The interior of Kumamoto Castle's main tower in Kumamoto reopens to the public on June 28. (Minako Yoshimoto)
KUMAMOTO--The interior of Kumamoto Castle's main tower reopened to the public on June 28 following the completion of repairs from the 2016 earthquakes here that knocked off roof tiles and collapsed walls.
The twin quakes damaged many buildings inside the castle area.
The castle tower was initially supposed to reopen in April, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 35-year-old female resident who came to the castle for its reopening said she enjoyed the views from the tower.
“I've been visiting Kumamoto Castle since I was a child, and it's indispensable,” she said. “I was shocked when it was hit by the disaster. I'm glad that I was finally able to take in the view here.”