Question 1

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From Kumamoto City Tram stop 'Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Mae', about 15 minutes' walk, or use the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiro Meguri-n). By car: about 40 minutes from Mashiki-Kumamoto Airport IC via Prefectural Road 36, or about 40 minutes from Ueki IC via National Route 3.

Question 2

When is the museum closed?

Accepted Answer

Generally closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, open that day and closed the following weekday instead). Closed from 25 December to 7 January. Also closed during exhibition changeover periods. July and August may have special closing schedules; please check the official website.

Question 3

What can I see in the Hosokawa Collection Eiseibunko exhibition room?

Accepted Answer

A separate exhibition space opened in April 2008 displaying important collections including treasures from the Hosokawa family, former lords of Kumamoto. Special benefits are available for Eiseibunko supporters' association members and passport holders.

Question 4

What artworks can I see?

Accepted Answer

The museum holds and displays a wide range from archaeology to contemporary art, including paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts, and calligraphy. Highlights include the Decorated Tomb Room (open year-round), the Hosokawa Collection Eiseibunko exhibition room, Western paintings by artists such as Renoir and Paskin, and works by printmaker Tomoa Hamada.

Question 5

What kind of exhibition is the Decorated Burial Mounds Room?

Accepted Answer

This is an exhibition room that views ancient sculptural art as the origin of Japanese art, displaying replicas of approximately 10 decorated burial mounds. It is a permanent exhibition open to the public at all times.

Question 6

Do you offer educational programmes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we run various educational and outreach activities including practical courses, a children's art museum, and museum seminars, alongside planned exhibitions and joint exhibitions. We also sell and loan art cards to schools.

Question 7

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Admission is required for the Collection Exhibition (varies by exhibition). Special exhibitions and rental gallery exhibitions have separate admission fees. Group rates apply for groups of 20 or more and for members of the Friends association. Please check the official website (pref.kumamoto.jp/site/museum/) for details.

Question 8

What is the difference between the main building and the annex?

Accepted Answer

The main building (in Nonomaru Park) focuses on collection exhibitions, special exhibitions, and comprehensive displays from ancient to contemporary art. The annex (2-18 Chiba Castle-cho, Chuo Ward) features planned exhibitions and solo and group shows by local artists, with different opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30–18:30, Saturday–Sunday and holidays 9:30–17:15. Each has its own appeal.

Question 9

Can I enjoy this along with Kumamoto Castle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the museum is located in the Ninomaru Park of Kumamoto Castle, making it ideal to visit together with Kumamoto Castle. You can also view the castle from the lobby and café.

Question 10

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Please use the Ninomaru parking lot (paid) or Sanomaru parking lot (paid) near the museum. There are also private paid parking lots in the surrounding area.

Question 11

When is the museum closed?

Accepted Answer

Mondays (if a holiday, the following weekday is closed instead), year-end/new year holidays (December 25 – January 7), and exhibition changeover periods.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From Kumamoto City Tram stop 'Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Mae', about 15 minutes' walk, or use the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiro Meguri-n).

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2-2 Nonomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Question 14

What is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Collection exhibitions are paid (rates vary by exhibition); special exhibitions have separate pricing.

Question 15

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:30–17:15 (last admission 16:45)

How can we help you?

Quick categories