• Kumamoto Castle - Location 1: Kumamoto Castle
  Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three renowned castles, beautifully represents the samurai’s philosophy and strategy from 400 years ago. It stands as a symbol and source of pride for the people of Kumamoto. Within the castle, rich with information about Japanese castles, visitors can ascend to an observation floor approximately 14 stories high. The tour, led by an expert, provides engaging explanations and interactive experiences.

Highlights include: The outer structures of Kumamoto Castle (stone walls, Kato Kiyomasa statue, etc.).
The special walkway (a path 6 meters above the ground, crafted from locally sourced cypress wood).
The stone walls and remnants of the main palace constructed by the master castle builder, Kato Kiyomasa.
Visits to the basement to the 4th floor of the castle tower (museum) and the 6th floor (observation deck).
The Josaien complex (souvenir shops, restaurants, and the Kumamoto Castle Museum “Excitement Zone”).

• Shinmachi - Location 2: Kumamoto Castle Town
  The castle town, which supported and thrived around the “impregnable” Kumamoto Castle, still preserves historical buildings and streets in the “Old Town and New Town” area, where the history can still be felt today. Visitors can also explore shops and cafes that offer a taste of Japanese and Kumamoto culture. The guide will lead you to hidden gems for shopping, tea time, or even casual drinks.
  Examples of spots include:
  Organic food stores, traditional Japanese confectionery shops, coffee shops, the oldest bakery in Kumamoto.
  A walk along the historical Satsuma Kaido road.
  Nagasaki Jiro Bookstore and other historical buildings.
  A traditional Japanese toy wholesale store.
  Kakuchi experience at a traditional liquor store (Kakuchi refers to the Japanese-style liquor shops that serve drinks on-site in addition to selling bottles).
• Suizenji Jojuen Garden - Location 3: Suizenji Jojuen This beautiful park, cherished by Kumamoto’s citizens, features a circuit-style garden centered around a large pond fed by natural spring water. Visitors can enjoy Japanese landscapes that showcase the beauty of all four seasons: vibrant spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greenery, fiery autumn leaves, and serene winter scenes. The garden offers a tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation.

Inside the park, visit Izumi Shrine or enjoy the “Kokin Denju-no-Ma,” a thatched-roof room relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (optional admission includes Japanese sweets and matcha). From this room, enjoy breathtaking views of the garden, unchanged for over 150 years.
Highlights include:
A circuit-style garden with a large natural spring-fed pond.
Izumi Shrine, located within the park.
“Kokin Denju-no-Ma” (optional admission includes matcha and sweets).
Old-fashioned souvenir shops at the park entrance.

• Admission fees for Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen are included.
• Guided tour for 6 hours with one guide and one attendant.

• Costs for food, drinks, and purchases at the shops during the tour.
• Transportation costs to the meeting point and between areas are not included.

This 6-hour tour offers an opportunity to visit your preferred locations while gaining insights into Kumamoto’s history and Japanese culture with an expert guide.

Select two destinations from the following options: Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Castle Town (Furu-machi and Shin-machi), or Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Please refer to the itinerary for more information on each site.

The meeting point and start time are adaptable. Once booked, you can communicate your specific requests with your designated guide via WhatsApp.

Transportation costs (taxi, bus, tram), lunch, and any shopping or dining expenses during the tour are not included in the guide fee. The guide will suggest lunch spots based on your preferences.

This tour is crafted for those eager to enhance their understanding of Japan and Kumamoto’s history and culture by exploring two locations.

• The tour primarily involves walking, except for transitions between areas. Therefore, it is not recommended for those who may have concerns or difficulties with extended periods of walking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.