This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:30 Meet at Hotel Castle, discuss the day's itinerary, travel by taxi
- 10:00-10:45 Suizenji Jojuen Garden tour, also enjoy tea at the Kokin Denju no Ma
- 11:00-11:20 Explanation of Kumamoto Castle and the earthquake at the City Hall Observatory
- 11:40-13:30 Kumamoto Castle tour
Title: What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The cherry blossoms had just begun to bloom, and both Suizenji Garden and Kumamoto Castle were beautifully colored, so the guests were pleased to have taken some great photos. At Suizenji Garden, the guests enjoyed a green tea and sweets experience. I explained the historical significance of Kumamoto Castle in an easy-to-understand way, and the guests were pleased, saying it was a very educational tour. There was also a request to recommend some good izakaya and restaurants, so before heading to the city hall I showed them the locations in person, for which they were very grateful. It was a warm and friendly tour, with a little Japanese mixed in from time to time.
Click here for more details: Kumamoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Suizenji Park～Suidocho | 180JPY |
| Total | 180JPY | ||
I worked for KUMAMOTO Prefecture as a local government officer. Most of my work was tourism promotion in Kumamoto. Now I retired, I love Kumamoto and I wish you also love Kumamoto after the tour.
I like sports activities, running, trekking, cycling and hiking. If you are interested in such activities, you’ll know another face of Japan.
Of course, I am good at history and geography in Japan. I can explain why the events were occurred as an interesting story.
I traveled not only Japan, but many oversea countries. I know what international visitors want and worry. I guarantee your happy trip in Japan. And I hope you’ll like Japan more and more.
Oct 15, 2024
betsy_b
Great guide
Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Jun was an excellent guide. Very well prepared. Showed us…
Oct 15, 2024
betsy_b
Great guide
Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Jun was an excellent guide. Very well prepared. Showed us a lot and was excellent at
explaining things. We had an excellent day with him
Aug 25, 2024
Maxine_B
Phenomenal Tour Guide
Viator review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Jun was very informative. He had…
Aug 25, 2024
Maxine_B
Phenomenal Tour Guide
Viator review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Jun was very informative. He had a binder with visuals to ensure nothing
would get lost in translation. In addition he assisted us with transportation to and from our
cruise ship. He is one of the best tour guides we have encountered.
Jun 14, 2024
GylM
Jun-san was very accommodating and super helpful. Best way to see as much of Kumamoto city as possible in a day.…
Jun 14, 2024
GylM
Jun-san was very accommodating and super helpful. Best way to see as much of Kumamoto city as possible in a day.
Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Jun-san was fantastic. He adjusted the tour to our interests, brought us to a really fun activity (Zogan workshop) and helped tremendously with recommendations and travel arrangements, even after the day of the tour. Communication by email was fast and clear. Even riding the trams like a local was an enjoyable part of the day. A great experience in Kumamoto.