6-Hour Tour: Pick 2 – Kumamoto Castle, Castle Town, Suizenji Park

Location 1: Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three great castles, is a stunning embodiment of the philosophy and strategy of samurai from 400 years ago. It serves as a symbol and source of identity for those born and raised in Kumamoto. Inside the castle, rich in information about Japanese castles, visitors can head to an observation floor located approximately 14 stories above ground. The tour, guided by an expert, offers engaging explanations and interactive experiences. Highlights include:The outer structures of Kumamoto Castle (stone walls, Kato Kiyomasa statue, etc.). The special walkway (a path 6 meters above the ground, made of locally sourced cypress wood). The stone walls and remains of the main palace built by the master castle builder, Kato Kiyomasa. Visits to the basement to the 4th floor of the castle tower (museum) and the 6th floor (observation deck). The Josaien complex (souvenir shops, restaurants, and the Kumamoto Castle Museum "Excitement Zone").

Location 2:Kumamoto Castle Town The castle town, which supported and flourished around the "impregnable" Kumamoto Castle, still retains historical buildings and streets in the "Old Town and New Town" area, where you can feel the history even today. Visitors can also explore shops and cafes that offer a sense of Japanese and Kumamoto culture. The guide will take you to hidden gems for shopping, tea time, or even casual drinks. Examples of spots include: Organic food stores, traditional Japanese confectionery shops, coffee shops, the oldest bakery in Kumamoto. A walk along the historical Satsuma Kaido road. Nagasaki Jiro Bookstore and other historical buildings. A traditional Japanese toy wholesale store. Kakuchi experience at a traditional liquor store (Kakuchi refers to the Japanese-style liquor shops that serve drinks on-site in addition to selling bottles).

Location 3:Suizenji Jojuen This beautiful park, cherished by Kumamoto’s citizens, features a circuit-style garden centered around a large pond fed by natural spring water. Visitors can enjoy Japanese landscapes that showcase the beauty of all four seasons: vibrant spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greenery, fiery autumn leaves, and serene winter scenes. The garden offers a tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation. Inside the park, visit Izumi Shrine or enjoy the "Kokin Denju-no-Ma," a thatched-roof room relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (optional admission includes Japanese sweets and matcha). From this room, enjoy breathtaking views of the garden, unchanged for over 150 years. Highlights include: A circuit-style garden with a large natural spring-fed pond. Izumi Shrine, located within the park. "Kokin Denju-no-Ma" (optional admission includes matcha and sweets). Old-fashioned souvenir shops at the park entrance.