Kumamoto, Japan | Kumamoto Castle Admission Ticket
- The restored Kumamoto Castle Main Keep has been fully open to the public since April 26, 2021!
- The exhibits inside focus on the history of the Kumamoto Castle 'Main Keep.' Through models, videos, and more, you will gain a deeper understanding of the castle's history. We invite you to enjoy the brand-new exhibits and the stunning views from the top floor.
- Book your 'Kumamoto Castle Admission Ticket' online via KKday and use your voucher (QR Code) to enter directly without waiting in line to purchase tickets.
Package Options
Bundle Package
Product Info
－ Ticket Introduction －
The restored Kumamoto Castle Main Keep has been fully open since April 26, 2021!
The exhibitions within the park focus on the history of the Kumamoto Castle 'Main Keep.' Through models, videos, and more, you will gain a deep understanding of the castle's history—from its construction and destruction during the Seinan War to its 1960 reconstruction, the damage caused by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, and the subsequent restoration process. We invite you to enjoy the brand-new exhibitions and the stunning views from the top floor.
To help you better understand the exhibitions at the Kumamoto Castle Main Keep, the official 'Kumamoto Castle Official App' (free to download) has been released. It features videos with audio and subtitles, as well as detailed commentary, to guide you through the charm of the Main Keep's permanent exhibitions. Additionally, by activating the AR feature on the top floor of the Main Keep, you can view and compare the scenery of the Meiji era with the present day. We recommend downloading it before your visit.
－ Plan Introduction －
- Kumamoto Castle Admission Ticket
- 2-Facility Admission Pass (Kumamoto Castle & Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwaku-za)
- 3-Facility Admission Pass (Kumamoto Castle & Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwaku-za & Kumamoto Museum)
－ Important Notes －
- This ticket is for admission to Kumamoto Castle. Guests who purchase tickets online in advance can skip the queue and enter the park by showing their voucher (QR code) to the staff at the entrance.
- Kumamoto Free Wi-Fi and instructions for use.
1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device and select the network (SSID) kumamoto-free-wifi.
2. Launch your web browser.
3. Register as a user on the registration screen to connect to the internet.
・User registration is required for the first time.
・Registration is only required for each mobile device upon the first connection.
・From the second connection onwards, simply select the Wi-Fi network (SSID) kumamoto-free-wifi to use it without further registration.
＊Available areas: Josaien, General Tourist Information Center, Ninomaru Parking Lot South Side Restroom, Ninomaru Ticket Office, Uto Yagura, Main Keep Front Plaza, inside the Main Keep, and near the Special Viewing Path. - The 'Kumamoto Castle Official App ( https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/news/detail/711 )' features videos with audio and subtitles, as well as detailed commentary, to guide you through the charm of the Main Keep's permanent exhibitions. Additionally, by activating the AR feature on the top floor of the Main Keep, you can view and compare the scenery of the Meiji era with the present day. We recommend downloading it before your visit.
- If you suddenly feel unwell during your visit, please head to one of the following 4 'First Aid Rooms' to rest.
・Inside the 'Rest Area' at the Main Keep Front Plaza.
・South Gate Ticket Office, which also serves as a 'Nursing/Baby Care Room'.
・Sukiyamaru Restroom, which also serves as a 'Nursing/Baby Care Room'.
・Ninomaru 'Rest Area', which also serves as a 'Nursing/Baby Care Room'. - The 3 'Universal Design Elevators' inside the Main Keep are reserved for guests who meet the following criteria:
・Guests using wheelchairs / strollers (including caregivers)
・Guests with limited mobility who are unable to climb stairs
If you wish to use the 'Universal Design Elevator', please inform the staff at the Main Keep entrance during your visit.
Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan
The exhibition in the park focuses on the history of Kumamoto Castle's "castle tower", through models and images, etc.
Important Info
Includes/Excludes
- Entrance fee
- Consumption tax
- Other expenses not mentioned above
Reminders
Adult prices apply to high school students and above; child prices apply to elementary school and junior high school students.
