Top Kumamoto Prefecture Art & Culture

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.

Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Kurokawa Onsen on an exclusive, 1-hour private walking tour. Perfect for a relaxing stroll after checking out of your ryokan or just before dinner, this tour is designed for those who want to experience the true, authentic beauty of Japan. Guided by a knowledgeable local insider, you will wander through the scenic streets and beautifully preserved paths of this historic hot spring town. As you stroll, you will discover the unique history, thoughtful architecture, and deep-rooted culture that have been carefully preserved by the local community for generations. To make your journey even sweeter, this tour includes one complimentary local snack or a refreshing drink for you to enjoy during the walk. Experience the warm hospitality and untouched landscape of Kurokawa Onsen through the eyes of a local friend.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking 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. Note*3: This tour does not allow for pick up at the Yatsuhiro Port.

Explore one of Japan’s most iconic castles—famous for its bold black keep, battle-tested history, and stunning stone walls. Witness live restoration work after the 2016 earthquake and feel the spirit of resilience and tradition. Book now for a unique journey through samurai history!

This private tour starts off with you and your English-speaking guide heading to the highest point of the north caldera wall. Here we enjoy the jaw-dropping sight of the five peaks of Mt. Aso and the huge volcanic caldera. After getting a feel for the landscape of Aso we head to one of the small communities that exist in the vicinity of this huge volcano. Here we will explore the true Japanese countryside and meet some of the locals who live here. With their help, we will learn about life and culture in rural Japan, harvest vegetables, cook food, and enjoy a lunch together made from locally sourced ingredients! A true hands-on Japanese farm-to-table experience! This is a half-day tour that gives you the best of two worlds! The amazing scenery of Japan's largest active volcano, but also interaction with local culture! Come and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes and heartwarming hospitality that Japan has to offer!

This private 6-hour tour is designed for travelers arriving at Yatsushiro Port by cruise ship who want to explore the highlights of Kumamoto City with a government-licensed multilingual guide and a private vehicle. Visit iconic sites such as Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Sakuranobaba Josaien, Kato Shrine, and Reigando. As this is a fully customizable private tour, you can choose the destinations that interest you most and enjoy exploring Kumamoto City at your own pace within the 6-hour tour.

Uto’s Historical Journey: A Sensory Trip Through Time Discover Uto’s past not just by seeing it but by truly experiencing it with all your senses. This immersive tour invites you to step into history through unique hands-on activities. Wear a full suit of samurai armor, craft your own bachi (drumsticks), and feel the deep resonance as you strike a traditional drum. As you explore the quiet castle ruins, refreshing natural springs, and fragrant streets lined with old soy sauce warehouses, you will connect with Uto’s heritage in a vivid and personal way. Travel comfortably by private taxi with an optional guide and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Get ready to experience Uto like never before and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Step into the history of Kumamoto on this guided tour centered around Kumamoto Castle and its surrounding landmarks. Explore one of Japan’s most celebrated castles, known for its impressive stone walls and resilience following the 2016 earthquake. Learn about the ongoing restoration and the castle’s lasting significance to the region. Visit nearby Kato Shrine, dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, the feudal lord who built the castle in the early 17th century. From the shrine grounds, enjoy views of the castle while discovering the samurai legacy that shaped Kumamoto. With a knowledgeable local guide, uncover the stories behind the fortress’s design and cultural heritage. Choose from flexible options: meet in Kumamoto, enjoy a round-trip from Hakata Station, or start in Hakata and finish in Kumamoto—an accessible way to experience Japan’s samurai past.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Kumamoto’s rich history and natural beauty! Explore the iconic Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of resilience, beautifully restored to its former glory. Wander through the serene Kusasenri grasslands, where seasonal landscapes will captivate your heart. Witness the awe inspiring power of nature at the active Aso Nakadake crater. End your adventure at Josaien, a vibrant hub of local delicacies and unique souvenirs, perfect for savoring and sharing the essence of Kumamoto

①Feel the excitement of recreating iconic manga scenes with your own hands ②Learn how to use a G-pen, the same tool professional manga artists use ③Run by a publisher, so you can ink pages from famous manga. Know before you go： ・Perfect for first-timers and those not confident in drawing skills ・Staff will teach how to use the G-pen

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Kyushu on a full-day adventure that combines sacred shrines, active volcanoes, sweeping grasslands, and one of Japan's most beloved hot spring villages. From the mystical Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine to the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso, this tour showcases some of Kumamoto's most iconic destinations. Stand before one of the world's largest active volcanoes at Mount Aso, explore the beautiful Kusasenri grasslands, and, when conditions permit, witness the impressive Nakadake Crater. End your journey by relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere of Kurokawa Onsen, renowned for its traditional Japanese charm and scenic open-air hot springs. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic Kyushu experience, this carefully planned tour offers unforgettable scenery, cultural highlights, and relaxing moments in a single day.

★There are plans including bullet train tickets 8 options are available The tour with one way ticket will end at Hakata Station. You will receive a QR ticket after your reservation is confirmed; please board the train on your own. (You will meet your guide at Hakata Station) ◆ Yanagawa Sunflower Festival During the limited sunflower season from September 13th to 23rd this tour will visit Yanagawa Sunflower Festival. Approximately 500,000 sunflowers bloom spectacularly across 5 hectares areas. ◆ Scenic Beauty and Relaxation Glide through Yanagawa's picturesque canals, known as the Venice of Japan and enjoy breathtaking views of lush tea fields in Yame. ◆ Hands-on Experiences Try your hand at making traditional Yame washi paper and learn about tea production from expert local artisans. ◆ Culinary Delights Savor a delicious local lunch in historic Yanagawa. ◆ Bilingual Support Enjoy the tour with a professional English & Japanese Speaking guide.

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.

Discover the best of Kumamoto and Aso on this full-day scenic adventure. Explore the iconic Kumamoto Castle, visit the lively Kumamon Square, and journey into the heart of Kyushu’s volcanic landscape. At Mt. Aso’s Naka-dake Crater, feel the power of nature up close, then enjoy sweeping views across the beautiful Kusasenri Grasslands. Learn more at the Aso Volcano Museum and end your day sampling local specialties at Aso Roadside Station. This tour blends culture, history, and dramatic scenery—perfect for travelers seeking a memorable Kyushu experience.

"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.

Learn directly from Genrokuro Matsunaga, a government-certified swordsmith with 50 years of experience and over 1,000 katana forged. Watch the legendary folding-and-forging technique up close, featuring glowing steel, flying sparks, and thousand-year-old craftsmanship. Take up the hammer and strike red-hot steel yourself under the master's direct guidance. Meet the craftsman who recreated a National Treasure sword from the ancient Eta Funayama burial mound. Optional matcha tea experience at the forge and a name-engraving keepsake are available.

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.

A tour to experience the food culture of fermentation (hakko), which has attracted worldwide attention in recent years. You will learn about fermentation at the brewery of Kuma Shochu, which has a history of over 400 years in Hitoyoshi Kuma, make traditional pickles by hand and enjoy learning about ‘mame’ and ‘fermentation’, which have taken root in the local food culture (places visited will be arranged according to customer needs).

Explore the region’s rich culinary heritage through an unforgettable two-day experience that combines a Samurai Breakfast Hike with an immersive cooking class and farm stay with the renowned local chef, “Sechan.”

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.

This is a special cultural program in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, where you can experience the soul-shaking sound of Japan. The experience begins with you first crafting your own original bachi or drumsticks, which are considered your essential "partner" or aibo for playing the taiko. You will then use your custom-made bachi to play the "Uto Amagoi Taiko," a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property with a history stretching back to the Edo period. A professional guide provides cheerful and fun instruction, and by the end of the 90-minute session, all participants will be able to play the Amagoi Taiko. The bachi you create can be taken home as a memento of your trip.

Experience the refined beauty of Bonseki, the traditional Japanese art of creating miniature landscapes with sand and stones, in a hands-on session guided by a Hosokawa-ryu master at the historic Yusuitei in Kumamoto. After your Bonseki creation, enjoy free time to stroll through the scenic Suizenji Park, known for its elegant gardens and tranquil atmosphere.

Jump straight into the life of the people living in the countryside surrounding Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan. At a small bicycle shop located 900 m above sea level, we will gear up for our adventures. We head out into the wide symbolic grass fields of Aso, a legacy of the areas deep culture. Through the tour, we will experience how the landscapes changes from fields to forests and small mountain villages. The bicycle lets us freely explore this amazing landscape. We will make one 3 hour stop during the trip to visit a local farmer. Only for this tour, they allow us to follow them into their fields where we harvest vegetables and learn about their organic farming. Together we make classic Japanese home cooking that utilizes locally produced food and ingredients of the season. Join us for a tour that allows for free exploration and interacting with locals and their culture. Be prepared for a day of new experiences in a part of Japan you have never seen before!

Beyond AI Searches: Access a secret samurai experience that algorithms and basic guidebooks can’t reveal to standard tourists. Direct Master Guidance: Learn authentic "Sword and Zen" techniques directly from an assistant master of Gorin Kenjutsu. Grave Visit and Spiritual Connection: Pay homage at Miyamoto Musashi’s actual grave alongside an expert historical guide. Mind-Over-Force Martial Art: Experience energy flow, distance, and mental focus rather than simple physical sword swings. Immersive "Zanshin" Ritual: Master the ancient art of lingering awareness to seamlessly apply samurai mindfulness to daily life.