A Journey Through the Historic Sites of Kawashiri
The Kawashiri District of Kumamoto City is approximately 20 minutes by car from downtown Kumamoto and just two train stops away from Kumamoto Station on the JR line.
From the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Kawashiri thrived as a port town at the mouth of the Kase River, engaging in domestic and international trade. From the Edo period (1603–1868), Kawashiri was redeveloped by Kato Kiyomasa, becoming a key logistics hub for the Kumamoto domain. It further developed as a military port, a collection base for annual rice tax, and a commercial port. The Kawashiri Historical Guides, who know this historic town inside and out, will guide and help you explore its rich past on foot. For lunch, enjoy a special multi-course Japanese-style meal at Iwamura. The menu features dishes such as eel prepared with a special sauce made with Zuiyo akazake (a local liqueur) and anko (sweet bean paste) from the renowned Kawashiri Rokkasho confectioners. Additionally, this tour offers customizable plans that highlight the unique charm of Kawashiri. Choose from options such as walking in the footsteps of Kawashiri native judoka Masahiko Kimura, participating in wagashi (Japanese confectionery) making at Tenmeido, experiencing traditional crafts at the Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center, or visiting local temples.
Walking Tour: Zuiyo Tohi Taisho-gura
During the walking tour, the Kawashiri Historical Guides will share the history of Kawashiri as you visit historical sites and facilities housing preserved artifacts.
Walking Tour: Zuiyo Sake Brewery Museum
Founded in 1867, when only akazake was available in Kumamoto, the first-generation brewer Taihachi Yoshimura pioneered the production of refined sake. For over 150 years, Zuiyo has walked alongside Kumamoto’s sake-brewing history. Its legacy can be explored at the Zuiyo Sake Brewery Museum.
Walking Tour: Former Harbor Site
The Kawashiri Historical Guides will share the history of the area’s prosperity as a port town at the mouth of the Kase River.
Walking Tour: Former Kumamoto Domain Kawashiri Rice Storehouse Site
Inside the restored rice storehouse, you can learn about its history as a military port and tax rice collection base for the Kumamoto domain.
The Kawashiri Historical Guides and the director of the Kawashiri Rice Storehouse Museum will provide detailed explanations about the history of the rice storehouse.
Lunch: Special Multi-Course Meal at Ryotei Imamura
For lunch, enjoy a special multi-course Japanese-style meal at Ryotei Iwamura. The menu features dishes such as eel prepared with a special sauce made with Zuiyo akazake (a local liqueur) and anko (sweet bean paste) from the renowned Kawashiri Rokkasho confectioners.
Wagashi Making Experience at Tenmeido
In the Kawashiri district, known for its many artisans, traditional wagashi (Japanese confectionery) craftspeople formed the Kawaseri Rokkasho (Six Confectioners of Kawashiri) to preserve their craft and contribute to the community. Today, these artisans continue to share the techniques and artistry of wagashi-making. In this tour, you can learn and experience wagashi making under the guidance of artisans from Tenmeido Confectionery Shop, a member of the Rokkasho group.
Masahiko Kimura Memorial Museum
In September 2024, the Masahiko Kimura Memorial Hall, dedicated to the renowned judoka from Kawashiri, opened its doors. The hall displays photographs and judo uniforms of Masahiko Kimura, renowned as the undefeated judoka. Visitors can hear stories about Kimura from the museum director, a junior from his alma mater.
Honryuji Temple
Kawashiri is home to approximately 18 temples. Local temple communities organize various town revitalization events, preserving the area’s historical and cultural legacy as a thriving port town since ancient times. In this tour, visitors can hear historical narratives from resident monks at temples in the Kawashiri district and participate in unique experiences such as a coffin experience. Kawashiri Temples: Daijizenji Temple, Enjuji Temple, and Honryuji Temple
Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center
At the Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center, traditional crafts that highlight "the value of handmade artistry" are showcased. Visitors can observe or participate in daily rotating craft demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Examples: Higo zogan (metal inlay) observation, weaving experiences, blade-making observation, and more
- Tour Capacity:
- Up to 40 people (40 standing or 30 seated)
- Meals Included:
- Includes lunch (0 nights, 1 day)
- Meeting Place:
- Example: JR Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance (West Entrance) in front of the Shinkansen ticket gate
3-15 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City - Note:
- ・This tour is a custom-designed tour. After receiving your application for the tour, we will discuss the itinerary and other details with you to create the tour content. (This is not a regularly scheduled tour)
・In cases of severe weather or unavailable experience dates, the course content may be altered.
・Tour stops can be changed. Please consult with us for more details.
- Related Links:
- Masahiko Kimura Memorial Museum
- Tenmeido Confectionery Shop
- Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center
- Zuiyo
- Ryotei Iwamura
- Kumamoto City Sightseeing Guide
- Contact:
- Kumamoto International Convention & Tourism Bureau
Phone: 096-359-1788
E-mail: mice★kumamoto-icb.or.jp
(Please change “★” to “@” and send us an e-mail.)
Departure Example: JR Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance (West Entrance)
Around 9:00 a.m.
1. Walking tour with Kawashiri Historical Guides (Locations: rice storehouse, Zuiyo Tohi Taisho-gura, Zuiyo Sake Brewery Museum)
2. Enjoy a special Japanese meal featuring eel dishes for lunch at Ryotei Iwamura
3. Customizable plans (specific locations to visit can be discussed and tailored to your preferences)
Plan A: Walking in the Footsteps of the Undefeated Masahiko Kimura
Visit Daijizenji Temple to pay respects at Masahiko Kimura’s grave, tour the Masahiko Kimura Memorial Museum with commentary from the director, and explore Kawashiri Shrine where he prayed for victory.
Plan B: Experiencing Kawashiri’s Traditions
Join a wagashi (Japanese confectionery) making experience at Kawashiri Tenmeido and a traditional craft experience at the Kumamoto City Handicrafts Promotion Center.
Plan C: Learning About Kawashiri’s Past and Present
Join a guided tour of Daijizenji Temple by a resident monk, a talk by a monk at Enjuji Temple about its role as a field hospital during the Satsuma Rebellion, and a coffin experience at Honryuji Temple.
Arrival Example: JR Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance (West Entrance)
Around 5:00 p.m.