2 Best Sights in Kyushu, Japan

The towering, ominous castle was completed in 1607, having been 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. Look for slanted windows perfect for unleashing rock falls, one of many clever features to prevent intrusion. 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. Kumamoto Castle was damaged by the earthquakes in April 2016. The restoration of the Tenshukaku Tower was completed in 2021, with other reconstruction continuing. Elevated views of the castle can be seen from the Kumamoto Castle Hotel and City Hall.

Created in the mid-17th century, the garden was originally part of the sprawling villa of the ruling Hosokawa family. The garden is dotted with impeccably trimmed bushes and trees. Beside a pond surrounded by a network of stone bridges, an undulating knoll of lush green grass represents Japan—there's even a Mt. Fuji-like cone. For a few hundred yen you can sit on the tatami of the Kokindenju teahouse, sip green tea, and quietly contemplate the gardens. Also on the grounds is Izumi Jinja (Izumi Shrine), which houses the tombs of several eminent Hosokawa clan members.