Hitoyoshi Kuma Shochu & Culture Tour with Japanese GEININ Masaji Yasui Join Japanese GEININ Masaji Yasui for a laughter-filled day in Hitoyoshi Kuma! Visit a 1,200-year-old National Treasure shrine, enjoy premium Kuma Shochu tastings at a historic brewery, and savor local food and culture.
What is a "GEININ"? In Japan, a GEININ is a unique style of entertainer—masters of quick wit, warm engagement, and regional storytelling. Under Yoshimoto’s famous "Sumimasu GEININ" project, professional Geinin relocate to local communities, immersing themselves in the area to share its authentic charm with the world.
Meet Your Guide: Masaji Yasui As Kumamoto’s official Sumimasu Geinin, Masaji Yasui knows Hitoyoshi Kuma inside and out. Combining a deep love for the region with his signature humor, he offers an exclusive, friendly, and entertaining journey that goes far beyond standard sightseeing.
Options
Private Plan for 1 Person From JR Hitoyoshi Station
Private Plan for 2 or 3 People From JR Hitoyoshi Station
Private Plan for 4 or 5 People From JR Hitoyoshi Station
Private Plan for 6 to 8 People From JR Hitoyoshi Station
Private Plan for 1 Person From JR Kumamoto Station
Private Plan for 2 or 3 People From JR Kumamoto Station
Private Plan for 4 or 5 People From JR Kumamoto Station
Private Plan for 6 to 8 People From JR Kumamoto Station
The Highlight
・Guided by a True Japanese GEININ: Experience authentic local hospitality as Masaji Yasui brings Hitoyoshi’s rich heritage to life through warm interaction, laughter, and insider insights. ・Exclusive Aged Shochu Tasting: Tour the historic 160-year-old Fukano Brewery and sample rare, long-aged Kuma Shochu stored in traditional earthenware pots. ・Explore Historic & Cultural Treasures: Visit the magnificent 1,200-year-old Aoi Aso Shrine, Japan’s only thatched-roof National Treasure main building, and immerse yourself in sacred local history. ・All-in-One Shochu Experience: Stroll through the Shochu Museum at Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Park, featuring iconic brands from all 28 Kuma Shochu distilleries. ・Hyper-Local Food & Souvenir Shopping: Discover unique regional crafts and sweets at Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan, complete with hilarious comfort food recommendations from your local GEININ guide. ・Convenient Itinerary: Smooth and hassle-free round-trip day tour starting and ending at JR Hitoyoshi Station.
The Experience
Aoi Aso Shrine & Special Welcome Discover a magnificent National Treasure with over 1,200 years of sacred history. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of Japan's only thatched-roof National Treasure shrine main building, blending early-Edo architecture with vibrant Momoyama-style carvings. Enjoy an unforgettable welcome performance by local GEININ Masaji Yasui featuring his famous catchphrase, "Iya~n!"
Fukano Brewery Tour & Rare Aged Shochu Tasting Step inside Fukano Brewery, a historic producer with a rich 160-year tradition. Tour the classic cellar and experience an exclusive tasting session comparing unique shochu aged in traditional earthenware pots.
Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Park & Shochu Museum Explore a central hub featuring all 28 Kuma Shochu distilleries under one roof. Enjoy an exclusive mini-lecture hosted by Masaji Yasui on the rich history and distinct charm of regional shochu.
Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan (Local Souvenir & Food Center) Shop a wide selection of regional crafts, sweets, and Kuma Shochu variants to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Wrap up your tour as Masaji Yasui reveals his favorite hyper-local comfort foods that he is genuinely obsessed with!
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Language of Audio Guide Device
- English
Itinerary
- 09:30Meet your assistant at JR Kumamoto station 【Shirakawa(East) gate】 ※If you choose the From JR Kumamoto Plan. ※Please note that the assistant will not board the highway bus with you. The guide will be waiting for you at Hitoyoshi IC.
- 12:20Meet your guide at Hitoyoshi station in front of the mechanical clock
- National Treasure: Aoi Aso Shrine (60 min)
- Fukano Brewery Tour & Exclusive Aged Shochu Tasting (Fee included/50 min)
- Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Park: Shochu Museum Stroll (30 min)
- Shopping at Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan (40 min）
- 17:00Arrive at JR Hitoyoshi station
- Move to Hitoyoshi IC ※If you choose the From JR Kumamoto Station Plan. ※Transportation is included in this tour price.
- 18:03Return to JR Kumamoto Station ※If you choose the From JR Kumamoto Station Plan. ※Please note that your comedian guide will not board the highway bus with you. ※There is about a 50-minute wait after arriving at the bus stop. The guide finishes their service after confirming the bus stop and handing over the highway bus tickets. ※Estimated arrival time in JR Kumamoto Station is at 19:49.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
・This is a private tour. Only your group will participate. ・You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance. ・Please note that bringing large luggage during the tour is not allowed.
Important Booking Information
Customer Guidelines:
- Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting place.
- Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
- The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion.
- Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
- Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations.
- In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
- Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
