Kumamoto Castle

It is one of Japan’s three greatest castles, along with Nagoya Castle.

The current castle was built in 1601 by the great military commander Kiyomasa

Kato and took seven years to complete. The massive 980,000-square-meter

premises are dotted with many memorable sights, including castle keeps,

turrets, gate turrets, castle gates, and long fences.

This castle is particularly famous for its beautiful, curving stone walls called

“Musha-gaeshi,” which were designed to repel invading enemies. These walls are

designated as a National Historic Site, and 12 buildings, along with the Uto-yagura

turret, are registered as Important Cultural Properties. Although the 2016

earthquakes caused heavy damage and destroyed several structures, restoration

work has been progressing at an incredible pace ever since.