the construction method and repair process, so that you can understand the cultural heritage and save the treasure.
Kumamoto Castle main scenic spots
Utsuto (Utoto)
Utsunomiya is one of the many buildings in Kumamoto Castle during the Edo era, and has been designated as a nationally important cultural treasure. There are five levels above ground and one level below ground, and it is a large tower tower, also known as the “Third Tower Gate.” A study of the Great Kumamoto Earthquake and an exhibition of the most advanced construction techniques of the time.
However, it is not possible to open the public internally, but it is possible to see the external view. The outer wall is made of black wood and the inner wall is made of white gray mud.
Two kinds of stone burial mounds
A stone burial mound unique to Yududo, known as the “Two Kinds of Stone Mound”, is located near the dry wall in Kumamoto Castle. This area is a unique scenic spot, and you can also look at the ancient stone tombs of Kato’s Kiyomasa era and the new stone tombs of Japan’s River era, and the performance of the first-order strategic fort construction techniques.
In the Qing Dynasty period, stone coffin was used using the “Nozaku method”, which was directly deposited on natural stone; and during the Qing Dynasty, stone coffin was used using “Uchi Hagi method”, which was immediately processed into densely deposited stone. It is possible to achieve a true sense of cutting-edge technology that changes over time and progresses through life.
Sukiyama Maru Niro Daiden
Sukiyama Maru 2nd Tower Grand Hall was located at the southwest corner of the main burial mound, and was completed in 2005. The building was designed and designed elegantly, and the tea room was designed as a private space for the feudal lord. You can see the great hall from far away, Kumamoto City, Mt., the scenery is magnificent, and this place is a hot viewing point.
Kato Shrine
Kato Shrine in Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Kiyomasa. The shrine was first built in 1871 (Meiji 4), and was a ritual site for Kato Kiyomasa, attracting many visitors. If you are looking at Kumamoto Castle’s castle tower from a distance within the shrine, this is the hot spot for Riya.
Every July, there are activities such as the “Kiyomasa Festival” where shrines and shrines visit the city, and samurai tours at the time of arrival.
Kumamoto Castle Tour Tour
Castle West Garden
The `Castle Park Castle West Garden'' at Bibe Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Bus Stop was opened in 2011 and is the center of family travel exchange. In the park, `Makunokoji” (Makuhanakoji) has a typical castle town appearance during the Jiang Dynasty, has a collection of about 20 shops, and offers a comprehensive range of local specialty gastronomic restaurants, as well as restaurants and industrial memorabilia shops.
“Wawawaza” has a variety of exhibitions, a tasteful way of visiting customers, and a deep understanding of the history and culture of Kumamoto Castle, and the joy of both children and adults. This is the ideal place to visit Kumamoto Castle.
Kumamoto City Government 14 Tower Viewing Platform
Kumamoto City Government Building 14 has an observation deck with a view of Kumamoto Castle. This is the ideal place for movie lovers, from the sightseeing field, the castle tower, and the castle fortress. Opening hours: 8:30 am to 10:00 am on the first day of the week.
Kumamoto Art Museum
Kumamoto Museum of Fine Arts, located in Kumamoto Castle’s Ninomaru Park, exhibits Japanese antiques from Kumamoto Sokan. In the museum, the products of the Kawakami family, which were produced by generations of the family, were particularly rich in Japanese craftsmanship, among which were national treasures and important cultural goods.
Kumamoto Castle transportation and travel information
Transportation method
Seated electric car:
- From the JR Kumamoto station, take a local train to the “Kumamoto Castle/City Government” station, and the journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
- From Kumamoto Station to Kumamoto Castle in front of the city train, it takes about 20 minutes.
Yuzabaji:
- From the Kumamoto station, you will be able to see the Kumamoto Castle.
- It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Hashi Station in Yuki Town.
Self-indulgence:
- Departs from Kyushu Expressway Kumamoto IC, approximately 30 minutes.
- Possible Ninomaru bus stop (sales fee).
Open time gate vote
Opening time:
- March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry time 4:30 p.m.)
- December to February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry time 4:00 p.m.)
Key vote:
- Adult: 800 yen
- Junior and elementary school students: 300 days
- Gakudo former child: exemption
*Please note that the development of the opening area will be subject to further development and adjustment. The latest information from the official network.
The best season to explore
Spring (late March to early April):
Kumamoto Castle is a famous land of oaks, with approximately 800 oak trees planted within the castle. The castle tower and the flowers interact with each other, the scenery is especially spectacular, and the attraction attracts many visitors. At night, the lanterns light up the night sky, and the beautiful lanterns come to light when the guests arrive at night.
