Please print the voucher and bring it with you on the day of departure. You cannot use the voucher as a display only.
Please return your kimono to Wa Collection Mitojo Saien store by 5pm.
Reception at Kokin Denju Hall closes at 4:30 p.m.
Please exchange your WakuWaku 1DAY Pass at the bus information desk in Sakuramachi Square on the 2nd floor of SAKURAMACHI Kumamoto during business hours (7:30~20:00).
The WakuWaku 1Day Pass cannot be used on Kumamoto Bus, express buses, limited express buses, rapid buses, Kyushu Cross-Island Buses, airport limousine buses, scheduled sightseeing buses, and other buses designated by each operator.
If you get on and off beyond the range of the WakuWaku 1Day Pass, you will need to pay the initial fare from the last stop you can use.
The WakuWaku 1-DAY Pass can be used for the rest of the day even after the experience has ended.
Please come as light as possible on the day. (You can leave your baggage at the store while you are exploring Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden.)
Please note that you may have to wait for dressing at Wa Collection Mito, or for the serving of matcha green tea and sweets at Kokin Denju no Ma depending on how busy the rooms are.
Kumamoto Castle is renowned for its impressive stone walls, unique architectural features like the Uto Turret, and its ongoing restoration efforts. Visitors can explore various accessible areas, including the castle grounds, restored towers, and enjoy panoramic views. The reconstruction of the main keep allows for an immersive experience of its rich history and strategic importance.
Visiting Kumamoto Castle offers a unique blend of history and resilience. Despite past damage, its majestic presence and the detailed restoration work provide a profound insight into feudal Japan. The opportunity to stroll the grounds, perhaps in traditional attire like a kimono, enhances the cultural immersion, making it a truly memorable and distinctive experience.
Kumamoto Castle is currently undergoing extensive restoration following the 2016 earthquakes, but significant areas are open to the public. Visitors can access the main keep, Uto Turret, and various restored sections. Observation decks and pathways allow for close-up views of the impressive stone walls and ongoing recovery efforts, showcasing both its grandeur and resilience.
To reach Kumamoto Castle, visitors can take the Kumamoto City Tram from JR Kumamoto Station. Board either the A Line or B Line and alight at Kumamotojo-mae Station (熊本城前). From there, Kumamoto Castle is just a short walk away. The included one-day pass makes this a convenient and easy way to travel.
To thoroughly explore Kumamoto Castle, including its open areas, grounds, and museum exhibits within the main keep, a recommended duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to appreciate the architecture, learn about its history, and enjoy the surrounding gardens and views at a comfortable pace.
The included one-day pass provides unlimited rides on the Kumamoto City Tram and designated local bus routes. To use it, simply show the pass to the driver when boarding or exiting. It offers convenient access to major attractions like Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Temple, allowing you to explore the city without worrying about individual fares and enjoying seamless travel.
At Suizenji Temple, visitors can explore the exquisite Suizenji Jojuen strolling garden, admire the miniaturized replication of the Tokaido road, and experience traditional Japanese culture at the historic Kokin Denju-no-Ma. Josaien, located near Kumamoto Castle, offers a vibrant castle town atmosphere with local shops, traditional cuisine, and souvenirs, perfect for experiencing local customs.
The kimono experience allows visitors to rent and be dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos. You can then stroll through the historic grounds of Kumamoto Castle and the serene gardens of Suizenji Temple, enhancing your cultural immersion and creating memorable photo opportunities. It offers a unique way to connect with the local heritage while exploring key landmarks.