Follow the Footsteps of Master Swordsman Miyamoto Musashi Throughout Kumamoto
Miyamoto Musashi was a world-famous swordsman active in the first half of the 17th century. Although Musashi's peerless mastery of the blade is common knowledge, it isn't well known that he spent his later years in Kumamoto. On this tour, we will take a bus to follow Miyamoto's path around Kumamoto to sites like Reigando Cave and Musashizuka. After the tour's final stop at the Shimada Museum of Art, where many of the swordsman's artifacts are on display, you will be taken to the stylish hidden café next to the museum to enjoy confections (and a drink) from their secret sweets menu only available to tour participants. Furthermore, you will even have the rare opportunity to experience the swordfight style founded by Musashi, Niten Ichiryu, through a special demonstration inside the Shimada Art Museum.
Musashizuka Park
This is one of the multiple places in Kumamoto City where Miyamoto Musashi is said to be buried.
Musashizuka Park
Legend has it Musashi was buried here so that he could watch over the Hosokawa family as they made their long journey to the capital of Edo every other year.
Musashizuka Park
A quiet park with lots of lush greenery, a Japanese garden, and a tea house.
Reigando Cave (Unganzenji Temple)
A dark cave surrounded by ancient trees with an intense, serene atmosphere.
Reigando Cave (Unganzenji Temple)
Five hundred stone arhats, or Buddhist disciples, sit on the hillside along the narrow path leading to Reigando Cave.
Reigando Cave (Unganzenji Temple)
It is in this very cave that Miyamoto Musashi holed up to write the "Book of Five Rings," his life's work.
Shimada Museum of Art
Built in a serene bamboo grove, this museum conserves and educates about Kumamoto's historical samurai culture.
Shimada Museum of Art
The cafe attached to the Shimada Museum of Art has a special sweets menu (drink included) for tour participants.
Shimada Museum of Art
Inside the Shimada Museum of Art, tour participants have an incredibly rare chance to see Niten Ichiryu swordsmanship up close and personal.
- Tour Capacity:
- About 20
- Meals Included:
- Lunch
- Meeting Place:
- Example: JR Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance (West Entrance) in front of the Shinkansen Line turnstile
3-15 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City - Note:
- ・This is a custom-designed tour, not a regularly scheduled one.
Once you apply for the tour, we will discuss with you to determine the itinerary, content, and other details.
・Course content will be changed in the event of inclement weather or if certain activities or locations are unavailable.
・Tour stops can be changed. Please consult with us for more details.
- Contact:
- Kumamoto International Convention & Tourism Bureau
Phone: 096-359-1788
Email: mice@kumamoto-icb.or.jp
About 9AM
1. Musashizuka Park
2. Sakuranobaba Josaien (Lunch)
3. Reigando Cave (Unganzenji Temple)
4. Shimada Museum of Art
[Arrive] Example: Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance
About 4:30 PM