Kumamoto Castle + Josaien: A Must-Visit for a One-Day Tour in Kumamoto City

When visiting Kumamoto, the first place that comes to mind and is a must-visit is undoubtedly Kumamoto Castle; it is one of Japan's three most famous castles and has a history of over 400 years. Located in the Chuo Ward of Kumamoto City, you can reach Kumamoto Castle on foot from almost any hotel in the Chuo Ward. 🏯🇯🇵 Kumamoto Castle suffered damage from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and thus required restoration. The castle's keep has been fully restored and was reopened to the public in June 2021. Inside the keep, there is a series of textual, pictorial, video, and model exhibits that allow visitors to deeply understand the history of the keep, and from the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kumamoto City. Although the keep has six floors, there is an elevator inside, which is a thoughtful design that accommodates visitors with different needs. 👍🏼💯 After touring Kumamoto Castle, you can reach Josaien from the south gate exit. This area features a variety of shops selling souvenirs, restaurants, and snack stores. Although it's not very large, there are plenty of options, and you can even enjoy Kumamoto Bear-shaped Japanese rice crackers! After appreciating the historical and cultural aspects of Kumamoto Castle, taking a break and refueling at Josaien is a great choice. 🎏🍦🍱🍜🍰🍹🥰