Kumamoto tours

A bustling city fringed by tranquil countryside, Kumamoto strikes a fine balance. Located on Kyushu island in southern Japan, travelers are drawn to the blend of urban delights and rural escapes on offer, so sign up for a private Kumamoto tour and explore the region with a local guide. The imposing castle has stood guard over the city for hundreds of years. Follow your guide through the heavily-fortified gates and climb the ramparts, turrets and towers for sweeping views. Then hop a tram and head to downtown to the arcades, stopping for sushi at your guide's favorite local hangout. It's hard to resist the call of Mt. Aso. Hikers can arrange a guided trip to Dikan-bo for panoramic views of the volcano's caldera, followed up with a soak at a two-century old hot spring resort. Hungry? Those with no scruples about eating equines can chew on basashi, raw horse meat seasoned with soy and ginger; less adventurous palettes can enjoy tonkotsu, pork-rib noodles.