This multipurpose culture and tourism facility serves as an outdoor recreation of a Kumamoto Castle hill at the foot the mountain. Here you’ll find Kumamoto’s local gourmet, plenty of shopping and a chance to dive into the history of Kumamoto’s history.
At Cherryblossom Alley you’ll find 20 restaurants and shops featuring plenty of local Kumamoto delicacies like Aso Akagyu beef, Basashi and extremely fresh seafood dishes from Amakusa. From Ikinari Dango, Horse meet Menchi Katsu, Uni Korroke, Jintaiko Softserve and more to try. You can also pick up some local Kumamoto regional snacks, like Mustard Lotus Root, Kuma Shochu and more.
Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience is home to a number of Kumamoto Castle and town experiences to try. Inside you’ll find a remarkable recreation of Kumamoto Castle showing how it was in the Edo Period, as it was destroyed in the Kumamoto Earthquakes in stunning VR and an explanation to review the sights near Kumamoto Castle. The devastation and rebuilding of Kumamoto Castle is available to view via projection mapping, showing the effect of the Kumamoto earthquakes with sight and sound. On the second floor you’ll find showcases of Kumamoto’s history shown by movie and diorama. From hands on activities to endless attractions, there’s the chance to ride in a traditional cart or try on full-on ninja garb and more.
The riverfront air boasts a special Kumamoto castle samurai group performance that starts at 11:30am.
Highlights
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Recreation of the Castletown streetscapes.
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Plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants along Cherryblossom Alley.
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At Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience you’ll find out more about Kumamoto Castle’s history and culture, and even have a chance to learn how the castle was devastated in the Kumamoto Earthquakes and rebuilt afterwards.
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A general tourism information area is available with tips about Kumamoto City and Prefecture’s best destinations.