Login
Sign UpLoginSign Up
Step into the serene heart of rural Japan on this private, half-day tour of the Kuma-Hitoyoshi region. Known for its majestic river, rich history, and world-renowned shochu, this area offers a truly authentic glimpse into a side of Japan untouched by the modern world. Your personal guide will lead you on a journey that blends nature, culture, and local flavor. You’ll glide down the legendary Kuma River, explore a stunning National Treasure shrine, and dive into the fascinating world of shochu, a unique spirit born from this land. This is more than just a tour; it’s a chance to connect with the soul of Kyushu.
Primary Area: JR Kumamoto Station .
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Kumamon Port Yatsushiro. Please inquire when booking.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Please note: This is a sample itinerary based on a 9:00 AM start time. As this is your private tour, the start time is fully flexible and we will adjust the schedule accordingly.
Meet your local guide at JR Kumamoto Station. Your guide will drive you to the charming town of Hitoyoshi, a journey of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you’ll see the changing landscapes as you leave the city behind and head into the mountains.
Arrive at the Kuma River, one of Japan’s three fastest rivers. You’ll board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing and scenic cruise. Enjoy the peaceful flow of the river and the beautiful natural surroundings.
After the river cruise, we’ll visit Aoi Aso Shrine. This shrine is a National Treasure of Japan, famous for its unique and intricate thatched-roof architecture. Your guide will explain its history and significance.
We’ll take a relaxing break for lunch. We can recommend the best local spots to suit your taste. (Please note: The cost of the meal is not included in the tour price.)
We’ll visit a local shochu distillery. You’ll get a fascinating look into the production process of this unique Japanese spirit and, for those of legal drinking age, enjoy a tasting.
Your tour concludes as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred location in Kumamoto.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Kumamon Port Yatsushiro. Please inquire when booking.
We were two couples in Kumamoto for only one day and were so very fortunate to have found such an incredible tour guide. We gave Kei a general idea of what we wanted to do and see and he put together an amazing tour. From taking a riverboat tour to a visit to a Sake Brewery, Kei had our day planned (with special attention paid to making sure we were back to the ship in time) with activities not found on your average excursion. What truly impressed me was that Kei lives more than 3 hours from where the ship docked but was on time when we left the ship. We came to find out that Kei came in the night before and stayed at a hotel just to make sure that was on time. Kei is a true professional and you couldn’t hire a better tour guide.