Kumamoto Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Kumamoto Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Higo Province. It is associated with the Katō, Hosokawa clans. Dates in use: 1469 - 1874.

This castle was designed by Katō Kiyomasa; a man recognised as a master of castle construction. It possesses a similar sense of scale that exudes from Osaka Castle as well as the twisting & turning, maze-like walls of Himeji Castle. Kumamoto Castle is in the midst of a long term restoration but even now it inspires awe just as it once did.

A large reconstructed keep is the centerpiece of what is a largely complete Japanese castle. The large Uto Yagura (originally the keep of Uto castle & of Kiyomasa's rival, the Konishi clan) & several gates & turrets remain from the Edo period. Presently efforts are under way to rebuild further sections of this already large castle.

The smaller tower of Kumamoto was built sometime after the main tower. It had several facilities including a well & a kitchen. There was also enough space for all samurai to gather & defend the castle in a last stand.

Timeline

1467	Fortifications were established by Ideta Hidenobu.
1496	Additional fortifications were built on the other side of the mountain by Kanokogi Chikakazu.
1587	Fief awarded to Sasa Narimasa by Toyotomi Hideyoshi after the defeat of the Shimazu.
1588	Kato Kiyomasa was transferred to a former incarnation of Kumamoto Castle.
1601	Construction on a vastly expanded Kumamoto Castle commenced.
1607	Kumamoto castle completed. The original castle consisted of 49 turrets, 18 turret gates & 29 smaller gates.
1610	The Honmaru Goten Palace was completed.
1632	Fief transferred to the Hosokawa clan.
1640	The legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi became a guest retainer of the Hosokawa clan.
1877	The main tower & half of the other structures burnt down in the Seinan war.
1960	The main tower was reconstructed using concrete.
1998	A major restoration of the castle began.
1999	Restoration of the Nishidemaru Enclosure started as did the rebuilding of the Minami Ote Yaguramon Gate (completed in 2002.)
2001	Rebuilding of the five-story Iida Turret began (completed in 2005.)
2004	All key buildings of the Nishidemaru & Bugyomaru Enclosures were completed.
2008	The Honmaru Goten Palace was completed.

Historical recognition

Site	Special National Historical Site
Uto Turret	Important Cultural Property
Tago Turret	Important Cultural Property
Shichiken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Juyonken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Yonken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Gennoshin Turret	Important Cultural Property
Higashi Juhachiken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Kita Juhachiken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Goken Turret	Important Cultural Property
Hira Turret	Important Cultural Property
Kenmotsu Turret	Important Cultural Property
Naga bei wall	Important Cultural Property
Akazunomon Gate	Important Cultural Property