KUMAMOTO, Japan - Kumamoto Castle reopened to visitors Thursday, just over two weeks after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, following safety checks by the city.
The city said inspections through Tuesday found no safety issues that would prevent visitors from entering the nationally designated special historic site, although the July 28 quake left part of the main tower's floor uneven and caused stone walls in the castle's compound to collapse in 40 locations.
Kumamoto Castle was heavily damaged by powerful earthquakes in 2016 and remains under restoration, with the city aiming to complete the work in fiscal 2052.
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