Kumamoto Castle is widely regarded as one of Japan’s Top 3 castles. It also played a major role in Japan’s 19th century history.
NB: Due to severe earthquake damage, the castle is currently closed. The time of its full reopening has not yet been announced. The main castle keep is scheduled to be reopened in spring, 2021.
The castle has a history going back all the way to 1467, and was greatly expanded over the years. It reached its full completion in the early 1600s. Perhaps the most notable role of the castle was the role it played in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion, which was the last gasp of feudal deadenders trying to end the western style modernization of Japan (and abolishing the samurai). The castle was occupied by Japanese Imperial troops, and over 20,000 Satsuma rebels first tried to storm the castle, and then lay siege to it.
Much of the castle was destroyed in the battle as well as an earthquake in 1889. Restoration works repaired all the damage.
In April, 2016 there was another large earthquake that caused significant damage to the castle, and the main tower repairs will not be finished until around 2019. Completely restoring all the damage may take until 2036.
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AloJapan.com