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Kumamoto Castle, Samurai Legacy & Restoration Tour

Location Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Location Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
$230.81
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

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.

The experience offers several options. This price includes:

Kumamoto Walking Tour
Kumamoto Walking Tour: Kumamoto City Walking Experience
Starting point:
Sakuranobaba Josaien tourist information centre, Japan, 860-0008 Kumamoto, Chuo Ward, Ninomaru, 113 桜の馬場城彩苑 内
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 3 hours

The experience offers several options, check yours above
  • Admission to Kumamoto Castle (including special restoration access route)
  • Visit to Kato Shrine
  • Shinkansen tickets between Hakata and Kumamoto (for selected options only)
  • Admission to Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
  • Kumamoto city tram fare (for selected options only)
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Transportation not specified in the selected option
  • Personal expenses
  • Food & Drinks

Meeting point
Please meet your guide in front of the Hakata Ekimae Police Box (Hakata Police Station – Hakata Station Front Koban). Your guide will be holding a yellow signboard. Please refer to the map for detailed directions.
Please meet your guide in front of the General Tourist Information Center. Your guide will be holding a yellow signboard. Please refer to the map for detailed directions.
Return details
For the Hakata departure and Kumamoto dismissal option, the tour ends at Kumamoto Castle / City Hall tram stop. As a centrally located streetcar station, it offers easy access back to downtown Kumamoto and convenient connections for further sightseeing.
For the Hakata round-trip option, the tour ends at Hakata Station. As the gateway to Kyushu, Hakata provides excellent transportation connections to destinations throughout Japan.
For the on-site meeting and dismissal option, the tour ends in front of Kato Shrine. Located next to Kumamoto Castle, this area offers convenient access to nearby attractions and transportation.

  • The Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza is an interactive cultural facility located near the castle. Through engaging exhibits, traditional costumes, historical models, and hands-on displays, the museum brings the stories of Kumamoto’s past vividly to life. It offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, making it the perfect place to deepen your understanding of samurai culture, daily life in the Edo period, and the legacy of Kumamoto Castle.
  • Kumamoto Castle
    Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic and historically significant castles. Built over 400 years ago by the renowned warlord Kato Kiyomasa, it is admired for its striking black keep, gracefully curved stone walls, and massive scale. Unlike many castles in Japan, Kumamoto Castle survived two real battles and was never taken, earning its reputation as an impregnable fortress. Today, visitors can witness ongoing restoration efforts following the 2016 earthquake—a rare chance to see a national treasure reborn through advanced engineering and traditional craftsmanship.
  • Kato Shrine
    Located within the grounds of Kumamoto Castle, Kato Shrine is dedicated to the castle’s founder, Kato Kiyomasa. This serene Shinto shrine is a place of deep local reverence, where visitors can pay respect to the legendary samurai who shaped Kumamoto’s history. The shrine also offers one of the best views of Kumamoto Castle, making it a favorite photo spot for visitors and a peaceful place to reflect on the city’s enduring spirit.

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Kumamoto Castle, Samurai Legacy & Restoration Tour

    Location Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
    Location Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
    $230.81
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
    Delivery options
    eVoucher
    • Free
    • Instant delivery
    • Environmentally friendly
    Physical Gift Box
    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
    • Shipping Worldwide

    No expiration date
    Easy refund
    Free exchange
    Easy booking
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