All Kumamoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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!

After meeting at the entrance of Aso Station, we start the tour with an introduction to Mt. Aso and our grasslands. Then, on to the gear: we’ll take our bicycles for a test before going our way. Beginners are welcome too, must you need help for the bicycle’s use, your guide will explain everything. No need for extreme bicycling skills, as they are electrically assisted! From the bottom of the caldera at Aso Station, at about 500 meter above sea level, to the Aso Nakadake crater (elevation 1,300m), there is an elevation difference of 800m. (2600ft) You then get to enjoy the best views of the mount Aso crater. Going back down, the caldera opens up in front of you. Aso's magnificent nature awaits you here. We’ll end our tour at the entrance of JR Aso Stn, unless you booked a ride to your accommodation. We can also guide you to a hot spring after the tour to unwind and relax in the caldera. *You can leave your luggage with us, so you can enjoy the grasslands of Aso at ease.

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.

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.

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.

Travelers looking for a tour with a difference will enjoy learning about the daily life of a local lumberjack in Aso Minamioguni. Your local guide will take you into the forest, where he’ll teach you about the ecosystem, show you how to fell a tree safely, and guide you in building a simple log construction. Follow this with a tasty traditional lunch on a farm.

This is a unique experience that gives you insight in both the natural and cultural history of the region. Apart from seeing the beauty of the scenery with your own eyes, you will also get to interact with locals and learn about the traditions and how they have lived in harmony with the environment. If you have a few extra hours to spend in the area and are looking for a deep and memorable experience in the outdoors, this is perfect for you.

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!

-Secrets of Japanese Home Cooking in the Kuma Valley The Kuma Basin’s abundant natural environment has long supported a rich food culture, where fresh river fish, mountain vegetables, and rice from fertile fields are staples of everyday meals. This experience focuses on the essence of Japanese home cooking, revealing the subtle techniques and cultural wisdom behind each dish. Guided by Sechan, a lively local chef with deep roots in the community, you'll discover how ordinary ingredients are transformed into nourishing, beautiful meals — a tradition quietly passed from generation to generation. Through hands-on learning and storytelling, you'll connect not just with the cuisine, but with the spirit of rural Japanese life.

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.

On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special outdoor bar in the "Millennium Grassland" with no artificial light. Transportation to and from your hotel or guesthouse in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a starry sky at the Millennium Grassland. Our guide, who is knowledgeable about the starry skies of Japan's four seasons, will quietly introduce you to the constellations. Of course, quiet time is also available. While looking at the starlight that was emitted hundreds of thousands of years ago, before the Aso Caldera was formed, please think about the eternal past. We also offer local craft beer, wine, and hot drinks to make your Aso night the best it can be. (Up to one drink per person is included in the price. Additional charges apply.) After gazing at the starry sky, depending on the season, enjoy a digital detox around a bonfire and enjoy the night in the grasslands of Aso.

Welcome to Aso! We aim to propose encounters with local farmers on this tour to make your Aso experience unforgettable. The Aso colored sheep are very much the future of Aso and the strawberry farm offers delicious fresh snacks from new year's till early summer. In addition, we'll enjoy bringing you to the best local restaurants so you'll be able to savor the Aso grown vegetables and locally produced food. Depending on the season, the produce and thus the tour's content will vary. We can customize this tour with different options for lunch, pick-up, and other add-on activities. Optional: - We can do the tour bicycling through the caldera, if you are up to some light exercise! - If you have mobility troubles we can organize the tour by car as well. Please feel free to ask, we can make the experience complete with accommodation and a special dinner as well.

Step into the heart of Kumamoto on this immersive 5-hour cultural tour. Explore samurai history at Wakuwakuza Museum, walk the storied grounds of Kumamoto Castle, and reflect at Kato Shrine before discovering the tranquil beauty of Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Complete your journey with a traditional matcha tea experience in a historic teahouse. Rich in history, scenery, and soul—this unforgettable tour is your perfect introduction to one of Japan’s most beloved castle towns. Book now and experience Kumamoto like never before.

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.

Hop in for an unforgettable adventure from Fukuoka to Kumamoto! This private deluxe tour is all about freedom, fun and discovery. Cruise through the countryside with your personal guide, your music on the speakers, and the freedom to stop anytime for photos or hidden gems. Feel the thrill at Mount Aso, Japan’s most active volcano, and strike a pose with all 10 One Piece statues scattered across the region — a perfect mix of pop culture and epic views. Take a peaceful moment at a local shrine, then wrap up your day with a plate of Kumamoto’s famous delicacies . Whether you’re a nature lover, anime fan, foodie, or just want a unique road trip in Japan, this tour has something for everyone — and it's all on your terms.

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.

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.

Venture into the heart of Kyushu and uncover Shiiba Village, one of Japan’s three hidden gems. This exclusive day trip allows you to witness the majestic 800-year-old Okubo no Ohinoki cypress, savor local Shiiba Soba, and explore the rich folklore at Tsurutomi Yashiki. With private transport from Kumamoto, enjoy breathtaking views from the Oichiyo Observatory and engage with the warm local community over mountain tea. This immersive experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural insights beyond Japan’s bustling cities. - Private tour from Kumamoto with a maximum group size of 8 - Discover the ancient Okubo no Ohinoki, a sacred cypress tree - Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Shiiba Soba - Hear captivating legends at the historic Tsurutomi Yashiki and engage with locals

Sparking the popularity of Japanese whiskey in recent years, and recognized worldwide for its high quality, this distillery specializing in malt whiskey opened in 2021 with technical support from Kagoshima Prefecture’s Honbo Sake Brewery. Utilizing the benefits of Yamaga’s rich natural climate, we are pursuing a beautiful, gorgeous flavor and noble depth. It is a remarkable up-and-coming distillery that aspires to create single malt that will captivate people around the world.

Enjoy the sunrise and sea of ​​clouds over the Aso Caldera while sipping a hot drink with special permission from the Millennium Grassland Observatory. Why not spend some time in Aso until breakfast at a special place only known to those in the know? On this tour, with special permission, we will take you to a special observation point in the "Millenium Grassland" that is normally inaccessible. Transportation to and from hotels and guesthouses in Aso City is also included, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a sea of ​​clouds filling Aso Caldera in the "Millennium Grasslands". Beyond the sea of ​​clouds, the Five Peaks of Mt.Aso lie as a reclining statue, a divine sight in Japan. Our baristas will guide you through the sunrise and the sea of ​​clouds while offering you coffee, tea, and local tea brewed with spring water.

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.

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.