Considered one of the three iconic castles of Japan, the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake severely damaged the castle. Visitors can appreciate the timeless beauty of the castle, and watch the work in progress from an elevated walkway. As underground artefacts had been identified, construction was carried out around areas of historical and archaeological significance. Access ramps make it user friendly, and the part aerial walkway, part footbridge over the fortifications curves gracefully before a sharp turn that serves as the main observation point. The timber and steel structure allows visitors to see the castle clearly from a distance. As the first of its kind in Japan, the Observation Path is an architectural showpiece that makes it possible to witness restoration in progress.