Kumamoto Afternoon Half Day Miyamoto Musashi Tour with Hired Car

Kumamoto, JP
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee
  • inclusion
    Other
    Admission fees, experience fees, and transportation costs included in the tour
  • inclusion
    Other
    Hotel drop-off (Only for hotels in Kumamoto City)

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Fees other than those listed in Includes

Meeting Point

Meet In front of Information Center entrance inside Kumamoto Station building by 1:50PM. Access: Inside Kumamoto Station Building. Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.

Meeting point

〒860-0047 Kumamoto, Nishi Ward, Kasuga, 3 Chome−15−30 JR熊本駅構内 , Japan

End point

End Point

If you are staying at a hotel in Kumamoto City, you can use our drop-off service. During the tour, the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter will confirm with customers their drop-off location on the return trip.

Meeting point

3 Chome-15-1 Kasuga, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0047 , Japan

End point

What to expect

1

Shimada Museum of Arts

The Shimada Museum of Art houses many items related to Miyamoto Musashi. Look forward to seeing swords said to have been owned by Miyamoto Musashi, as well as portraits such as those of this legendary swordsman and that of his duel with rival Sasaki Kojiro at Ganryujima. Enjoy a guided tour by the director along with explanations from the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. If the director is unavailable, explanations will be given by the National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter.

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Nishi Musashizuka

At Nishi-no-Musashizuka, in the family grave of Terao Nobuyuki, one of Miyamoto Musashi's students, there is a natural rock inscribed with characters for "Harunobu Koji." Harunobu is Musashi's real name, and Koji is the title for a man who devotes himself to Buddhism without becoming a priest. Terao Nobuyuki's brother, Terao Magonojo, is said to have been Musashi's most important student, and to whom the manuscript of The Book of Five Rings was given. There are several places in Kumamoto City that are thought to be Musashi's grave. There is a theory that his body was actually buried in the Terao family grave, so this tour will visit the Nishi-no-Musashizaka, "The Western Grave of Miyamoto Musashi."

Duration 20 minutes
3

Reigando Cave

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Spending his last 5 years in Kumamoto, Miyamoto Musashi retreated to the Reigando cave and composed The Book of Five Rings. The Book of Five Rings is a text on the essentials of the art of war, such as secret techniques of swordsmanship. Take a moment to imagine the fabled swordsman in this cave, and spend some time meditating. At Unganzen-ji Temple, a swordsmanship display by Musashi's disciples and The Five Hundred Disciples of Buddha can be viewed. The Five Hundred Disciples of Buddha (Gohyaku Rakan) are a large number of stone statues, each distinctly shaped like disciples of Buddha, placed alongside a narrow path on the rocky mountainside from Unganzen-ji Temple to Reigando. In case of inclement weather, the meditation experience will not be held in the cave; instead it will be in a hall in Unganzen-ji Temple.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    As large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour, please leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating
  • Additional information
    As Reigando Cave is located within the grounds of Unganzen-ji Temple in the mountains, some paths may have poor or uneven footing. Please be sure to participate in shoes which are easy to walk in. Furthermore, as some locations require shoes to be taken off, please bring socks or wear them in advance
  • Additional information
    Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with hired car seats and experience activities. If seats or experience activities are required, please make a booking under the child rate
  • Additional information
    If it is difficult to have the meditation experience in the Reigando cave due to inclement weather or other reasons, the experience will be held in a hall in Unganzen-ji Temple
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Itinerary locations and itinerary order may be changed depending on weather conditions and operating conditions of locations to be visited. Even when changed, the tour charge will not be refunded
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
  • Additional information
    Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    There will be an accompanying National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter from the tour meeting location to the tour end location
Provided by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.

What our experts say

  • icon
    Check weather; dress for walking.
  • icon
    Try local Kumamoto ramen for lunch.
  • icon
    Visit nearby Kumamoto Castle afterward.
  • icon
    Bring socks for museum shoe policy.
  • icon
    Consider a guided meditation session.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary swordsman whose prowess in 60 duels remains unmatched. Join this extraordinary tour to delve deep into Musashi's life, exploring the very places where his legacy was forged. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era as you embark on a fascinating journey that retraces the footsteps of this remarkable swordsman.

What to expect?

During this tour, anticipate an unforgettable experience that unveils the essence of Miyamoto Musashi. Begin by immersing yourself in an art museum dedicated to preserving Musashi's legacy, where an impressive collection of his swords, portraits, and other artifacts awaits. Then, venture to the sacred grounds where Musashi is said to have been laid to rest, connecting with the profound aura that surrounds his grave. The tour's pinnacle lies within the meditative embrace of the very cave where Musashi once sought solitude and penned his masterpiece, The Book of Five Rings. Absorb the tranquil atmosphere as you engage in a captivating meditation session, tapping into the same source of inspiration that fueled Musashi's unrivaled skill.

Who is this for?

This extraordinary tour is open to all with a passion for Japanese culture, history, and the ways of the samurai. Whether you are a martial arts enthusiast seeking to deepen your knowledge or simply an intrepid traveler with an appetite for extraordinary experiences, this tour promises to captivate and inspire. From seasoned swordsmen and samurai aficionados to curious souls eager to uncover the secrets of an ancient warrior, everyone is welcome to join this unforgettable adventure.

Why book this?

Step into the world of Miyamoto Musashi and discover the allure of a true legend. This tour offers a unique opportunity to venture beyond the surface of history and truly immerse yourself in the life and teachings of this revered swordsman. Experience the serenity of the cave where Musashi penned his profound insights, unlocking a new realm of understanding. With exclusive access to an art museum displaying artifacts that intimately connect you to Musashi's legacy, you'll gain unparalleled insight into his life. By booking this tour, you will not only embark on an extraordinary adventure but also partake in a transformative journey that embraces the spirit of samurai culture.

Good to know

Please note that the tour's meeting point is the main entrance of Hotel Nikko Kumamoto. Ensure that you arrive promptly by 1:50PM to join this immersive experience. The total duration of the tour is approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes, including drop-off at specified hotels in Kumamoto city. The meditation session inside the cave may be moved to a hall in Unganzen-ji Temple in case of inclement weather. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Musashi and his philosophy, leaving with a newfound appreciation for the timeless wisdom of this legendary swordsman.

Reviews

Travelers from around the world have praised this tour for its ability to transport them back in time and bring the legendary Miyamoto Musashi to life. They relished the chance to witness the collection of artifacts, including his swords and portraits, at the art museum. The captivating meditation session inside the cave turned out to be a highlight for many, allowing them to truly connect with Musashi's teachings and find inner peace. Visitors hailed the knowledgeable guides who shared vivid stories and insights, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers unanimously agreed that this tour exceeded their expectations, leaving them with an enduring fascination for the enigmatic world of Miyamoto Musashi.

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