Kumamoto Castle — Earthquake Survivor Being Restored

**Restoration observation deck:** A special elevated walkway (opened 2021) brings visitors to eye-level with the damaged roof and stone walls during repair. The view into the reconstruction process — seeing traditional techniques like stone stacking without mortar — is more educational than the finished product. Entry included in castle ticket. **Evening illumination:** The castle is illuminated nightly until 23:00. The partially-restored state creates an unusual aesthetic — modern scaffolding against 400-year-old walls, lit dramatically. Best viewed from Ninomaru Park (free access after hours). **Honmaru Palace interior:** The palace reconstruction (completed 2008, survived earthquake) contains rooms with recreated Kano school paintings and gold leaf. The 'Sho-kun-no-ma' (audience chamber) represents peak Edo-period craftsmanship.