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Overview of Johsaien

城彩苑全景

城彩苑全景

Johsaien 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.

 

◆Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza

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 Sakuranokouji Shopping Arcade

 

Sakuranokouji 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 Johsaien.

 

◆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: ・9:00~17:30 (last admission is5 p.m.)   Closed December 29-31.  

Tourist Information Center

Hours: ・9:00~17:30  Closed December 30-31.  

Sakuranokouji

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 7 p.m.
Closed:  Varies (individual shops are closed on different days)  

Admission to Wakuwakuza and Kumamoto Castle

Wakuwakuza
【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

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)