Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Things to know
About the Activity
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.4 hours
Private Tour
Pickup offered
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Licensed Local English-speaking Guide
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kumamoto city
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Transportation amenities : Private transportation. Private transportation
This tour does not allow for pick up at the Yatsuhiro Port.
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
More Activities in Kumamoto
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Kumamoto Castle
1-1 Hommaru, Chuo-ku, , Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0002Kumamoto Castle (熊本城, Kumamotojō) is one of the most impressive castles in Japan. With large castle grounds and a variety of buildings, Kumamoto Castle offers its visitors one of the most complete castle experiences in Japan.
Only a few structures have survived the centuries since the castle's construction in 1607 intact. The castle keep and most other buildings are modern reconstructions, but the reconstructions are mostly of a high quality and new buildings are continually being added. With about 800 cherry trees, the castle becomes a popular cherry blossom spot usually in late March and early April.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location2
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
8-1 Suizenji Park, Chuo-ku, , Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0956Suizenji Garden (水前寺成趣園, Suizenji Jōjuen) is a spacious, Japanese style landscape garden in Kumamoto, best enjoyed by strolling along a circular path. It was built by the Hosokawa family in the 17th century.
The garden reproduces the 53 post stations of the Tokaido, the important road, which connected Edo with Kyoto during the Edo Period, in miniature form, including a small Mt. Fuji.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location3
Lafcadio Hearn House
2-6 Anseimachi, Chuo-ku, , Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0801Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904), known in Japan under his Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo, was among the first Western authors to write books about Japan. His most famous works include "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" and "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things".
Hearn immigrated to Japan in 1890 and spent the rest of his life there. After spending a year in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Hearn resided several years of his life (1891 to 1894) in Kumamoto City. Today, his former Kumamoto residence (小泉八雲熊本旧居, Koizumi Yakumo Kumamoto Kyūkyo) is open to the public and contains a small museum about the author.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location4
Sakuranobaba Josaien Tourist Information Center
1-1-3 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0008Josaien is a tourist establishment that houses the specialty dishes and souvenirs of Kumamoto. At Josaien, you can try specialties that are unique to the region, such as the Salad Chikuwa (deep-fried fish cake with salad inside) and the Ikinari Dango (sweet potato and bean paste wrapped in dough). The Tourist Information Center offers pamphlets and local maps in English, Chinese, and Korean, as well as coin lockers that you can use for free.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location5
Shimotori Shotengai
1 Chome-3-10 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0807Shimotori Arcade is the largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto Prefecture, measuring 511 m in length and 15 m in width. Visited by more than 50,000 people each day, it is a place that is lined with department stores, boutiques, and eating and drinking establishments. It is also often used as a venue for performances by street musicians and exhibits by various groups. There are many izakaya (Japanese pubs) and bars here that are open until late at night, so it is also famous as a nighttime entertainment district.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location6
Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto
2-3 Kamitoricho, Chuo-ku, , Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0845Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto (CAMK) is a museum that mainly exhibits contemporary art. At the museum, you can appreciate works integrated with the actual building at various spots inside the hall, including James Turrell's light canopy and Marina Abramovic's bookshelves that come with a bed. The museum is attached to the Home Gallery, where you can browse art books and manga (Japanese comics), as well as a Kids Salon where families can enjoy picture books and picture story shows. There are also planned exhibitions that give a glimpse into the art culture of Kumamoto.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location7
Hanaokayama Park
4-1581-1 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0047Hanaokayama is a hill which offers you great views over the city and it is particularly pretty if you trek here in the evening when you can catch the twinkling lights over the city.
If the weather is good then you can even see as far as Mount Aso, steaming away behind Kumamoto.
It takes around 15 minutes to trek to the summit of the hill, or you can also travel there by car, but it is more than worth the effort to get to the top as you can also check out a small hillside temple which is topped with a shrine gate known as a torii in Japanese.1 hour • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location8
Soseki Natsume Uchitsuboi Old House
4-22 Uchitsuboi-machi, , Kumamoto, Japan, 860-0077Soseki Memorial Hall is dedicated to Natsume Soseki who was a writer who would have lived during the Meiji period and who died in 1916. The memorial hqll is based in his former home which dates from the 1870s and this also used to be an English school.
One of the main reasons to come here is to check out the period architecture as well as the ornate Japanese garden that surrounds the building.
From the house you can also walk to the serene Tsuboi-gawa River.1 hour • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- This tour does not allow for pick up at the Yatsuhiro Port. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7. This tour does not allow for a pick up at Yatsuhiro port.
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot. No Private Vehicle is included.
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- Japanese
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Asia/Tokyo time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by Japan Guide AgencyCreated on 18 Mar 2020Created on 24 Nov 2024
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