A historic city on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Kumamoto is renowned for its imposing castle, rich regional food culture and friendly, welcoming inhabitants.

It was a typical mountain castle that was occupied by the ... The site is currently used as a park. In 2017, the Japan Castle Foundation included Miharu Castle in its second list of 100 famous ...

During the Meiji era (1868-1912) the castle came under threat. In 1872, as it was being auctioned off for demolition, the people of Matsumoto city rallied together and managed to save it.