Official Ticket Prices for 2026

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Kumamoto travel info.

For official information, visit Kumamoto travel info.

Children and junior high students enjoy a discounted rate of 300 JPY. Elementary students and younger children often enter for free with a paying adult. These prices help families enjoy the Kumamoto winter events 2026 without high costs. Always keep your physical ticket for re-entry if needed.

Groups of 30 or more people can apply for special discounted rates. These group tickets usually cost around 640 JPY per adult. You must book these in advance through the official administration office. This is a great option for large tour groups or school trips.

Seniors over the age of 65 may also receive a small discount. Please bring a valid ID to prove your age at the gate. The staff are very helpful with international visitors and their documents. Prices are subject to slight changes as the event date nears.

How to Purchase Your Event Tickets

You can buy tickets directly at the main gates of Kumamoto Castle. The ticket booths open specifically for the evening illumination event at 5:00 PM. Cash is widely accepted at these physical locations throughout the grounds. Some booths now accept major credit cards and IC cards for convenience.

Online booking is the best way to skip long lines during weekends. You can visit the official Kumamoto Castle website to secure your spot. Electronic tickets are sent to your email immediately after payment. Simply show the QR code on your phone at the entrance.

Many travelers prefer buying combo tickets for better value. These often include entry to the castle and nearby museums or gardens. Check for seasonal bundles that include local transport passes for the city. These bundles can save you several hundred yen during your stay.

Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized third-party resellers on the street. Only use official channels or reputable travel agencies for your purchase. This ensures your ticket is valid for the specific 2026 dates. Staff will check all digital and paper tickets at the inner gates.

Best Times to See the Illumination

The 2026 winter illumination typically runs from late November until mid-January. The lights turn on daily from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Arriving just before sunset allows you to see the castle change colors. This transition is a favorite moment for many professional photographers.

Weekends are the busiest times for the castle light show. If you want a quiet experience, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The crowds are much smaller during the middle of the week. You will have more space to enjoy how to see Kumamoto Castle night lights comfortably.

The weather in Kumamoto during December can be quite chilly. Clear nights offer the best views of the illuminated stone walls. However, these nights are also the coldest for walking outside. Check the local forecast before you head out to the castle grounds.

Most visitors spend about 90 minutes exploring the various light installations. Plan to arrive by 7:00 PM to see everything before closing. The last entry is usually 30 minutes before the lights turn off. Give yourself enough time to walk the entire perimeter safely.

Practical Tips for Winter Visitors

Wear thick socks and comfortable walking shoes for the castle paths. The ground can be uneven and cold during the winter months. Heavy coats and scarves are essential for staying warm while standing still. Many locals carry disposable heat packs called kairo in their pockets.

After your walk, you might want to find where to eat near Kumamoto Castle in winter. There are many warm ramen shops located just outside the main walls. Hot green tea is also available at several small stalls near the exit. These treats are perfect for warming up after the show.

Using the city tram is the easiest way to reach the castle. The "Kumamoto Castle / City Hall" stop is very close to the entrance. Trams run frequently and are very cheap for tourists to use. This avoids the stress of finding parking in the busy city center.

Bring a tripod if you want to capture the best night photos. Some areas may have restrictions on tripod use during peak hours. Follow the signs and respect the space of other visitors nearby. You can find the best photography spots for Kumamoto Castle winter along the southern moat.