Hello there, fellow travelers!
It’s Maru, your Sarukuma writer. 🙂🙃

Today I’m taking you to one of Kumamoto’s most iconic landmarks — the “Kumamoto Castle Special Viewing Walkway” in Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City.

Believe it or not, some Kumamoto locals have never even visited their own castle! 😄 But for visitors from abroad, Kumamoto Castle is an absolute must-see — it’s the proud symbol of the entire prefecture.

I’ll do my best to introduce it well, even though history isn’t my strong suit! (^^;;

I know my illustration is a bit hard to follow! 💦

The first phase of the special public opening allowed access to the North Route.
Now in Phase 2, visitors can also walk along the brand-new Special Viewing Walkway on the South Route!

Let’s go explore! ε＝┏(･ω･)┛

First stop: a tent set up for COVID-19 safety, where you’ll write down your name and contact details.
(This particular tent is at the top of the stairs near Jōsaien. You’ll find similar tents near the other ticket counters too.)

Next, head past Miyuki-zaka slope to the South Gate ticket counter to grab your tickets.
(There are three ticket counters in total: Ninomaru, the South Gate, and the North Gate — but the North Gate counter is open only on Sundays and holidays. Please double-check before you go!)

Here’s the info on hours and pricing. For admission only:

Adults ¥500, elementary and junior high students ¥200, preschoolers free.

Right from the entrance, you’ll be wowed by the impressive structure. The fresh scent of wood drifts up through your mask as you climb the staircase!

And good news — there’s an elevator right next to the stairs,
so it’s accessible for travelers with strollers, elderly companions, or anyone who’d rather skip the climb! ♪

Across from the elevator you’ll find restrooms,
plus baby-care rooms — everything you need!

Why You’ll Love It

Once you climb the stairs, here it is — the Special Viewing Walkway.
It’s even more impressive than I imagined! Wide, with a beautiful wooden floor underfoot.

Some sections are quite high up, but the safety railings have fine mesh, so it’s safe even with little ones in tow.

And here it comes into view — Sukiyamaru, still in its post-earthquake state.This area is also still untouched.The Iidamaru 5-Story Turret has been carefully dismantled and is being preserved with great care.
And that massive tree you can see beyond it? It’s said to be 800 years old! 😮

A friendly security guard kindly shared this fascinating fact with me.

Of course, there are plenty of informative panels along the way too.

Along the way, there are spots where you can take in sweeping views of Kumamoto City — pure excitement!

And here we are at Kuragari-toro (the “Dark Passage”).
It feels strangely thrilling — or maybe that’s just me? (=^^=)

Hello again, Honmaru Goten Palace! It’s been a while.

And the Great Ginkgo Tree is still standing tall and proud. Truly a moving sight.

Welcome back, Tenshukaku (Castle Keep)! Still under repair, I see. 😢

But here’s the great news — the restoration is set to be completed by spring next year!

Yes — visitors will soon be able to climb the castle keep again!

I found myself daydreaming about the views from up there.
I moved to Kumamoto just two weeks before the earthquake, and visited this very spot only a week before it struck…

At the rest area, you can pick up a special “Goshuin” castle stamp — known as a Goshōin — a wonderful keepsake to commemorate your visit.
(Heads up: on weekdays and Saturdays, you’ll need to turn back at the castle keep. On Sundays and holidays, you can continue along the North Route too. Please check before you go!)

And on the way back, I spotted this panel — the castle gets lit up at night! ( ✧Д✧)
As I mentioned in my earlier post about “Ninomaru Square,”
here’s your chance to catch the magical light-up event!

From November 20 to December 6, the castle will be open at night.
Don’t miss this stunning light-up opportunity!

If I can brave the cold, I’ll definitely be there! 😄

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share local Kumamoto info on family-friendly lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and more.
We’d love for you to follow along! (*´∀｀*)

Information

Parking	Nearby paid parking lots	Western-style toilet	Yes
Vending machines	Ninomaru Square Rest Area	Diaper-changing table	Yes
Hand-washing area		Suitable age	Around 3 years and up
Admission	Adults ¥500, elementary/junior high ¥200, preschoolers free	Reservation required	No
Average length of stay	1 hour	Change of clothes needed	No
Water play	No	Food available	Unknown
Hazardous spots	None	Nursing space	Yes