- Plan Overview
- Price
- Access
![Ashikita Matchlock Gun Corps and the Satsuma Kaido: Samurai Experience Tour [Departing from and returning to Kumamoto Station or Shin-Yatsushiro Station]](https://jcation.com/activity_img/PlanImages/11304_LINE_ALBUM__260927_17_d74e688eeba5dfe6_tklhhtdstvxhrvy.webp "Ashikita Matchlock Gun Corps and the Satsuma Kaido: Samurai Experience Tour [Departing from and returning to Kumamoto Station or Shin-Yatsushiro Station]")
Ashikita Matchlock Gun Corps and the Satsuma Kaido: Samurai Experience Tour [Departing from and returning to Kumamoto Station or Shin-Yatsushiro Station]
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Approximately 8 hours (including about 6 hours at the destination)
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1 person(s) or more
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1 yrs or older
Plan Overview
The “Ashikita Musket Corps,” active in Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, preserves the techniques and rituals of matchlock gunnery passed down from the Sengoku period to the present day.
On this tour, you’ll walk with a guide through Sashiki-juku, a post town on the old Satsuma Kaido, and experience a thrilling martial arts demonstration up close at the ruins of Sashiki Castle.
You’ll also receive hands-on instruction directly from the squad members on how to hold the gun and perform the proper movements. This isn’t just a spectator experience—it’s a hands-on samurai adventure where you get to participate.
- Start Time
- 08:00 / 09:00
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (for strolling along the historic road and walking up the slopes at the castle ruins)
Clothing that allows for easy movement
Drinks
A hat, jacket, or other items to protect against the cold or heat, depending on the season - Min. Persons to Book
- From 1 person(s)
- Regarding the operating of the activity
- This event is being held in conjunction with the artillery unit’s firing drills.
For the shuttle bus, please select a station from the options below.
・Kumamoto Station (Meet at 7:45 a.m., depart at 8:00 a.m.)
・Shin-Yatsushiro Station (Meet at 8:50 a.m., depart at 9:00 a.m.)
Capacity: 20 people per session
Minimum number of participants: 15 *If fewer than 15 people sign up, the event will be canceled and a full refund will be issued. - Confirmation Items
- 葦北鉄砲隊ツアーチラシ
Price
Base Cost
Included in the base cost
Round-trip chartered bus / Lunch (1 meal) / Outdoor tea ceremony (tea and sweets) / Demonstration by the Ashikita Musket Corps / Hands-on experience with matchlock gun posture and handling / Multilingual audio guide / Original souvenir / Travel insurance (English) /
Options
Cancellation Policy
Up to 21 days before the start date: Free
20 to 8 days before: 20% of the tour price
7 to 2 days before: 30% of the tour price
The day before: 40% of the tour price
On the day (before the start): 50% of the tour price
After the tour starts / No-show without notice: 100% of the tour price
Pricing Information
[Not Included]
Transportation costs to the meeting point / Food and beverage costs other than lunch
Payment Method
Pay on arrival: Cash only
Online Payment: Any of the following credit cards or pay later services
Access
- Meeting Point
- Meet at activity location⇒Kumamoto Station or Shin-Yatsushiro Station
[Kumamoto Station] 3-15-1 Kasuga, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0047 [Shin-Yatsushiro Station] 4774-2 Kami-Hioki-cho, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture 866-0824
Please choose from the designated locations below.
・Kumamoto Station
・Shin-Yatsushiro Station
- About Meeting Point
- Kumamoto Station
[Meeting Time] 7:45 a.m.
[Dismissal Time] 5:20 p.m.
Shin-Yatsushiro Station
[Meeting Time] 8:50 a.m.
[Dismissal Time] 4:20 p.m.
Time Schedule
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◯7:45
Meet at Kumamoto Station for registration
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◯8:00
Departure for Ashikita Town by chartered bus
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◯9:00
Stop by and board at Shin-Yatsushiro Station
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◯10:00
Arrived at Sashiki-juku in Ashikita Town. Orientation
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◯10:15
Old Satsuma Kaido Guided Walk (Audio guides available for international visitors)
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◯11:30
We headed to the ruins of Sashiki Castle for lunch (a bento made with local ingredients).
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◯12:30
How to Put on Armor (For Those Who Have Signed Up for the Option)
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◯12:45
Matchlock Gun Demonstration by the Ashikita Gun Corps
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◯13:15
Open-Air Tea Ceremony (Tea and sweets while listening to a koto performance atop the castle)
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◯13:45
Hands-On Experience with Matchlock Gun Stances and Techniques (with direct instruction from team members)
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◯14:30
Commemorative photo (holding a matchlock rifle, together with the Ashikita Musket Corps)
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◯15:20
Departure from Sashiki
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◯16:20
Arrival at Shin-Yatsushiro Station; Group Disperses
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◯17:20
Arrival at Kumamoto Station and End of Tour
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*Please note that the order and timing of events may change depending on the weather and conditions on the day.
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*For the “Meet at the Location” plan, the schedule is as follows: Meet at Sashiki-juku at 10:00 a.m. and the tour ends at 3:20 p.m.
Note
Matchlock guns will be handled under the guidance of members of the Ashikita Musket Corps.
Armor fitting is optional (30,000 yen). Quantities are limited.
The Sashiki Castle ruins feature slopes and stairs.
In case of rain, the event may be moved indoors.
We are unable to accommodate food allergies for lunch.