Kumamoto Castle to reopen following July earthquake damage

Kumamoto Castle is scheduled to reopen to the public on Thursday, August 13, following damage sustained during a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28. While the castle's main keep (tenshu) suffered some cracks and minor damage to exhibits, experts have confirmed the structural safety of the areas used by tourists.

The earthquake caused significant damage to the castle's historic stone walls, with approximately 40 locations reporting collapses. Some of these areas, particularly near the Nishidemaru section, remain under repair and will be cordoned off with safety fences. Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi described the castle as a “symbol of post-disaster reconstruction,” noting that its reopening is a vital step in the city's recovery process.

In response to the disaster, the Kumamoto City Zoological Gardens will offer free admission from August 12 to 14 to provide residents and children with a space for relief. Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that seismic activity remains high, stating there is a significant probability of strong earthquakes occurring in the region within the next month.