WAmazing
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Learn about the history of Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, while also supporting reconstruction efforts!

Your own private Kumamoto Castle tour with a local guide who knows all about Kumamoto

USD162.03(JPY25,000)Per Group
Kumamoto
  • A confirmation email for your reservation will be sent to you within 48 hours.
    *If your reservation cannot be completed, WAmazing Play will process your refund.
  • Required Time:
    180minutes
  • Reservation Time:
    08:30 / 10:00 / 13:30
  • Supported Languages:
    Japanese / English
Participants(Min.):
1 Group
Participants(Max.):
1 Group
Min. Participants Required For Activity:
1 Group
Payment Method:
Credit Card (VISA/MASTER/AMERICAN EXPRESS/JCB)
Fee:
1-4 persons USD 162.03
Age (Min.):
7 years old
Parent/ Guardian Required:
Under 18 years old
Cancellation:
Yes
Booking deadline:
4 days prior by 17:00

Activity

Kumamoto Castle, an impregnable fortress and one of the three most famous castles in Japan

Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan. Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of an original Japanese castle built with special architectural techniques and the drama of the samurai who lived in that era.

A program that can contribute to Kumamoto Castle, which is recovering from a massive earthquake

A portion of the proceeds from this program will be used for the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle. By participating in this tour, you can also contribute to the reconstruction.

Private tours limited to one group per day

Since this tour focuses on "understandability and fun," it will be conducted not only with academic explanations but also with moderate content, taking into consideration the interests of participants, their level of understanding, and the pace of the activity. You can take many photos at the most scenic spots, and the guide will be happy to assist you in taking photos.

Choice of departure times to fit easily into other itineraries: (1) 8:30 AM (2) 10:00 AM (3) 1:30 PM

Three types of program start times are available. (1) 8:30 AM is perfect for morning sightseeing. (2) 10:00 AM is recommended for sightseeing until noon after check-out from the hotel. (3) 1:30 PM is recommended for those who arrive in the morning or wish to spend the morning at leisure.

Interaction with a guide who grew up in Kumamoto, lived in places like Canada and New York, and then returned to their hometown to live in Kumamoto.

Our guide, Aki, has studied English communication in Canada and the U.S., and worked in the service industry in New York City. Their 910 TOEIC score enables them to communicate as well as a native English speaker. They can also tell you about gourmet foods and sightseeing spots around Kumamoto City that they recommend, according to your preferences.

Schedule

  • Gathering, reception, and transfer to Kumamoto City Hall Observation Lobby

    (1) Please present your My Page reservation screen at reception. (2) After reviewing the tour itinerary, an overview of Kumamoto Castle and its history will be given while viewing the beautiful castle surrounded by greenery at the observation lobby on the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall.

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  • Tour around the perimeter of Kumamoto Castle

    We will explain about the moat that surrounds Kumamoto Castle and the castle walls, known as "Nagabei" (long walls), which are unique in Japan. After taking pictures in front of the statue of Kiyomasa Kato, which is a popular photo spot, we will proceed to the inside of the castle.

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  • Explanation of highlights from the Kumamoto Castle Special Tour Passage

    The Kumamoto Castle Special Tour Passage (a path made of Kumamoto hinoki cypress located 6 meters above the ground), available only during the reconstruction period after the Kumamoto Earthquake, allows visitors to see the highlights of the castle, which is said to be impregnable, from a perspective that is normally not possible. The tour will provide easy-to-understand explanations and highlights related to Sukiyamaru, Nisama no Ishigaki, Honmaru Goten, and more.

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  • Guided tour inside the restored Kumamoto Castle keep, now a state-of-the-art museum

    Inside the Kumamoto Castle keep, there are floors from B1 to 4, set up as a museum, and floor 6, which is the observation floor, where a vast amount of information is posted. Guides will lead you through the main points in an easy-to-understand manner according to the time, and on the observation floor on the top floor, it is possible to view the castle town below while imagining the thoughts of the warlords.

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  • The tour will end at Josaien (with stores selling souvenirs, restaurants, and a museum) and free admission to the Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza

    The tour will end with a guided tour to the entrance of Josaien, which is adjacent to Kumamoto Castle. Josaien is a tourist facility based on the concept of "enhancing the appeal of the castle and castle town by promoting local food culture, history, and traditions. Visitors can encounter Kumamoto's rich culinary culture and specialties at the 23 stores along Sakura-no Koji. In addition, visitors will receive an admission ticket to Kumamoto Museum Wakuwakuza. After dismissal, visitors can freely enjoy the museum where they can experience the latest technology.

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Included in the Fee

Kumamoto Castle admission ticket and Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwaku-za admission ticket
3-hour guide fee

Not included in the Fee

Transportation to the meeting place
Personal expenses such as food and beverages
Guide tip

Meeting Place

In front of the main entrance on the 1st floor of Kumamoto City Hall (west side, entrance on the streetcar side)

1-1 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City

Directions

Nearest Station：Kumamoto City Tram "Kumamoto Castle/Shiyakusho-mae" Station, "Shiyakusho-mae" bus stop by local bus

Directions to Nearest Station：1-minute walk

Destination by Taxi：In front of the main entrance of Kumamoto City Hall (with porte-cochere)

Things guests need to prepare on the day of the activity (clothes, belongings, etc.)

Comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes for walking, backpack or slanted bag

Hat for sunny days, towel for wiping sweat

Bottled water and other beverages with lids are allowed

Cancellation Policy

The cancel fee is based on the timing of the cancellation. Please check the cancellation policy below.

  • The day of use
    100%

Notes

About Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan.
It is a rare place where the castle tower, turrets, and magnificent stone walls are still standing in a condition close to that of the time when the castle was built, and can still be seen today.
The castle was built 400 years ago by a very powerful warlord named Kiyomasa Kato. The strategist Kiyomasa Kato devised a number of impregnable castle devices and architectural features, including the "Musha-gaeshi" (warrior repeller) which is a spectacular sight to behold. The castle was built on a hilly terrain about 50 meters above sea level, and the beautiful keep at its center is said to be as high as the 14th floor of a building. The black walls and Tenshu (keep) are popular for their beauty and grandeur.

In 2016, a major earthquake with a maximum intensity of 7 (magnitude 7.3) hit the Kumamoto region. Kumamoto Castle was severely damaged, with 30% of its stone walls collapsing.
However, the people of Kumamoto were encouraged and emboldened by the fact that Kumamoto Castle did not fall, even though it was hit by a major earthquake. Kumamoto Castle has existed unchanged for 400 years as a symbol of Kumamoto for the local people, who feel a sense of hometown, courage, and attachment. It will take 30 years to reconstruct the castle, and part of the proceeds from this program will be used for the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle. By participating in this tour, you can also contribute to the reconstruction.

Organizer

UCHICO tourism JAPAN Co., Ltd.

2F Hamamatsucho Daiya Building, 2-2-15 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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Dates2024/05/21
1-4 persons(USD 162.03)
USD0.00(JPY0)
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