Kumamoto Castle

A large and extremely well fortified castle, Kumamoto-jo’s history dates back to 1467, when the original fortifications on the site were first built. It is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. Thirteen structures in the castle complex are designated as Important Cultural Property.

The castle keep is a concrete reconstruction built in 1960, but several wooden buildings remain of the original castle.