6 Castles in Kumamoto worth your time
Japan Gems
Kumamoto Prefecture is home to five castles, including Kumamoto Castle and Yatsushiro Castle. These sites offer a look into Japan's feudal past.
Kumamoto has 6 castles on Japan Gems. Below are the 6 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all castles in Kumamoto.
01
Kumamoto Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 熊本城
Explore Kumamoto Castle, a historic hirayamajiro and one of Japan's Great Castles, known for its cherry blossoms.
What it is
- A Japanese castle from the Azuchi-Momoyama to Edo periods.
- Also known as Ginnanjo (Ginkgo Castle).
- Kato Kiyomasa rebuilt a medieval castle into a hirayamajiro.
- Residence of the Hosokawa family until the end of the Edo period.
What to see
- Many turrets, gates, and walls, including the Uto Turret.
- Thirteen structures are National Important Cultural Properties.
- The castle ruins are a National Special Historic Site.
When to go
- Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
- One of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.
- Address
- 熊本県熊本市中央区本丸1−1 Map
- Official site
- kumamoto-guide.jp
02
Kikuchi Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 鞠智城
Explore Japan's southernmost ancient mountain castle ruins, a significant national historic site.
What it is
- An ancient Japanese mountain castle.
- Existed for 300 years, from late 7th to mid-10th century.
- Designated a national historic site in 2004.
- Selected as one of the Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan.
What to see
- Castle wall perimeter is about 3.5 kilometers.
- Castle area is approximately 55 hectares.
- Two octagonal building remains were excavated.
- A total of 72 building remains were confirmed.
- Three castle gate remains, earthworks, and water gates.
- Address
- 熊本県山鹿市菊鹿町米原443-1 Map
- Official site
- kofunkan.pref.kumamoto.jp
03
Yatsushiro Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 八代城
Explore Yatsushiro Castle, a historic Edo-period castle ruin in Kumamoto, recognized for its national significance.
What it is
- A Japanese castle in Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Also known as Matsue Castle.
- Built in the early Edo period with shogunate permission.
- Completed in 1622.
What to see
- A National Historic Site since 2014.
- One of the Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan.
- Site of a castle damaged by lightning, flood, and fire.
- Remains of a castle with 164 cannons and 1,900 rifles.
- A moat once filled with water chestnuts.
04
Hitoyoshi Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 人吉城
Explore Hitoyoshi Castle's historic ramparts and grounds for city and Kuma River views.
What it is
- Castle with original sections from the late sixteenth century.
- Ruled by the Sagara family for 37 generations.
- Began as a hilltop fortress, modified over centuries.
What to see
- Stone ramparts and reconstructed parapets, battlements, gates.
- Ninomaru complex, where a palace once stood.
- Unobstructed views of the city and Kuma River.
- Address
- 熊本県人吉市麓町 Map
- Official site
- www.city.hitoyoshi.lg.jp
05
Uto Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 宇土城
Explore Uto Castle ruins, a national historic site with ancient tombs and a park.
What it is
- A former Japanese castle in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Built by Konishi Yukinaga.
- Designated as a national historic site.
- Also known as Shiroyama and Tsuru-jo.
What to see
- Uto Old Castle ruins, a historical park.
- Several Kofun period stone coffins.
- Shiroyama Park, where the main keep once stood.
06
Tomioka Castle
KUMAMOTO · CASTLE 富岡城
Tomioka Castle is a restored hilltop castle with historical significance and a visitor center.
What it is
- A hirayamajiro castle on a hill.
- Built by Terazawa Hirotaka between 1602 and 1605.
- Site of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion in 1637.
- Restoration work finished in March 2005.
What to see
- A visitor center on the castle's main enclosure.
- Restored Yagura and Koraimon gates.