Cherry Blossoms · Kyushu

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto & AsoCastle🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr✦ Night sakura
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Overview

Overview

Kumamoto Castle, counted among Japan’s three great castles, is one of Kyushu’s top cherry blossom spots, with about 800 cherry trees. You can enjoy the blossoms against the restored keep and stone walls, and during the cherry blossom season there are evening openings and illuminations.

Peak Time

When to See the Blossoms

Typical peakUsually late March to early April
February
March
April
May

Check the Kumamoto Castle official website for the latest bloom conditions and evening opening dates

Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Highlights

About 800 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino, yamazakura and Higo-zakura, can be seen from the special viewing walkway, the square in front of the keep, Ninomaru Square and Nagabei-dori. During the cherry blossom season, the “Spring Kumamoto Castle Festival” is also held at Ninomaru Square.

📷 Best views
Ninomaru Square

A square with views of the keep and blossoms together. Venue for the castle festival

Square in front of the keep

Cherry blossoms with the keep looming up close

Nagabei-dori

The long wall along the Tsuboi River with cherry blossoms

Miyuki-zaka

A sloping street lined with cherry trees. Part of it is open to pedestrians only during evening openings

Illumination

Night illumination

Period
Usually during the “Spring Evening Opening” in the cherry blossom season

In 2026, from Mar 20–Apr 5, the paid area stayed open until 20:00 (last entry 19:00, last entry to the keep 19:30) with the blossoms illuminated. Part of Miyuki-zaka was open to pedestrians only from 17:30 to 20:00

Hours

Opening hours

Kumamoto Castle (September–June)9:00–17:00

Last entry 16:00; last entry to the keep 16:30

Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission

Admission (high school age and up)¥800

Groups ¥640

Admission (elementary and junior high school students)¥300

Groups ¥240

Admission (preschool children)Free

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Admission can be paid by credit card, transit IC card or QR code payment
  • ✓Power-assisted wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Kumamotojo / Shiyakusho-mae tram stop (Kumamoto City Tram)
By car & traffic restrictions
Ninomaru Parking and others (paid). During the 2026 evening opening, parking hours were extended
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Weekends at peak bloom and evening opening hours
Quieter times
Weekdays right after opening
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
Kumamoto normals: March high 16.1°C, low 5.9°C; April high 21.4°C, low 10.6°C (JMA)
What to wear & bring
Even when the day is pleasantly warm, nights are cold, so bring a jacket for the evening opening
Rules

Hanami rules & etiquette

  • !In the paid area, smoking, open flames, pets (unless in a cage) and large luggage are prohibited
Facilities

Facilities

Payment
Credit cards, transit IC cards, QR code payments and more accepted
Accessibility
Free loan of power-assisted wheelchairs. 3 elevators inside the keep
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kumamoto CastlePR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Kumamoto & Aso

Zoo

Aso Cuddly Dominion

Kyushu ・ Kumamoto & Aso

A zoo in Aso City where you can interact with 350 animals of 60 species. It centers on animal shows and close-contact facilities with bear cubs, capybaras, and penguins. It's about 1.5 km from JR Aso Station, and highway buses between Kumamoto and Oita/Beppu stop in front of the park.

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

Castle

Oka Castle Ruins

Kyushu ・ Taketa, Oita

🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr

Castle

Kokura Castle

Kyushu ・ Kokura, Kitakyushu

🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr

✦ Night sakura

Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06