Urban Cultural Tour of Kumamoto
Joined 2025
A five hour tour from the morning to early afternoon to see traditional culture of Kumamoto - now a city in the centre of Kyushu with approximately 750,000 people. You will visit the magnificent Kumamoto Castle followed by the one and only experience of “Higo-Zogan (inlay metalwork)” making. After lunch at a restaurant of local favourite, Japanese archery performance (“Kyudo”) will be observed before returning to the train station. An afternoon tour will be a little shorter without lunch.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Japan Railway Kumamoto Station (Afternoon option 1:30pm meeting is also available)
- Its address is: 15-40 Kasuga 3-chome, Nishi-ward, Kumamoto, Kumamoto pref., 860-0047. We'll take a city tram to the closest stop with a "one-day ticket" - a whole day pass for the tram of JPY700 - unless otherwise proposed by the guest(s).
Kumamoto Castle
One of the most magnificent castles constructed in early 17th century. Admission fee is JPY 800.
The tour will be in and round the castle on foot (preferably w/ sun glasses, a hat or a parasol in summer) for a little less than an hour.
Mitsusuke Higo-Zogan (inlay metalwork) shop - metalwork making experience
After leaving the castle, we'll go on foot and take a taxi - the fare of which will be borne by the guest(s) - to a locally well-known Higo-Zogan (inlay metalwork) shop to make an original metalwork for an hour. A specialist artisan will add the final touch and the work will be sent to the guest(s). The experience costs approximately JPY8,500 with shipping expenses.
Lunch break
We'll have lunch at a nearby all-time favorite restaurant for around JPY2,500 to 4,000. Please inform in advance if there is any special preference, food to avert or vegetarian/ vegan requirements. The lunch for the guest(s) is payable by the guest(s).
Kitaoka Nature Park "Kyudo" Hall for Japanese archery performance
A Visit to one of Japanese archery - Kyudo - range. We should be able to observe veterans and/or youngsters shooting arrows to a target 28metres (about 30 yards) away. We'll walk to the archery range unless otherwise advised by the guest(s).
Kitaoka Nature Park "Kyudo" Hall
We'll leave the venue for JR Kumamoto Station either on foot and by the tram - which can take about half an hour - or by taxi, the fare of which will be borne by the guest(s). It'll be a 10 to 15 minute ride.
Ending Point
Japan Railway Kumamoto Station or any place in the city center (at 02:15 to 02:30, depending on the transport to use).
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding
1) Transportations: one-day tram ticket, taxi fares & others if any
2) Admission fees: for the Kumamoto Castle & others if any
3) Inlay metalwork making at Mitsusuke Higo-Zogan shop & other services in other venues
4) Lunch and other food and/or drinks for the guest(s)
Tour Important Information
* Please advise if a tour in the afternoon (to begin at 01:30 until 05:45 p.m.) is preferred. The tour will be separately arranged and informed.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Provision of sun glasses, a hat or a parasol in summer is recommended.
* To have a rain gear is a good idea in Kumamoto throughout the year.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please advise in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* All expenses including transports, admission fees, food and/or other services provided are payable by the guest(s).
Please contact me before booking a tour as there can be changes to my schedules.
Important message from the supplier
Available days (of the week) and hours are subject to schedules in colleges and universities that I'm lecturing at.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Toshiaki O.
Hello and welcome to Kumamoto!
My name is Toshiaki Okazaki - please call me Toshi - and I’m a licensed English-speaking guide interpreter based here in the beautiful city of Kumamoto in Kyushu, the southern-most island of Japan's four main islands.
A holder of M.A. in international tourism from a University in Ireland before serving as a visiting lecturer in Scotland followed by lecturing and research careers in Kumamoto, I’m passionate about sharing the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Kumamoto and Kyushu with visitors from around the world. Whether you're interested in exploring Kumamoto Castle and other historical heritages, tasting local delicacies or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path in and around local flora and fauna, I would be honoured to guide you.
Let’s make unforgettable memories together in the city and prefecture of Kumamoto - and elsewhere!
$51/ per group