Japan's traditional techniques and cultural assets have been nurtured over a long history, including architecture, food, crafts, and performing arts. The reason why these items have been preserved and passed down to this day is due to the process of ``restoration'' that has been carried out repeatedly by craftsmen.
"Re-Construction" preserves, inherits and develops the wisdom and skills of our predecessors.
Enjoy a special experience that will remind you of Kumamoto Castle, which is under restoration, and traditional techniques adapted to modern times through the people involved.
What is Reconstruction Tourism?
Kumamoto Castle is a huge famous castle with a circumference of 5.3km, built by military commander Kato Kiyomasa over a period of 7 years starting in 1601. A unique castle construction technique that takes advantage of the natural topography is utilized, and the stone walls, known as ``Mushagaeshi'', which are curved to prevent enemy invasion, are the culmination of the skills of stonemasons.
In addition, the Hosokawa family, which entered the castle in 1632 after the Kato family and ruled the Kumamoto domain until the Meiji period, was well-versed in cultural arts such as waka, Nohgaku, and tea ceremony, and Kumamoto is home to many cultural heritages that have been passed down from generation to generation of the Hosokawa family. remain.
Kumamoto Castle suffered severe damage during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, with its stone walls collapsing and several nationally important cultural property buildings completely or partially collapsed. As of 2023, some special exhibitions such as the castle tower have resumed, but it is expected that it will take many years and a huge amount of money to completely restore it (scheduled to be completed in 2052).
A portion of the tour fee will be donated to Kumamoto Castle restoration efforts, as we would like to continue to watch over and support the restoration work that will continue into the future.
We have prepared three tours that allow you to deeply appreciate the value and charm of historical heritage sites. Why not take a look at Kumamoto Castle, which can only be seen now while it is under restoration, and travel back in time through the people who carry on traditional culture, and have an experience that can only be had here at this time?
Kumamoto Castle has been undergoing restoration works since 2016 due to earthquake damages. Guided by experts and stoneworkers involved in the restoration process of the stone walls, you will tour and see the real worksite./p>
Become a military commander and go on a historical adventure. The majestic sight with Kumamoto Castle in the background is sure to become very popular on social media.
Under the night sky, the quiet Kumamoto Castle becomes yours. After taking a private tour of the castle tower, you can reserve the 350m long “special tour boardwalk” built for the restoration of Kumamoto Castle and enjoy local sake, wine, and snacks from Kumamoto Prefecture.
You can reserve the tower after its closing time and feel like the lord of the castle for one night only. After visiting the castle’s exhibits at your leisure, enjoy a special menu of local Japanese cuisine prepared by a traditional restaurant in a dining room set up for the occasion on the top floor. A unique night to engrave timeless memories in your heart.
Kumamoto Castle tour bus (Shiromegurin)
Time required: Approximately 30 minutes
streetcar
Time required: Approximately 10 minutes
Get off at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal and walk approximately 10 minutes
scheduled bus
Time required: Approximately 10 minutes
Get off at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal and walk approximately 10 minutes
bullet train
JR Hakata Station → JR Kumamoto Station
Required time: Fastest 33 minutes
Express bus (Hakata Station: Hinokuni-go)
Hakata Station Bus Center → Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Kumamoto DMC Co., Ltd. (Person in charge: Toyama) 15-30 Suizenji Park, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 862-0956
TEL: 096-276-6655
Mail: shin.kumamotojo@k-dmc.co.jp
Business hours: 10:00 ~17:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
VISIT Kyushu Co., Ltd. (Registered by Fukuoka Prefectural Governor, Travel Agency No. 2-880) 5F
Fukuoka Shogakukan Building, 2-4-8 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0004
Mail: info@ps-q.jp
Business hours: 10: 00-17:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
This experience content is part of the Japan Tourism Agency's "Reiwa 5 Tourism Restart Project".
This project is aimed at foreign tourists visiting Japan, and Japanese nationals are not eligible to participate.
