Is Kumamoto OK to visit after the July 2026 earthquake? The Shinkansen and Kumamoto Castle are running normally; the JR Uto–Yatsushiro line returns 10 Oct

This week's news · Checked 2026-09-26

What happened. For the places most visitors go, yes: the Kyushu Shinkansen has run along its whole line since 18 September (NHK, 17 September 2026), and the official Kumamoto Castle site lists the castle as open as normal (update of 18 September 2026). On 24 September JR Kyushu announced that the Kagoshima Main Line between Uto and Yatsushiro, closed since the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake in July, reopens from the first train on Saturday 10 October on the normal timetable. Replacement buses and Shinkansen transfers between Kumamoto and Shin-Yatsushiro end on Friday 9 October; JR Kyushu says the date may change with the weather.

Where recovery is still going on. Yatsushiro, Hikawa and Uki, south of Kumamoto city, were heavily damaged in the magnitude-7.1 quake, and residents there are still living in evacuation shelters amid the heat and ongoing aftershocks. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit those areas on Tuesday 29 September (Kyodo via Japan Today, 25 September). Japan Guide (updated 26 September) describes Kumamoto city as "functioning close to normally", says Aso and Kurokawa Onsen escaped significant damage, and expects the line south of Yatsushiro to Higo Tanoura back around mid-October.

What it means for you.

• Fukuoka → Kumamoto by Shinkansen runs as normal, so a day trip or a night in Kumamoto for the castle is back on. The 10 October date matters only if you take the local train south towards Yatsushiro.
• Kumamoto Castle is open, but the Wakuwakuza museum next to it is temporarily closed (official site, 18 September). The site notes that opening information can change with aftershocks and safety checks, so look at it on the morning of your visit.
• Aftershocks are still happening. Put the Japan Tourism Agency's free Safety tips app (English earthquake alerts) on your phone, and agree with the kids beforehand what to do if the room shakes.
• Aso was not seriously damaged by the quake, but the Nakadake crater is closed for a separate volcanic reason ([crater status](/news-aso-crater-closed-2026/)). The self-drive plan with costs is in [Fukuoka → Kumamoto → Aso in 4 days](/kyushu-car-rental-kumamoto-aso-real-costs/).
• Where to sleep: with the Shinkansen back to normal, Fukuoka works as a base for a Kumamoto day: Fukuoka hotels for 2 adults + 2 kids on Trip.com (filter "free cancellation"; prices vary by date, checked 26 Sept 2026).

Affiliate links may be used; your price does not change. Sources: JR Kyushu press release on the Uto–Yatsushiro reopening, 24 September 2026 (Japanese); Japan Today / Kyodo, 25 September 2026 (English); NHK, 17 September 2026 (Japanese); official Kumamoto Castle site, update of 18 September 2026 (Japanese); Japan Guide, updated 26 September 2026 (English). Checked 26 September 2026.