Top 20 Experiences in Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kumamoto! Kumamoto, located on Kyushu island in southern Japan, strikes a perfect balance between a bustling city fringed by tranquil countryside. The center of the city features its greatest landmark, Kumamoto-jo castle, but a tempting collection of restaurants, bars and shops can also be found nearby. Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kumamoto! Kumamoto, located on Kyushu island in southern Japan, strikes a perfect balance between a bustling city fringed by tranquil countryside. The center of the city features its greatest landmark, Kumamoto-jo castle, but a tempting collection of restaurants, bars and shops can also be found nearby. Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Visit to the Aso Shrine and Walk Around the Active Volcano Mt. Aso
After a special visit to the historic Aso Shrine, which has a history of more than 2000 years, we recommend visiting the quaint town of Monzenmachi, where many stores are lined up, and visiting the water fountains and eating Aso sweets. Finally, we will visit the top of Mount Aso, where you can feel the breath of the earth. After making a special visit to the main shrine of Aso Shrine at the foot of the mountain, you will feel very grateful when you go to the top of Aso and look at the crater, which is the sacred body of the mountain.
E-MTB cycling at the grasslands and over the mountain of Mt.Aso
The tour starts from Aso Station, about 500 meters above sea level. If you've never used an electric bicycle before, don't worry, we'll practice how to operate it in the safety of our premises. Once you see the five mountains of Aso towering in the distance, it's time to start cycling. It takes about an hour to reach Hinoo-Toge (984m above sea level), enjoying the grassland scenery of the Aso Caldera. On the way, you may encounter animals such as cows and deer grazing on the grass. After crossing the pass, it is downhill to Takamori Station, the goal of the tour, stopping at old-fashioned farming villages and the national park visitor center along the way. Tea time with yogurt and sweets grown in the grasslands of Aso will be served.
Rural Forestry Tour in Aso Minamioguni
This is a unique chance to experience life in rural Japan through a local's eyes. Access areas and meet people that would be impossible without the presence of the guide. Enjoy unique interaction while delving into true Japanese forestry culture. Be mesmerized by the beautiful and unique landscape, born through a long history of living in symbiosis with the mountains and planting cedar trees. All while having your own private guide who is knowledgable and can explain the history of not only the area but the Japanese forestry. But more than anything, this tour aims to be about interaction with locals. As a guide, I wish the meeting between visitors and locals to feel like me introducing friends to each other. The area around Mt. Aso is one of Japan's best-hidden treasures and this is your shortcut to experiencing it. True Japanese culture, food, hospitality, and much much more. Take a chance, step off the beaten track, and come join us for an amazing time in Aso!
Walking through the Aso Caldera, Historical Walk along the "Bungo Kaido"
Aso's knowledgeable guides will take you on an easy-to-understand and enjoyable tour of the Aso Caldera from its birth to the present, from the perspectives of volcanoes, geology, history, culture, and beliefs. By walking down the stone-folded path that descends the northern outer rim of the mountain and entering the caldera on your own, you can really feel the size of the caldera, one of the largest in the world. You can also enjoy spots related to the history, culture, and beliefs of Aso, where people have lived in the caldera for over 2,000 years. On the way, we will have a tea time with yogurt and sweets grown in the grasslands of Aso.
Learn the Higo Ko-ryu of Naginata style of fighting samurai
Characterized by a one-sword deathblow, the Higo old-style naginata(Long Sword), which uses weapons as long as 8 shaku (approximately 2.4m) was developed in Kumamoto before the mid-1700s. Since the end of the Meiji era when there were no male instructors, female instructors have preserved the tradition, and currently, Ms. Hirata is the 15th head of the school. When using a heavy and long weapon that is eight shaku (about 2.4m), there are few movements and moves, the form is simple, and although there is no ""flashy"" movement, training in body handling and foot handling is required to move quickly. This is a 90-minute plan where you can experience the authentic Higo old-style naginata directly from Ms. Hirata, the head of the family. Experience the Higo Koryu style straight from the female master who will pass it on to the next generation. Learn the spirit of the samurai through a samurai swordsmanship experience.
Private Guided (One group: Max 4 people) Kumamoto Castle
Please set the number of people to 1 for a private group reservation. (The actual maximum capacity is 4 people.) Kumamoto Castle, renowned as one of Japan’s top three castles, is a beautiful fortress that embodies the philosophy and strategy of samurai warriors from 400 years ago. It represents the identity and symbol of those of us who were born and raised in Kumamoto. Within the castle, which is filled with a wealth of information about Japanese castles, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation and enjoyable interaction during the 3-hour tour, aiming to reach the observation floor at a height of about 14 stories above ground level. This tour will be guided, who grew up in Kumamoto City. We have an interpreter who has lived in New York for many years. She will provide clear and easy-to-understand explanations about the beloved attractions of the her hometown. Kumamoto Castle tour: Unique experience, Warring States era stories, ancestral contributions, valuable knowledge.
