I love this castle and it has gone under some major reconstruction. It is a nice place to visit all year long. You can walk through almost every inch of the castle. When you enter, you must take your shoes off; they give you slippers and a plastic bag to carry your shoes, so I would recommend wearing socks that day. It is one of the most famous castles in all of Japan. It dates back to about 1520, but in the late 1800's it was burned to the ground. The castle now is a reconstruction which dates from the 1960. The Donjon rise up six stories high as the main keep of this structure. You will notice that the castle has a black facade; this was to make it harder to invade. This place was built in a complex was also for security. The stone walls of the castle survived the fire and remain the strongest and longest castle walls in all of Japan. There is an impressive castle museum within the structure that gives a lot of history including a model of the original wooden castle. While at the castle try and visit the lida-Maru Gokai Turret, it is a reconstruction, but it was reconstructed with traditional methods. There are some panels there, in English and Japanese. They do have electricity in this area, but it is still quite dim, so be careful. There is a craft museum near the castle, take a moment to visit there as well.

This is a great hotel to stay in whether you are visiting Kumamoto or you live there. I lived 2 years in the city and would often just go for the weekend to be pampered. The Japanese are very attentive to details, and this hotel proves it. They have all the amenities you need including air conditioning. For most of us Americans we think that is a given, but here in Japan it is really a nice thing during the hot humid summers. The rooms are spacious and the beds are all very comfortable. We didn't pay that much for a room this nice. It is a very fair price and compares with most western type hotels in the area. They have a couple of good restaurants on property, but take a walk down to Kamitori, a shopping area just outside the hotel, or Shimatori another walking mall area with the big department stores. They do have mini bars in the room, but they can be quite expensive, just go out and get yourself a drink if you need one. Almaost all rooms include breakfast. It is very traditional Japanese with rice and fish. They also have some western things to eat, but it was fun to eat the way the locals did. Make sure to ask if your particular room includes a meal, if you want one. Kumamoto Jo, or Kumamoto Castle is very close and is a great visit when staying here.

Wow what a great view over looking the ocean. Shimoda Tokyu Hotel has a friendly staff and the breakfast buffet is great. The rooms were nice depending on what accommodation you choose. The basic rooms offer two twins bed with a kitchen. The Tv is small and only comes with a VCR and the channels only show japanese programs. If you choose this hotel make sure you bring a three prong outlet converter because they only offer two prong throughout the hotel. The lobby offers a computer to use but it also has free wireless in the lobby only. If your a smoker they do allow smoking in the rooms and in the lobby in designated areas. They offer a nice pool outside and a hot spring inside the hotel. They offer massage service and they also have a small gift shop but I recommend getting your gift in the local community. The hotel get fully booked during the summers and during the Black Ship festival around May.

Took an MWR tour from Sasebo to Kumamoto.  They had an impressive castle and a peaceful "zen-like" park.  The castle is definitely work seeing and is more interesting that the castle at Hirado.