28 June
Visitors to a centuries-old castle in Kumamoto City, southwestern Japan, are now allowed to enter its key structure for the first time since the 2016 earthquake.
The interior of the main tower of Kumamoto Castle was finally open to the public on Monday after five years of restoration work.
A group of men in samurai warrior regalia, including one costumed as warlord Kato Kiyomasa who built the castle more than 400 years ago, declared the tower open at 9 a.m. About 50 visitors then started a tour inside.
The main tower has six stories above ground, with one basement floor. Restoration work added earthquake-resistant equipment to the structure, as well as two elevators.
The exhibition inside the tower shows the castle's history up until the present.
The uppermost sixth floor commands a panoramic view of the city.
A woman in her 30s accompanying her child says she was sad to see the damaged structure after the quake, but now they are glad to see it fully restored.
Castle office chief Amita Tatsuo says he is relieved the tower is finally open after a two-month delay due to the pandemic.
NHK