Samurai Experience: Discover the Spirit of Miyamoto Musashi
Experience Bushido(the way of the warrior) while wearing a dogi and being taught directly by Mr. Matsunaga, the 18th head of the family who inherited the style of Niten Ichiryu from the strongest samurai in Japan, Miyamoto Musashi. Enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets, while learning about the spirituality of Iaido, which is not only about winning a battle, but also mastering swordsmanship to protect. At the end, you will receive a samurai training completion certificate and an original tenugui hand towel with your name written on it. Because the experience is held right next to Kumamoto Castle, you can enjoy the castle before or after your experience.
Enjoy a walk, lunch, and tea time at the 2000 years old Teno Farm Village.
We took a leisurely stroll through the village of Teno, which has a nostalgic, original Japanese landscape. After visiting Kokuzo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kumamoto Prefecture and known as a power spot, you will be amazed at the size of the natural monument, the "Great Cedar of Teno. Then we will have a delicious lunch with a farmer. You never knew vegetables could taste so good! The farmers' food and smiles are truly a healing experience.
Private Guided (One group: Max 4 people) Kumamoto Castle Town
Please set the number of people to 1 for a private group reservation. (The actual maximum capacity is 4 people.) This tour, led by AKI, takes you on a delightful 3-hour journey through Kumamoto Castle Town. As we wander its historic streets brimming with traditions, we'll visit shops dedicated to preserving the town's heritage for future generations. The tour promises a memorable time of eating, drinking, and chatting, fostering enjoyable exchanges with locals and our guide while immersing in the castle town's culture and giving back to the community. Our itinerary includes visits to organic food shops, Japanese sweets stores, coffee shops, and more. In the "Shinmachi" area, we'll explore Japan's second oldest bakery (Kumamoto's oldest), Nagasaki Jiro Shoten, and Yoshida Shouka-do, lining the ancient Satsuma Road. Additionally, we'll shop at Muroya, a traditional Japanese toy wholesaler, and shopping at Fukushiro-ya, a traditional Japanese-style sake shop and bar.
Rental cycle (e-bike)
While enjoying the idyllic countryside, you can enjoy a refreshing water source. There are two cycling courses, “Aso Panorama Line South Course” for intermediate players who want to challenge the elevation and scenery. We also introduce photo spots and dining spots.
Private Transfer from Kumamoto Port to Kumamoto city hotels
Book your Private Transfer from Kumamoto Cruise Port to Kumamoto city hotels or any addres. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door port/city transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
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[Virtual Tour] Kumamoto a great Samurai city of Japanese culture
1. Experience a Kumamoto tour of a compact castle town with several hundred years of samurai history from home. 2. Guest can enjoy the charm of "Kumamoto City" from various perspectives such as Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's leading castles, the legendary samurai, the story of Miyamoto Musashi, and the experience of archery. 3. Part of the tour booking charge will be donated to restoration efforts for Kumamoto Castle, which was damaged in the 2016 earthquakes.
Kumamoto Custom Full Day Tour
This private and customizable tour for Kumamoto is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.
Half-day Samurai City Sightseeing in Kumamoto by Tram
Take a tour around a little castle town that retains the history and tradition of samurai from several hundred years ago. At Suizenji Park, look forward to sipping some matcha green tea in a traditional cultural building with a front view of the beautiful stroll-style garden. Take advantage of this time when scenes from behind the stone walls and astonishing restoration methods on Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most famous castles, can be seen.
Kumamoto Lake, Kumamoto City Tour by Bicycle
Take a guided tour around Suizenji Ezuko Park, a symbol of Kumamoto, the "Land of Water." At Kokindenju no Ma from where the garden can be viewed at its most beautiful, wear a kimono, Japan’s traditional clothing, and enjoy some matcha green tea made with rich underground water as well as Japanese sweets. Take a moment to appreciate the rich spring water closely tied to the locals' way of life, and the unique nature fostered by this spring water. Enjoy the tour with guidance from a local guide explaining Lake Ezu's nature and Kumamoto's history. The tour ends at the approach to Kumamoto Suizenji Garden. After the tour, feel free to enjoy shopping for Kumamoto souvenirs and trying some local food.
3 days in Aso to experience the nature and people's lives of the active volcano
This is a three-day program to learn about the origins of the Aso Caldera and feel the awe of nature of the people living in the caldera. You will be able to fully enjoy the natural attractions of the Aso Caldera, which is recognized as Aso-Kujyu National Park and a Global UNESCO Geopark. We will also introduce you to the unique volcanic beliefs nurtured in Aso, the skills of the artisans, the lifestyle of the farmers, and other attractions of Aso that only a few people know about.
Private Transfer from Kumamoto City Hotels to Kumamoto Port
Book your Private Transfer from Kumamoto city hotels or addres to Kumamoto Cruise Port. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door city/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Meeting with a Nameplate Door-to-door Service No Hidden Charges Clean cars & Professional drivers
Private Transfer from Kumamoto City Hotels to Miyazaki Port
Book your Private Transfer from Kumamoto city hotels to Miyazaki Cruise Port. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door city/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Meeting with a Nameplate Door-to-door Service No Hidden Charges Clean cars & Professional drivers