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 with popular Geinin Masaji Yasui, who brings Hitoyoshi’s rich heritage to life through warm interaction, hilarious insider insights, and entertaining mini-lectures on Kuma Shochu. ・Exclusive Aged Shochu Tasting: Tour the historic 160-year-old Fukano Brewery and sample rare, long-aged Kuma Shochu stored in traditional earthenware pots. ・Relaxing Local Experiences: Unwind with a scenic Kuma River cruise and enjoy a soothing footbath experience at Sengetsu Brewery. ・Explore Historic & Cultural Landmarks: Visit iconic local sites, including the 1,200-year-old National Treasure Aoi Aso Shrine and the comprehensive Kuma Shochu Museum. ・Hyper-Local Food & Souvenir Shopping: Discover unique regional crafts and sweets at Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan, complete with delicious comfort food recommendations from your local Geinin guide. ・Convenient Itinerary: Enjoy a smooth, hassle-free round-trip day tour starting and ending at JR Hitoyoshi Station.
The Experience
・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. ・Relaxing Footbath & Cultural Immersion Visit Sengetsu Shuzo, a prestigious brewery boasting 250 years of history. Soak in a soothing hot spring footbath alongside local comedian Masashi Yasui as he shares entertaining, passionate insights into why Kuma Shochu is so extraordinary. ・Scenic Kuma River Cruise Board a traditional sight-seeing boat and glide along the pristine waters of the Kuma River. Take in the peaceful, picturesque scenery of Hitoyoshi from a relaxing riverside perspective. ・Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Park & Shochu Museum Explore a central hub featuring all 28 Kuma Shochu distilleries under one roof. Enjoy a mini-lecture from Masashi Yasui on the rich 500-year history and distinct charm of regional shochu. ・Aoi Aso Shrine Discover a magnificent National Treasure with over 1,200 years of sacred history. Marvel at the intricate craft and beauty of Japan's only thatched-roof National Treasure shrine main building. ・Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan (Local Souvenir & Food Center) Shop a wide selection of regional crafts, sweets, and Kuma Shochu variants. Wrap up your tour as Masashi Yasui reveals his favorite hilarious, hyper-local comfort foods that only residents know about!
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Language of Audio Guide Device
- English
Itinerary
- 06:20Meet 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.
- 08:50Meet your guide at Hitoyoshi station in front of the mechanical clock
- Oishi Brewery Tour with Original Barrel-Aged Shochu Making Experience (Fee included/60min)
- Free Lunch around Hitoyoshi Station (Comedian-Guided/60 min) ※Lunch is not included in the tour fee. ※Please feel free to ask your comedian guide for recommendations based on your preferences.
- Sengetsu Shuzo Brewery Tour, Footbath & 'Garachoku' Experience (Fee included/60 min)
- Kuma River Cruise (Fee included/30min)
- Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino Park: Shochu Museum Stroll (25 min)
- National Treasure: Aoi Aso Shrine (25 min)
- Shopping at Hitoyoshi Onsen Bussankan (30 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.
