KUMAMOTO: The Kumamoto Castle ruins, designated a nationally special historic site in Kumamoto, reopened to the public Thursday following a closure due to the massive earthquake that hit Kumamoto Prefecture.
About 200 people formed a line before the gates opened at 9 a.m., for the first public admission in 16 days.
Stone walls collapsed in 40 locations and structural damage, including cracked floors in the main keep, was confirmed in 11 places, according to the city government’s castle office.
The decision to reopen was made after safety was verified in zones open to visitors.
“Looking at the collapsed stone walls really showed me how powerful the quake was,” said a 52-year-old man visiting from Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, on Thursday. “I want to continue doing what I can to support Kumamoto.” - Japan News/ANN
