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”.

Tochoji Temple

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.

Kushida Shrine

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.

Hakata Machiya Furusatokan

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.

Kawabatadori Shopping Street

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.

Ohori Park

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.

Ishikura Brewery Hyakunengura

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?