Travel in Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle · 熊本城
Explore the keep and see earthquake restoration at Kumamoto Castle. Add it to a city trip for a closer look at the castle and recovery work.
Visitor information
Admission
Individual castle-only admission is ¥800 for high-school students and older or ¥300 for elementary and junior-high students. Preschool children under 6 enter free. Check the official table separately for combined tickets, reductions and group rates. Wakuwakuza has a closure notice, so check operation before buying a combined ticket.
Opening hours
September–June hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with grounds admission until 4 p.m. and keep admission until 4:30 p.m. July–August hours are 9 a.m.–7 p.m., with grounds admission until 6 p.m. and keep admission until 6:30 p.m. General guidance lists Ninomaru ticket office as open until 4 p.m. year-round. Closed December 29; severe weather or construction may change operation. Check your date’s notices for event extensions and keep deadlines.
What to see at Kumamoto Castle
Keep and castle restoration
Explore the keep alongside the castle’s restoration. Observe the work from allowed visiting paths without entering construction areas.
How to get to Kumamoto Castle
From JR Kumamoto Station, take route A towards Kengunmachi and get off at Kumamotojo-Shiyakushomae. The tram takes about 20 minutes. The walk via Josaien to Ninomaru Square takes about 15 minutes; this estimate reaches the square, so allow time for the visiting entrance too. Use the south entrance on weekdays and follow the latest map for paths under construction.
Official visitor guide Kumamoto Castle access guide A/B transfer conditions
Visiting tips
Check the keep’s admission deadline
Paid castle visits cover different areas from walks nearby. Check both grounds and keep admission deadlines before visiting the keep.
Follow the visiting map to the entrance
Use the south entrance on weekdays. Construction can change available paths on weekends and public holidays, so follow the map for your visit date.
Tickets for Kumamoto Castle
Read the product details, visit date options and booking conditions before buying.
View ticket options and conditionsBooking page currency: USDWe may earn a commission if you book through this affiliate link.
Questions about Kumamoto Castle
Can I visit Kumamoto Castle and Wakuwakuza together?
The official September 18, 2026 notice announced Wakuwakuza’s closure. Plan around castle-only admission first. To visit both, check Wakuwakuza operation for your date before buying a combined ticket.
Castle operation and Wakuwakuza closure notice, updated September 18, 2026 Official visitor guide
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official visitor guide ·
- Castle operation and Wakuwakuza closure notice, updated September 18, 2026 ·
- Event extensions ·
- Kumamoto Castle access guide ·
- A/B transfer conditions ·
Reviewed on: