Top Kumamoto Prefecture Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Step into the elegance of Edo-period Japan on this immersive 2hour guided tour of Suizenji Jojuen, one of Kumamoto’s most stunning historical gardens. Wander peaceful paths beside a spring-fed pond, admire the classic daimyo garden design, and visit a beautifully preserved teahouse once used by samurai lords. You'll even enjoy matcha tea with a view—a rare cultural experience that blends history, nature, and tranquility in one unforgettable visit. Perfect for history lovers, garden enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a serene escape in the heart of the city.

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.

Experience the ultimate samurai journey in Kumamoto with this premium full-day program! Begin your day at an authentic martial arts dojo, putting on traditional training robes to learn Iaido directly from Grandmaster Matsunaga—the 18th-generation successor of Miyamoto Musashi's original school, Niten Ichi-ryu. After enjoying matcha, watching a live demonstration, and practicing swordsmanship, receive a personalized Samurai Certificate and exclusive tenugui towel. In the afternoon, travel to Ungan-zenji Temple, where Musashi wrote his masterwork, The Book of Five Rings. Explore rare artifacts in the Treasure House and walk past stone statues of the Five Hundred Arhats to Reigando Cave. Conclude with a peaceful zazen meditation session inside the Main Hall. By combining "Motion" (Iaido) and "Stillness" (Zazen), you will discover Bushido philosophy and build an unshakeable inner core to navigate today's fast-paced world.

Guided walking tour of Hitoyoshi, including ancient castle remnants and the blacksmith district. Tastings at historic and modern distilleries and foot onsen Embark on a guided walking journey through two contrasting distilleries – a historic Meiji-era brewery and a leading global producer – where you’ll savor the rich flavors of Kuma Shochu. Discover the cultural treasures of Hitoyoshi on foot, including ancient castle remnants and the artisanal charm of the blacksmith district. For a truly exclusive experience, upgrade to the 007 Experience and gain access to Daniel Craig’s Shochu Aging Room, where you’ll sample the same premium shochu enjoyed by the iconic actor.

This tour takes you around the nature-rich Kuma region to experience the bounty of the 700-year-old Sagara Clan. Visitors can deeply experience the charm of this region through a variety of activities, including a walk along the clear Kuma River, a cooking class using local ingredients, and an electric bicycle tour of the countryside. You will also have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Kuma shochu brewery, enjoy the spectacular view from the historic castle ruins, and experience kobujutsu (ancient martial arts). We also offer special programs to experience firsthand the 700-year history of the Sagara Clan. We hope you will find your own special experience on this trip that traces the nature, food, history, and the footsteps of the Sagara Clan in Kuma.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Aso, Kumamoto's "Land of Fire," on this immersive 1-day private tour. Led by an expert guide, you'll explore the region's most stunning natural wonders, carefully preserved for generations. Begin at Kusasenri, a vast grassland stretching 780,000 sqm at 1,100m altitude. Marvel at the striking contrast between Mt. Aso Nakadake's grandeur and the idyllic scene of grazing livestock. Next, ascend to Daikanbo for a spectacular 360-degree panorama. From here, admire Aso's townscape and the Five Peaks, resembling a reclining Buddha. The tour concludes at the mystical Nabegataki Falls, a 10m high, 20m wide curtain of water formed by ancient volcanic activity. This popular photo spot showcases nature's raw beauty. It's a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural significance, suitable for all nature enthusiasts.

Indulge in a luxurious one-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Aso and the mystical beauty of Takachiho. Travel aboard the special "ASOBOY!" train as you discover Kyushu's most breathtaking sights. Savor a panoramic lunch atop Mt. Aso, admire the enchanting Takachiho Gorge, and experience the renowned pure spring water at Shirakawa Source. Conclude your adventure with a scenic ride back to Kumamoto Station on the "ASOBOY!" train.

"Experience Aso's Breathtaking Views with TREK E-Bikes" Visit Sharinkan Specialist Store at the Sorayoka Area of Aso Kumamoto Airport, where you can rent TREK Marlin+ 6 e-bikes to explore Aso's magnificent landscapes. These high-performance e-bikes can travel up to 67km on a single charge, making cycling effortless even for beginners. We provide helmets and insurance coverage, along with expert guidance on the best routes based on weather conditions and your experience level. Starting from the airport, discover unique perspectives of Aso's volcanic scenery, grasslands, and hot spring towns that you can't experience by car. For reservations, visit Sharinkan TREK Store.

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!

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.

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.

Miyamoto Musashi was Japan's legendary swordsman, undefeated in over 60 duels. In his later years, he retired to Reigando Cave at the foot of Mt. Kinpo to write his masterpiece, The Book of Five Rings. Beyond combat, it teaches a timeless philosophy for life: knowing oneself and staying grounded. In today's fast-paced world, Musashi’s wisdom offers profound clarity for living authentically. On this tour, an expert guide leads you through the grounds and Treasure House of Ungan-zenji Temple to explore Musashi’s life through rare artifacts. You will then walk along the approach lined with Five Hundred Arhat statues to Reigando Cave. Finally, experience an authentic zazen meditation session inside the Main Hall of Ungan-zenji Temple. Tune into your breathing and rediscover your inner core in this special Kumamoto experience.

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.

Explore the 400-year-old tradition of Kuma Shochu, a rice-based distilled spirit recognized as a Geographical Indication, during a guided walking tour through Hitoyoshi. Visit historic and modern distilleries, meet master distillers, and enjoy tastings of this cultural symbol that blends nature, craftsmanship, and Japanese tradition. Kuma Shochu: Japan’s Hidden Gem of Rice Distillation Kuma Shochu is a rice-based distilled spirit that has been produced in this region for over 400 years. Recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI), it is crafted using traditional techniques passed down for generations, drawing pure water from the Kuma River. Deeply tied to the region's identity, Kuma Shochu represents the harmony of nature, craftsmanship, and culture. Today, local distilleries are working to share this heritage globally while preserving its artisanal roots, making it a symbol of Japanese tradition with international appeal.

In April 2016, an unprecedented earthquake with a seismic intensity of 7 occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. At Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three most famous castles, the collapse of various historical buildings, including the castle tower, resulted in such severe damage that it took 30 years to recover. This tour provides easy-to-understand explanations of the facilities within the castle that were damaged by the earthquake, and visits carefully selected must-see spots inside and outside the castle at a fast pace. The tour begins by heading to a hidden observation spot overlooking the entire Kumamoto Castle and a museum that utilizes cutting-edge digital technology. Then, at the Kumamoto Castle tower, which was completed in 2021, five years after the earthquake, we will fully enjoy the tour facilities spread over 5 floors. You can also see the repair work being done on buildings and the work being done to rebuild collapsed stone walls throughout the site.

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

Explore the natural and historical cultural spots of Nagomi Town in Kumamoto Prefecture on a guided cycling tour. Visit the Eta Funayama Burial Mound, Higo Minka Village, and the mysterious Tonkararin Tunnel. Meet your guide and set off on your bike to explore the Eta Funayama Burial Mound, a nationally designated historic site built in the late 5th century. Next, head to Higo Minka Village, a collection of traditional houses featuring unique shops and restored old homes. Continue to the mysterious Tonkararin Tunnel, whose creator, purpose, and time of construction remain unknown. Finally, cycle through mountain paths that preserve the original rural scenery of Nagomi Town.