Arts

Kumamoto was historically an important samurai town, signs of which still exist today. In fact, there’s now an industry around samurai tourism in Kumamoto. This includes several half- and full-day tours, offered by professionals. Samurai Experience Tour An exclusive option is the Samurai Experience Tour. Provided by a national government-licensed English guide interpreter in a charter vehicle, it is available for single groups of two to four people. Over the course of four hours, you’ll learn about samurai history and tradition through three activities. The first is a Japanese archery experience, where you’ll have the chance to shoot at the target yourself after watching the instructor. The second is learning to make namagashi sweets, after which you’ll sample them with some matcha. The final activity is a lecture about sake brewing with a tasting. Where: Pick up from Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, 2-1 Kamitoricho, Chuo Ward (map) 
Cost: 27,000 yen Website: www.viator.com/tours/Kumamoto/Kumamoto-Samurai-Experience-Tour-4-Hour-Charter-Plan/d50823-2142P987 Iai Experience Miyamoto Musashi was one of the most famous samurais. A top activity in Kumamoto is visiting the cave where he lived until the end of his life and where he wrote “The Book of Five Rings.” His teachings include instruction in the martial art iai, which uses…