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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Kumamoto City Hall Main Government Building
In front of Kumamoto Castle and Shiyakusho Tram Stop (Kumamoto City Tram)
Itinerary
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1
Kumamoto City Hall Observation Lobby： This free observatory facility is located on the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall. This is known as a hole-in-the-wall spot where you can get a panoramic view of the grounds of Kumamoto Castle. There is also a restaurant on the 14th floor, where you can enjoy a meal while viewing Kumamoto Castle.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza： This is a hands-on museum located at the base of Kumamoto Castle. Using the most advanced digital technology, you can actually see, hear, touch, and enjoy experiences related to Kumamoto Castle. Before you go to the castle, make sure you learn all you can about it here!
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
Kumamoto Castle： Built in 1601, the castle has a history of over 400 years and is a symbolic representation of Kumamoto. It is also one of the three most famous castles in Japan. The most important feature of Kumamoto Castle is its robustness, and its stone walls make it the strongest castle in the Warring States period. 2021, the castle tower was just rebuilt after the earthquake damage, so take your time to visit the castle.
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Kato Shrine： This shrine is dedicated to Kiyomasa Kato, a general of the Warring States period who built Kumamoto Castle and laid the foundation of Kumamoto. It is very rare to find a shrine in Japan dedicated to an actual personage, which shows that Kiyomasa was a personage with deep ties to Kumamoto. The shrine is also known as a great photo spot from which to view Kumamoto Castle!
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Sakura-no-Baba Josaien： This popular tourist facility is located in Sakura-no-baba, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan. 23 stores are lined up for you to enjoy eating and walking around. Enjoy the rich food culture, history, and traditions of the region, and savor the rich food culture and specialties of Kumamoto.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Statue of Kiyomasa Kato： Statue of Kiyomasa Kato, who built Kumamoto Castle. He is dressed in armor and a long crow's-bonnet and stands with Kumamoto Castle in the background. Kiyomasa Kato built Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, and is still affectionately known as Seishoko-san by the citizens of Kumamoto. Gyokouzaka, which stretches behind the statue, leads to the inside of Kumamoto Castle.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation, entrance fees, food and beverage costs incurred at the visited spots are to be borne by the client.
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation, entrance fees, food and beverage costs incurred at the visited spots are to be borne by the client.
- The dismissal point is different from the meeting point. Please contact the guide if you would like to change the dismissal point.
- Please wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
- Please note that each spot may be changed to another spot in case of temporary closure.
- Some of the spots you will visit that day include facilities that do not accept credit cards. Please remember to have cash ready.
- If you miss the meeting time on the day of the tour, we may not be able to provide an adequate tour experience due to the transportation used. Please be careful not to be late.
- In case of inclement weather on the day of the tour, the means of transportation, places to visit, and routes may be changed.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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