Fun with Hakata Traditions, History, and Food!
Enjoy a 7-hour tour of Hakata, the largest city in Kyushu, with a local guide. Visit top recommended spots in Hakata via public transport and on foot. Hakata is famous for its gourmet food and shopping, but there are also many places where you can feel the city’s deep rooted history including culture from mainland China, in temples and shrines. This tour is designed so that guests can enjoy all sides of Hakata. We also offer pick-up and drop-off at Hakata Port, so it is a great choice for visitors coming on cruise ships such as “COSTA SERENA” and “Celebrity Millennium”.
① Tochoji Temple（9:20〜10:00）
The vibrant, vermilion five-storied pagoda stands out within the green trees as a symbol of Tochoji Temple. It was built in 806 by Kukai, the founder of Shingon sect. The Great Buddha towers over 10 meters tall, enveloping you in its presence. On the temple grounds, there is also a building called Rokkakudo, a registered cultural property of Fukuoka City. Complete with a weeping cherry tree that blooms majestically in the spring, you can experience the colors of nature. Your guide will tell you all the highlights.
② Kushida Shrine（10:10〜10:50）
Kushida Shrine is said to be the oldest shrine in Fukuoka. The god of prosperous business and longevity guards over Hakata from here, and has been loved by locals since ancient times. The water of the spirit spring that wells up from under the main shrine is believed to grant longevity. In addition, there is a lifting stone called the “Chikaraishi” that famous sumo champions have lifted as well as festival floats that are on display all year giving an extra boost of Japanese charm. If you are confident in your power, you can try and lift the stone yourself.
③ Hakata Machiya Furusatokan（11:00〜11:30）
Step into the 19th and early 20th century Hakata living. Get introduced to the old way of life, and even participate in and get introduced to some Hakata traditional crafts like Hakata Dolls, Hakata Bariko, Hakata Yoyo, and Hakata Music. In the souvenir corner, you can find Hakata crafts and specialties, as well as famous confectionery and festival goods.
④ Kawabatadori Shopping Street（11:35〜12:35）
This shopping streert supports the local life of the Fukuoka people. You can also enjoy local specialties such as seafood rice bowls with plenty of fresh seafood, kamaboko and tempura. You will arrive around lunch time, so don’t shy away from asking the guide for their recommendations.
⑤ Ohori Park（13:00〜14:30）
Ohori Park is a historical park that originally functioned as a moat for Fukuoka Castle. Today, it is loved by locals as an oasis in the city center where many water birds and turtles live. Fukuoka Castle was built over a 7 year period from 1601 to 1608, and there are still original walls and gates. The castle tower is an observatory and is a pleasant place where you can see the whole city of Fukuoka. With cherry blossoms in spring, and beautiful autumn leaves in fall, you can enjoy the beautiful nature unique to each season.
⑥ Ishikura Brewery Hyakunengura（15:00〜15:40）
This is Hakata's only brewery with a history of over 140 years, and is registered as an important cultural property. Sake here is characterized by its fruity freshness, and some use the local specialty of strawberries.You can also taste local sake that you can only taste here, such as freshly pressed “new” sake, so why not give the sake a shot?
・ Explanation of historical buildings and guides of Tochoji Temple and Kushida Shrine
・ Traditional craft experience at Hakata Machiya Furusatokan
・ Local food and lunchtime at Yanagibashi Rengo Market
・ Nature of Oohori Park
・ Fukuoka city view from the Fukuoka Castle Ruins Observatory
・ Tasting Hakata's traditional local sake at Ishikura Sake Brewery
・ Personalized tour with a maximum of 8 people
・Pick up time is flexible, especially for cruise guests.
・Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in because this is a walking tour using public transportation rather than by private car.
| Price | ¥15,000 / person ¥15,000 each for 2 persons or more |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 hours |
| Hours of availability | Start Time: 9:00 |
| Inclusions | ・English Guide |
| Exclusions | ・Lunch |
| Participants | 1-6 people |
Kevin Estes （）★★★★★
An Amazing Tour With An Incredible Guide
Our family spent two days in Fukuoka. The best part of our trip was our walking tour with Akiko-san. We’ve been on a few trips in Japan, but this was our first guided tour. My wife and I were nervous because we have three kids, two of them are younger. We have to travel and their pace, so a group tour wasn’t an option. Akiko was amazing. She was patient and had no problem slowing the pace down when the kids were getting tired. She planned a custom itinerary that included stops that were interesting for the adults and kids. On our walking tour we visited the Tochiji Temple, Kushida Shrine, Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, Kawabata Shopping Arcade, and Fukuoka Tower. The kids particularly enjoyed Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, where they played with some traditional Japanese toys, watched a demonstration of the Hakata fabric loom, and learned about the Hakata Gion Yamakasa (float festival). The Fukuoka Tower was also a hit with them. My wife and I enjoyed the Tochoji Temple and the huge Buddha daibutsu inside. Akiko was very knowledgeable about the history of Hakata and Fukuoka. She could answer nearly every question we asked during our tour. She was also very familiar with the area, which was helpful when we were looking for lunch (we had an excellent baked curry), or needed a new pair of socks (my 4 y.o. jumped into a rain puddle). Altogether we couldn't have asked for a better day in Fukuoka. Akiko-san made our trip a very special, memorable day for the family.
Pak（USA）★★★★★
Amazing time in Fukuoka
Everything, Miyuki was an amazing guide. She helped with logistics and planned everything. When one of the places we were supposed to go to was closed she immediately found another place within walking distance. Honestly because of Miyuki, I would give the tour a 12 out of 10.
Clifford（USA）★★★★★
Fun-Filled Day that Felt Like a Family Outing
We had a wonderful and memorable 1-day walking tour of Hakata with Miyuki Yoshida ably acting as an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We were especially grateful for her patience and flexibility in accommodating all of our special requests. With just the two of us on the tour, the words "custom" and "personal" come to mind as she tailored the city tour to our interests and needs. She hit all the major attractions while incorporating all of our desires when it came to shopping and eating. We recommend Miyuki-san and this 1-day walking tour without hesitation.