Autumn (mid-November to early December):
Autumn colors are bright, silver apricots are mixed, and Kumamoto Castle is full of beautiful colors. That’s why Kumamoto Castle is known as “Golden Castle.”
summer:
Kumamoto Castle is cool and refreshing, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
winter:
The Kumamoto castle in Shirayuki’s winter is also the most delicious, the number of visitors is small, and the walk is more leisurely.
Cultural activities in Kumamoto Castle
Designated National Historic Site
Kumamoto Castle Site was designated as a National Special Historic Site in 1955 (Showa 30). A special historical site is a special historical site with a special meaning, and will be published in 2024. This is a complete demonstration of the history and culture of Japan in Kumamoto Castle.
Important cultural goods construction
Kumamoto Castle’s 13 shared buildings were constructed and designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property (before the earthquake). Among them are comprehensive Utsuro and Kuragero Wa Akatsumen. This little construction is a rare cultural legacy, and the construction technology of the time of the war has changed.
Primary castle lord system
Kumamoto City has promoted the “primary castle lord” system, and the preservation of Kumamoto Castle. Persons with a stipend of 10,000 days or more can obtain the “Castle Lord Confirmation Book” and the “Castle Lord Confirmation Book”. You can enjoy the privilege of visiting Kumamoto Castle and its surroundings.
The system promoted heavy construction work after the Kumamoto earthquake, and since then, assistance has been provided in various parts of Japan. By the end of 2024, there will be approximately 200,000 “primary fort owners”, together with a collection fee of approximately 50 yuan.
Kumamoto Castle Travel Guide
Recommended tour route
Standard route (approximately 2 hours)
- Information about the collection of information about the castle west of the castle and souvenirs from the purchase
- Entrance to Kumamoto Castle
- Visit Sukiyama Maruniro Daito
- Visit Honmaru Imperial Palace
- Visiting castle tower
- External tour of Udu Fire Station
- Visit Kato Shrine
- Different types of stone tombs
Depth cruise (approximately 3-4 hours)
Excluding the route, the depth of the route is comprehensive, the gate’s viewing platform has been repaired, the restaurant is in the second round, and the museum is a nearby museum.
Best spot
- Kato Shrine: A summary of the close view of the castle tower.
- Ninomaru square: The perfect spot for the tower of the castle tower.
- In front of the long military castle: The longest castle in Japan (approximately 242 meters), complete with beautiful stone tile construction.
- City Government Tower 14 Observatory: A panoramic view of Kumamoto Castle.
- Route: A perfect spot for a panoramic view of Kumamoto Castle.
Kumamoto Gourmet Food on Board
A tour of Kumamoto Castle and local Kumamoto cuisine.
- Pork sashimi: Kumamoto special pork sashimi
- Kumamoto Ramen: Features a lot of pork bones and Japanese garlic pieces
- Spicy miso: Local specialty vegetables, spicy miso and fried oil
- Red potato bag：Japanese style dim sum, Japanese red bean dumplings, Wheat mask packaging
- Taipei Garden: Kumamoto special powder 丝汤
There are many restaurants in the castle park and the castle park.
Future outlook for Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle’s restoration work is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2037. The basic method is to repair the original site, and the basic method is to repair the original site every time the stone is repaired.
Kumamoto Castle’s repair work will not be completed, but it will be an important process in the future when Kumamoto Castle’s construction is completed. During the construction period of the Immediate Mission, Kumamoto Castle was also able to hold and develop as much land as possible, achieve success, and hope for more people to come and be brave.
In 2024, the Kumamoto Castle Tower and Honmaru Imperial Palace specially designed scenic route will be opened outside the country, attracting approximately 2 million visitors each year. However, during the course of the complete revision, the main character is a major attraction of Kumamoto Castle.
Conclusion
Kumamoto Castle is a representative fort of Japan, designed by Kiyomasa Yukato, the construction technique of the fort is a masterpiece, and it has a 400-year history of rare cultural heritage. During the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, it was heavily damaged, however, the repair work was successful, and the Kumamoto Castle was reconstructed, with a flash of ancient Japanese brilliance.
Kumamoto Castle has a lot of good points, a comprehensive stone burial mound, a magnificent castle tower with a strong castle tower, a main castle palace with a strong castle tower, and a Japanese castle fort construction that can be visited by visitors. It is a famous place of victory, and a beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed in all four seasons of the year.
Coming to Kumamoto, it is necessary to visit Kumamoto Castle, to appreciate the history of the world, and the rich history of culture. Kumamoto Castle has not yet been accepted, and the ancient glittering, the renewal contains the hope of the future, and the impressive conquest of “heavy construction”, which is sure to be the number one visitor every time.