Overview of Josaien

Josaien is located in Sakuranobaba, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three major castles. It is a popular tourist attraction designed to enhance the appeal of the old castle town and convey to visitors the food, history and cultural traditions of the region from Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of the city of Kumamoto.

◆The Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience

Wakuwakuza offers visitors a glimpse at the 300-year history and culture of the region once known as Higo. This virtual representation allows visitors to go back in time and to see, hear and touch the area’s history through the “Tale of Kumamoto Then and Now” exhibit, and to try on traditional Edo-period kimono. Foreign language signs and subtitles ensure visitors enjoy learning more about Kumamoto.

◆The Sakuranokoji Shopping Arcade

Sakuranokoji brings together 23 shops selling specialty items unique to Kumamoto Prefecture. Restaurants offer an opportunity to enjoy Kumamoto’s distinctive food culture, and many shops sell Kumamoto souvenirs as well as items found only at Josaien.

◆Tourist Information Center

The Tourist Information Center offers pamphlets and helpful staff to provide information on local tourist attractions. Services are available in English and other languages, and pamphlets and maps are offered in four languages (Japanese, English, Korean and Simplified Chinese). Coin lockers are also available for a refundable deposit.

Hours of Business

Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience

Hours:

・March to November
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last admission is 6 p.m.)

・December to February
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last admission is 5 p.m.)

*Note that hours are extended to 7:30 p.m. when Kumamoto Castle is open at night (last admission to Wakuwakuza is 7 p.m.)

Closed December 30-31.

 

Tourist Information Center

Hours:

・March to November
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

・December to February
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

*Note that hours are extended to 7:30 p.m. when Kumamoto Castle is open at night.

Closed December 30-31.

 

Sakuranokoji

Hours:

・Souvenir shops:
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (March to November)

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (December to February)

・Restaurants:
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last order is at 9 p.m.)

Closed:  Varies (individual shops are closed on different days)

 

Admission to Wakuwakuza and Kumamoto Castle

Wakuwakuza	Kumamoto Castle
【Individuals】 Adults 300 yen Children (ages 6 through 15) 100 yen 【Groups of 30 or more】 Adults 240 yen Children (ages 6 through 15) 80 yen	【Individuals】 Adults 500 yen Children (ages 6 through 15) 200 yen 【Groups of 30 or more】 Adults 400 yen Children (ages 6 through 15) 160 yen
Shared pass to both Kumamoto Castle and Wakuwakuza Adults 600 yen Children (ages 6 through 15) 200 yen

Getting There

■From Kumamoto Station

《By bus》
The “Shiromegurin” circle tour bus
※ This bus travels a route from Kumamoto Station and circling the Kumamoto Castle area.
Kumamoto Station—Transportation Center—Sakuranobaba Josaien
(Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes)
City Hall—Sakuranobaba Josaien
(Travel time: Approximately 7 minutes)

《By Kumamoto City Tram》
From the Kumamoto Station stop to the Kumamoto Castle/City Hall stop
(Travel time: Approximately 15 minutes plus 7 minutes on foot)

■From Kumamoto Airport

《By airport limousine bus》

Kumamoto Airport bus stop—Transportation Center
(Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes plus 5 minutes on foot)

 

Barrier-free Services

◆For those with physical disabilities

Wheelchairs	Available	Five wheelchairs available for use from the 1st floor reception counter at Wakuwakuza
Guide dogs (including assistance dogs)	Allowed	Please note that other pets are not allowed.
Multipurpose public restrooms	Available	Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of Wakuwakuza, at the Tourist Information Center and in Sakuranokoji.
Foreign language subtitles	Available	Some exhibits at Wakuwakuza are available in Japanese, as well as English, Korean and Chinese

◆For visitors with small children

Strollers	Available	Two strollers available for loan at the Wakuwakuza 1st floor reception counter.
Nursing room	Available	Wakuwakuza 1st floor, Tourist Information Center
Diaper changing station	Available	Wakuwakuza 1st floor

◆Others

Elevator	Available	In Wakuwakuza
First aid station	Available	Wakuwakuza 1st floor
Vending machines	Available	Outside of Sakuranobaba Josaien
Smoking areas	Available	Outside of Sakuranobaba Josaien (smoking prohibited indoors)
AED (Automated external defibrillator)	Available	Wakuwakuza 1st floor, Tourist Information Center, and next to Buffet Restaurant Ginnan
Parking (Handicap parking)	Fee charged	58 stalls (including five handicap stalls)
Motorcycle parking	Fee charged	24 stalls for large bikes, 30 for scooters
Coin lockers	Available	Wakuwakuza 1st floor, Tourist Information Center (100 yen coin required, refunded after use)

 

Downloadable foreign language pamphlets

Wakuwakuza leaflet (English)
Wakuwakuza leaflet (Chinese)
Wakuwakuza leaflet (Korean)
Restaurant and Shop Information (English)