A wonderful journey in Kumamoto -Yoka yoka-

For everyone seeking 'special experiences' on their journey,

Travel offers a special opportunity for new experiences and encounters with people, driven by the energy of history, culture, and nature inherent to that land. Travelers, through their journeys, can feel, be inspired by, and fulfill themselves with the energy of the land, using their senses, and become aware of new possibilities.

In our hometown of Kumamoto City, stands the 'renowned castle Kumamoto Castle' built by the strategist and military commander Kato Kiyomasa 400 years ago. The castle town retains a distinct Japanese culture, earning the names 'City of Forests' and 'City of Water,' boasting beautiful nature and abundant groundwater. It has been referred to as the 'Land of Fire' since ancient times, embodying strong land energy and passionate people.

Kumamoto City is truly a 'yokamachi.'

In Kumamoto, 'yoka' is a word used to mean 'good' or 'wonderful.' Additionally...
'yokanē' (That's good!), 'yokatai' (Isn't it good?), 'yokayo' (It's good.)
These positive expressions using 'yoka' are frequently used in daily life.

To all travelers visiting the 'yokamachi' Kumamoto City, we hope you have a 'yoka time' and a 'yoka journey.' With that sentiment in mind, we've prepared recommended experiential services in Kumamoto City. All programs offer various experiences through interactions with locals, creating nothing but 'yoka experiences.'

We aspire to develop the 'yokamachi' Kumamoto City, inherited from our predecessors, leveraging encounters with travelers from around the world and connecting it to the future. We eagerly anticipate meeting you through each experience.

Yoka yoka Special Tour Plan

The tour plan we introduce is a special plan where visitors from overseas can experience the rich culture and history of Kumamoto. Regarding language support from guides, please contact the operator directly through the reservation page of each plan.

Reservations

Kumamoto Castle Local Guide Tour

A local guide residing in Kumamoto City will guide you through Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three famous castles, in approximately three hours. Kumamoto Castle was constructed about 400 years ago by the military commander Kato Kiyomasa. You can learn about the history, architecture, and the lives of samurai and the people associated with Kumamoto Castle. The tour will introduce the efforts made towards the restoration of Kumamoto Castle, which suffered significant damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. A portion of the tour's proceeds will contribute to the restoration of Kumamoto Castle.

Reservations

Kumamoto Castle Town Local Guide Tour

A guide residing in Kumamoto City will take you on a approximately three-hour tour of the beloved Kumamoto Castle town, cherished by the local people. This area developed as a castle town along the formidable and strategic Kumamoto Castle, constructed about 400 years ago by the powerful warlord Kato Kiyomasa. Explore the nostalgic streets of the Old Town and New Town districts, witnessing precious traditional buildings like remaining townhouses. Enjoy shopping and tasting local delicacies while experiencing the culture of the castle town through interactions with local residents and the guide.

Reservations

Suizenji Jojuen - Stroll in Kimono/Japanese Matcha and Confectionery Experience

The Suizenji Jojuen is a pond and stream-style garden where the beauty of water is showcased around a large pond. At the kimono shop on the approach, you can wear a beautiful kimono and leisurely explore the garden surrounded by the natural beauty of the changing seasons. In the charming "Kokin Denju-no-Ma," a building with a thatched roof relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you will have the opportunity to experience the tranquility of sipping matcha tea accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets. This tour offers a chance to savor both Japanese culinary culture and the beauty of nature.

Reservations

Kumamoto City South, Kawashiri Town Artisan Culture Experience

Kawashiri Town in Kumamoto City is a town located in the southern part of Kumamoto City. Flourishing historically as a vital maritime hub, it has been a place where numerous artisans have thrived. Even today, various traditional crafts such as blades, bamboo crafts, and Higo-koma (a type of traditional Japanese spinning top) continue to be passed down through generations. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience the charm of traditional Japanese crafts up close through visits to the Craft Hall, sake brewery, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) making. Not only will you get to feel the allure of Japan's traditional crafts, but through interactions with artisans, you can also deepen your understanding of Japanese traditional artisan culture.

Reservations

Shirakawa Park Tea House - Tea Ceremony and Local Folk Dance Experience

Escape the hustle and bustle and spend a tranquil moment in an elegant tea house with a traditional sukiya-style architecture. This luxurious tour offers the exclusive use of all three serene tea houses nestled beside the Shirakawa River in the heart of Kumamoto City. Experience both graceful local folk-dance and a tea ceremony simultaneously in this peaceful setting. Enjoy watching enchanting dances filled with emotion, performed by local folk-dance teachers to the accompaniment of traditional Kumamoto folk songs. In the refined atmosphere of a Japanese house, savor premium Kumamoto-style cultural experiences as you indulge in matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets prepared by local residents. This unique tour provides a glimpse into the rich and authentic cultural heritage of Kumamoto.

Reservations

Kumamoto Samurai Experience: Spirit of Miyamoto Musashi Kumamoto

The globally renowned samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, is considered Japan's strongest samurai, having engaged in 60 battles throughout his lifetime without a single defeat. Spending his later years in Kumamoto, he resided in a cave called "Reigandou" within the city. It was here that he wrote the "Gorin-no-sho," a compilation of tactics and principles for overcoming the uncertainties and doubts in one's heart to achieve victory. He also finalized his own school of martial arts, "Niten Ichi-ryu." This plan offers the opportunity to learn the authentic swordsmanship and spirituality of a true samurai, passed down for approximately 380 years through the Niten Ichi-ryu school, from Master Matsunaga, the 18th generation head of the school. Immerse yourself in the culture of Kumamoto's samurai, confront yourself, and experience the samurai ethos to enhance your self-awareness.

Reservations

"Scenic Yoga Journey" - Morning Serenity at Kumamoto Castle -

The first installment involves experiencing park yoga in a lush green park while overlooking the historic building of Kumamoto Castle! It's a special time for oneself to savor the extraordinary in a special place. Relaxing yoga is performed using all five senses, allowing you to feel the pleasant breeze amidst nature. Refresh your mind and body through yoga! Why not experience park yoga as an accent to your journey? For our foreign visitors, we provide simple guidance in Japanese, so please feel free to join us casually.