Now that the interior of Kumamoto Castle is open, visitors can climb all the way to the top of the keep and take pictures of Kumamoto City.

But what do you do if you want a picture of Kumamoto Castle from high up? It may not be the first place you’d think of, but the 14^th floor of Kumamoto City Hall offers great views of the keeps, Honmaru Goten Palace, the newly built elevated pathway, and scores of smaller turrets and buildings.

Kumamoto City actually has a building height restriction to prevent tall buildings from ruining the view of the castle and preserves the sense of the castle towering over and protecting the city.

Kumamoto City Hall occupies prime real estate directly across from the castle and is open to the public. The 14^th floor has a lobby and restaurant with huge windows overlooking the castle. It makes a great spot to start your visit to the Kumamoto Castle keep.