Visitors who need wheelchairs (including electric wheelchairs) can rent them free of charge in the park (must be accompanied by someone. We will not provide them in case of rain). Due to limited quantity, no reservation service is available.
You can bring baby strollers into the park and use them.
There are no coin-operated lockers for large luggage in Shuen Garden (including the castle tower). It is strictly prohibited to bring wheeled suitcases into the castle tower. If you wish to store your luggage, please use the coin lockers in front of the Ninomaru Rest Area or the coin lockers in front of the Josaien Tourist Information Center.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your QR code on-site
Voucher Redemption Period
- The voucher must be redeemed on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Kumamoto Castle
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002 JapanMonday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Tuesday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Wednesday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Thursday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Friday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Saturday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
Sunday 09:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:00)
- The last admission time for the castle tower is 16:30
- The opening hours may be extended due to events or other factors.
- Starting from April 1, 2024, you can enter and exit from the South Exit on weekdays.
- You can enter or exit from the north or south entrance on weekends and holidays.
- Closed: End of the year (December 29th to December 31st)
- The park may be opened irregularly during the year end. In case of bad weather, the park may be temporarily closed. For more details, please see " Latest News ".
Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What are the key highlights of the newly restored Kumamoto Castle Tower?
The restored Kumamoto Castle Tower offers a captivating experience. Key highlights include the newly reopened main tower, a comprehensive exhibition detailing the castle's history from its founding to its damage in the 2016 earthquake and subsequent restoration, and a beautiful panoramic view from the rooftop observation deck, providing a unique perspective of Kumamoto city.
2. What historical events led to Kumamoto Castle's recent restoration efforts?
Kumamoto Castle has a rich history, marked by destruction and rebuilding. Its most recent extensive restoration followed significant damage from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. The current exhibition thoroughly explores this history, including its initial construction, its burning during the Southwest War, its reconstruction in 1960, and the detailed restoration process undertaken after the 2016 seismic event.
3. What is the recommended duration for visiting Kumamoto Castle, including the exhibition?
To fully appreciate Kumamoto Castle, including its exhibition and the views from the tower, it is generally recommended to allocate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to explore the historical displays, understand the restoration efforts, and enjoy the panoramic scenery from the rooftop observation deck at a comfortable pace.
4. What are the convenient transportation options to reach Kumamoto Castle from Kumamoto Station?
From Kumamoto Station, you can conveniently reach Kumamoto Castle by tram or bus. The city tram (Kumamoto City Tram) is a popular option; take Line A (toward Kengunmachi) or Line B (toward Kengunmachi) and alight at "Kumamotojo-mae" (Kumamoto Castle) stop. Alternatively, local buses also provide routes to the castle area, with stops generally within a short walking distance.
5. What can visitors learn about Kumamoto Castle's past and reconstruction through its exhibition?
The exhibition at Kumamoto Castle offers an in-depth look into its past, focusing on the history of its "Tenshu" (castle tower). Visitors can learn through models and images about its founding, its destruction by fire during the Southwest War, its reconstruction in 1960, and the extensive damage and meticulous restoration process following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. It highlights the castle's resilience.
6. What is the process for acquiring admission tickets to Kumamoto Castle?
For convenient entry to Kumamoto Castle, you can acquire admission tickets online. For example, by booking through KKday, you can receive your order voucher (QR Code) digitally. This allows you to proceed directly to the entrance for admission without needing to queue up at ticket counters, saving time and ensuring a smoother entry experience.
7. What kind of panoramic views does the Kumamoto Castle Tower's rooftop observation deck offer?
From the rooftop observation deck of Kumamoto Castle Tower, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Kumamoto city. You can observe various urban landmarks, the surrounding landscape, and gain a unique perspective on the castle grounds themselves. It offers a comprehensive visual experience of the region.
8. Are there specific areas within Kumamoto Castle's grounds recommended for visitors to explore?
Beyond the main tower, visitors are encouraged to explore the castle grounds to appreciate the sheer scale and defensive structures. Recommended areas include the Uto Turret, one of the few remaining original structures, and various stone walls and gates that showcase advanced ancient Japanese defensive architecture. Walking paths offer different perspectives of the castle complex.
