Kumamoto Prefecture • Japan
Let the spirit of adventure guide you as you uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make Kumamoto a destination like no other. Uncover awe-inspiring locations and exciting attractions across Kumamoto, chosen by our community and tailored to you.
"Seeing" a castle and "understanding" one are two very different experiences. This tour isn't built around dates and names. We've completely rethought how this castle's story gets told, creating a narrative that actually makes sense, whether you love history, are drawn to architecture, are curious about samurai-era culture, or are looking for a great way to spend time in Kumamoto. Along the way, you'll learn who built this fortress and why, how it withstood a 19th-century siege, and why 400 years later it's still the emotional center of this city. Then we go beyond the history. Kumamoto Castle is in the middle of one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in Japan: a 35-year project to repair the damage from the 2016 earthquakes. We'll show you what that actually involves: traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering to rebuild something irreplaceable. It's one of the most compelling stories happening in Kumamoto right now, and almost no one explains it well.
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.
This experience offers a rare opportunity to participate in a private, formal-style Japanese tea gathering conducted in a quiet, traditional tea room. Unlike crowded tea ceremonies, this intimate setting allows guests to fully engage with the host, the space, and the subtle flow of the Way of Tea. Guided by the principle of ichiza konryū—creating one harmonious moment together—the gathering emphasizes mindfulness, seasonal beauty, and respectful interaction. Every element, from the garden purification ritual to the shared bowl of thick tea, is carefully arranged to create a calm, immersive experience that reflects the depth of Japanese tea culture. This is not a performance, but a shared, living tradition—ideal for travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and meaningful cultural connection.
Embark on a journey to Kumamoto, where the unrivaled swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his later years, and visit places associated with him. Begin with a tour around the Shimada Museum where several items related to this famous swordsman, such as his swords and portraits, are on display. Afterwards, visit Nishi-no-Musashizuka, said to be one of the possible burial sites of Miyamoto Musashi. The last stop of the tour is Reigando, the cave where Miyamoto Musashi retreated and wrote about swordsmanship and martial arts in general in The Book of Five Rings, to spend some time meditating and think about what the famed swordsman's twilight years must have been like.
This activity offers an unparalleled opportunity to step behind the scenes of Japan’s manga world by working with official manuscript copies from legendary titles and using the same professional G-pen and ink trusted by top manga artists. Whether you're a devoted fan or simply curious about Japanese pop culture, you’ll create your own beautifully framed masterpiece, receive an exclusive manga starter kit to continue drawing at home, and capture every moment with easy time-lapse recording stands. Combined with gentle support from experienced staff, this immersive, hands-on workshop delivers a rare, authentic, and unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else, making it a must-book activity for anyone visiting Japan. Experience Manga Titles - Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳) - City Hunter (シティーハンター) - Keiji of the Flowers (花の慶次 ―雲のかなたに―) - Cat's Eye (キャッツ♥アイ) - Record of Ragnarok (終末のワルキューレ) - Wakakozake (ワカコ酒)
Discover two different sides of Kumamoto's nightlife without being tied to a fixed restaurant route. Choose the lively downtown area around Shimotori and Shinshigai for an energetic evening in the heart of the city, or explore Kaminoura for a quieter atmosphere among smaller local restaurants and bars. At the start of the tour, tell your private guide what you like to eat, drink, and experience. Your guide will then select two suitable local izakayas or bars based on your preferences, opening hours, and availability. Depending on your tastes and the venues selected, you may have the chance to try Kumamoto specialties such as basashi, karashi renkon, local seafood, or shochu alongside other Japanese izakaya favorites. A total of ¥3,000 per guest for food and drinks is included, with ¥1,500 available at each stop. Your guide also helps with menus, ordering, and local izakaya customs, making it easier to enjoy places that can be difficult to navigate independently.
Women will change into plain white wedding kimonos and colorful uchikake kimonos. A professional hairdresser will style your hair in a traditional Japanese hairstyle and apply makeup to match the Japanese hairstyle. Japanese hairstyles are a rare experience. Specialized staff will assist you in dressing. Men will wear crested hakama, the most formal kimono. Enjoy a moment filled with various aspects of Japanese culture. An accompanying photographer will take photos at Suizenji Jojuen Garden, which boasts a 400-year history.
First, choose your favorite kimono from 150 kimonos. We will help you choose as well. Next, choose tabi socks and a Japanese-patterned drawstring purse. Please change into tabi socks. Next is finally dressing. Our professional staff will carefully dress you in about 10 minutes. Hair accessories can also be rented as an optional service. There is no limit to the number of hair ornaments you can use, so please use as many as you like. There will be a you you don't know in the mirror. I will take a photo before leaving the store. Photos taken using swords and Japanese umbrellas will be printed out and presented as gifts. Please return to the store by 5:00 pm. As an optional service, you can return kimonos worn at the Josaien store to the Suizenji store.
Unleash Your Adventure: ONE PIECE Kumamoto Tour Discover the world’s only destination featuring all 10 life-sized bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates. Set against Kumamoto’s stunning volcanic landscapes, this is the ultimate pilgrimage for every fan. ◆ The Grand Tour (8 Hours) The complete experience. Visit all 10 statues and enjoy a premium 4,000 JPY traditional lunch at the historic Hakusui-no-Kura. ◆ The Express Tour (4 Hours) The essential highlights. Visit 5 iconic characters (Luffy, Chopper, Sanji, Brook, and Jinbe) perfect for travelers on a tight schedule. Why Join Us? - Exclusive Access: Stand side-by-side with the crew in the creator’s hometown. - Breathtaking Settings: Each statue is placed in a scenic location reflecting the character’s spirit. - Meaningful Journey: See the symbols of hope and recovery built after the Kumamoto earthquake. - Legendary Photos: Capture professional-grade memories in unique Japanese settings.
This one-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of Kumamoto City to the majestic heights of Mount Aso, the serene Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, and the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge. The first stop is Mount Aso, one of the world's largest volcanoes, where you can see the active, intense white smoke and dynamic scenery. For lunch during the tour, you can enjoy local Aka beef. Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, known for being the setting of a popular manga comic, is a mysterious place that has long been preserved in unspoiled natural surroundings. The last stop is Takachiho Gorge, where you can detoxify your mind and body in the mysterious scenery created by the abundant nature. This tour will be able to experience Japan's wonderful traditions and aggressive nature all at once, making it an one of unforgettable memory. If you wish, it's also possible to participate in these tours as a day trip by Shinkansen!
