Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo)

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo) Review

Towering, ominous Kumamoto Castle was completed in 1607, designed and built by Kiyomasa Kato (1562-1611), the area's feudal lord or daimyo. Gracefully curved white-edged roofs rest atop the mysterious black keep. The wide stone base has mushagaeshi, concave walls with stout platform overhangs, situated under slanted windows perfect for unleashing rock falls, one of many clever features to prevent intrusion. Although some sources claim that the castle was never successfully attacked, it did suffer a fatal blow during the Battle of Seinen, when rebellious samurai led by Saigo Takamori went up against government troops stationed inside. The fighting raged for more than seven blood-drenched weeks during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. Most accounts report that Takamori and his rebels breached, sacked, and burned the castle before running off to regroup in Kagoshima. The top floor of the reconstructed castle commands an excellent view of Kumamoto, and exhibits include samurai weapons and armor arrayed to evoke images of the fearless warriors charging into battle. To get here, board Streetcar 2, get off at the Kumamoto-jo-mae stop, and walk up the tree-lined slope. Volunteer guides conduct tours in English.