Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
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.
Professional English-speaking guide
Kumamoto city tram fare (for selected options only)
Admission to Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
Shinkansen tickets between Hakata and Kumamoto (for selected options only)
Visit to Kato Shrine
Admission to Kumamoto Castle (including special restoration access route)
Food & Drinks
Personal expenses
Transportation not specified in the selected option
Hakata to Kumamoto Option: Hakata Departure with Kumamoto Dismissal
Starting point:
Hakatakeisatsusho Hakata Ekimae Keibukoban, 1-10 Hakataekichūōgai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
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
Hakata Round-Trip Option: Round-Trip Shinkansen Tour from Hakata
Starting point:
Hakatakeisatsusho Hakata Ekimae Keibukoban, 1-10 Hakataekichūōgai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Patti E,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
Kimi was a wonderful guide and knew everyone at Kumamoto Castle. The build and rebuild of the castle has a complicated history so having a guide was very worthwhile.
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