Kumamoto tours

Things to do in Kumamoto

In Kumamoto, the spirit of resilience and tradition pulses through the city like a lively festival. The imposing Kumamoto Castle stands as a testament to the city's indomitable spirit, while the vibrant streets buzz with energy and warmth. Your local guide turns Kumamoto tours into a personal adventure, leading you through hidden alleyways and bustling markets where the aroma of sizzling yakitori mingles with the laughter of locals. Engage in a food and wine tour to savour the rich flavours of Kumamoto beef and local shochu, or take a walking tour to uncover the artistic flair that adorns the city's walls and galleries. With your guide, you’ll skip the line to experience the best of the city without the crowds, gaining insider access to its cultural treasures and heartfelt stories that make Kumamoto a place like no other. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Kumamoto. Explore Kumamoto your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Kumamoto tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Kumamoto for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Head with your guide to Aso Kuju National Park to walk the grasslands of Kusasenri and take in crater views from Daikanbo; if the crater area is closed, your guide will adjust to safe lookouts and nearby hot-spring valleys. Or cruise from Amakusa’s Itsuwa port on a small boat to watch resident bottlenose dolphins and pause at a quiet beach for a simple picnic. History tours: Explore Kumamoto Castle’s keep and massive stone walls, then step into the Former Hosokawa Residence to see elegant samurai-era rooms and gardens before browsing the Sakuranobaba Josaien townscape. Continue to Reigando Cave at Unganzen-ji, where Miyamoto Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, or visit the Meiji period Misumi West Port to see preserved brick warehouses and a historic lighthouse. Food and Drink tours: Slurp rich Kumamoto ramen topped with roasted garlic oil at your guide’s favourite counter, sample basashi at a trusted izakaya, and try Aso’s Akaushi beef grilled at a farmhouse eatery. Join a tasting of Kuma shochu at a small distillery in Hitoyoshi or a cosy bar in the city, then browse seasonal produce and sweets in the Tsuruya Department Store food hall. Central areas are easy to cover on foot and by tram, with buses and trains reaching neighbourhoods across the city; for farther-flung places like Mount Aso and the Amakusa islands, travel takes time, so you can ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Kumamoto inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Kumamoto to explore its vibrant neighborhoods with the insight of a local guide. - Kumamoto Castle Area: Ideal for families and history enthusiasts, this area offers a deep dive into Japan’s feudal past. Wander around the reconstructed castle grounds, rich with stories and history. - Shimotori and Kamitori Shopping Streets: Perfect for those who love shopping and food. These bustling streets are lined with shops and restaurants, offering everything from local specialties to international goods. - Suizenji Jojuen Garden: This is a tranquil escape for nature lovers and those seeking meaningful connections with Japanese culture, featuring a meticulously landscaped garden that represents the 53 Stations of the Tokaido. - Sakura-no-baba Josaien: A lively spot for families and groups looking to experience local culture through traditional performances and regional foods, all set in a historical atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Kumamoto From Kumamoto, you can stretch your legs with easy day trips into volcano country, onsen valleys, and island coasts that feel close but very different from the city. - Mt Aso and Kusasenri Plateau: Stand on the rim of one of the world’s largest calderas, walk the grasslands at Kusasenri, and take in wide views from Daikanbo. If you like hiking, open scenery, and learning how the volcano shapes local life, this area fits; your tour can swap viewpoints if crater access closes. - Kurokawa Onsen: A classic hot spring village in the hills, with riverside baths, quiet lanes, and cafés for a slow lunch. If soaking, nature, and simple rural scenes are your thing, Kurokawa caters to that with a relaxed pace and outdoor baths tucked into the forest. - Amakusa Islands: Drive coastal roads, stop at hilltop churches that show the region’s hidden Christian story, and watch fast tidal currents from seaside cliffs. If you enjoy sea views, history, and fresh seafood, Amakusa delivers variety in one loop. - Takachiho Gorge: Basalt walls, emerald water, short trails, and shrines set among old cedars. If you want a light hike with striking geology and a calm small-town feel, Takachiho balances nature time with easy places to eat nearby on a day trip. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Kumamoto most travellers miss.