Public transportation options are available nearby
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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"Seeing" a castle and "understanding" one are two very different experiences.
This tour isn't built around dates and names. We've completely rethought how this castle's story gets told, creating a narrative that actually makes sense, whether you love history, are drawn to architecture, are curious about samurai-era culture, or are looking for a great way to spend time in Kumamoto. Along the way, you'll learn who built this fortress and why, how it withstood a 19th-century siege, and why 400 years later it's still the emotional center of this city. Then we go beyond the history. Kumamoto Castle is in the middle of one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in Japan: a 35-year project to r...
Highlights
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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 Points
Departure
Statue of Kato Kiyomasa
Let's meet at the statue right in front of the bridge to the castle!
Return
宇土櫓
While it takes a little bit of extra time, we can also finish at Kato Shrine for those interested in seeing where the castle's architect is enshrined.
Kumamoto Castle: The Full Story Tour
(2) Reviews
Kumamoto
About
"Seeing" a castle and "understanding" one are two very different experiences.
This tour isn't built around dates and names. We've completely rethought how this castle's story gets told, creating a narrative that actually makes sense, whether you love history, are drawn to architecture, are curious about samurai-era culture, or are looking for a great way to spend time in Kumamoto. Along the way, you'll learn who built this fortress and why, how it withstood a 19th-century siege, and why 400 years later it's still the emotional center of this city. Then we go beyond the history. Kumamoto Castle is in the middle of one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in Japan: a 35-year project to r...
Highlights
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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 Points
Departure
Statue of Kato Kiyomasa
Let's meet at the statue right in front of the bridge to the castle!
Return
宇土櫓
While it takes a little bit of extra time, we can also finish at Kato Shrine for those interested in seeing where the castle's architect is enshrined.
Itinerary
1
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.
