Tour Kumamoto Castle the Soul of the City

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2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Kumamoto Castle is a masterpiece of military architecture that has symbolized the city for over 400 years. Its combination of aesthetic and functionality made it the most formidable fortress in early modern Japan and inspired aspects of Osaka and Nagoya Castles. Even when the castle keep was burned and time ravaged the structure, the community has stepped up to rebuild and repair the bastion using traditional methods to its former glory, time after time.

Today, the city is undertaking a herculean effort to rebuild the castle as it was and return every stone to its former location. It is this dedication to cultural heritage that inspired us as translators to develop a tour that reveals the details that make this fort the cornerstone of the community. As we walk the grounds, experience the castle, listen to its stories, and discover why Kumamoto Castle means everything to Kumamoto.

What's Included

Multilingual Kumamoto City and Aso area map
Kumamoto Castle Admission (Must be paid on site or purchased beforehand.)
Please bring your own water/beverages
If coming by car, the only parking available near the castle is pay parking. Guests are responsible for their own parking. The cost given here is an estimate.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Let's meet at the statue right in front of the bridge to the castle!

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
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    Kumamoto Castle

    After we meet up in front of the statue of Kato Kiyomasa, we will climb up onto the Special Observation Path, taking us over the castle walls and giving us a bird’s eye view of the fortress and the ongoing restoration. As we walk, I will explain why Kiyomasa built the castle, what features make it the most formidable bastion in Japan, and how the city is using traditional and innovative methods to return the castle to its original state. Unfortunately, guided tours are not allowed in the renovated museum inside the castle keep, but I will provide a brief overview of what you can find and accompany you to answer any questions you may have about the exhibits. Finally, we will walk down the way we came and finish amid the shops in the Sakura-no-Baba Castle Town.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Adastra Co.,Ltd.

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Additional fees

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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