Having flourished through trade with the Asian Continent since long ago, Hakata continued to develop mainly from its shrines and temples, with diverse customs, traditions, and food cultures spreading out to various regions. Customers on this tour will be led by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter (or an English-speaking tour conductor and local guide) around a famous shrine in Hakata said to be a power spot flowing with mystical energy. During the break, customers can enjoy kabusecha (a type of green tea) from Yame, a famous tea producing region, and uiro, a Japanese sweet that originated in Fukuoka, in the quaint tearoom of Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho, a well-established tea shop founded over 300 years ago. Hakatamachiya Furusatokan is a sightseeing facility where visitors can experience the traditions and customs deeply rooted in Fukuoka. Behold the good old Hakata lifestyle, traditional crafts, festivals, and other culture through various exhibits.
** The tour operates on Mon ,Thu and Sat **
Highlights
Enjoy Hakata Old Town Walking Tour!
Guided by A National Government Licensed guide!
Duration
3 hours and 10 minutes
Offered in
English
What is included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter (or English-speaking tour conductor and local guide) fee
Teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho
Admission fee
in front of Hakata Station Information Center／14:20
Start time
2:20 pm
End point
Tour Ends in front of Kushida Shrine
Enjoy Hakata Old Town Walking Tour. Guided by A National Government Licensed guide.
Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Joten-ji Temple
Joten-ji is a temple famous for being the origin of Hakata's famous summer festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, as well as a range of Japanese food culture. Check out the stone monuments signifying the birthplace of udon noodles, soba noodles, manju buns, Hakata-ori textile, and Yamakasa festival, as well as the Buddhist temple and main gate. (The tour will pass through the Hakata Sennen-no Mon gate on the way to Joten-ji Temple.)
Tocho-ji Temple
This temple's five-story pagoda is cherished by the locals as a new symbol of Hakata. The Fukuoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in the temple grounds is Japan’s biggest wooden seated statue of Gautama Buddha. This cypress wood statue is 10.8 meters tall and weighs 30 tons. In the pedestal of the Gautama Buddha statue lies The Hell and Pure Land Tour which signifies "experience the world of the dead, return back to life, and let go of impurities and worries." 'Fukuoka Daibutsu' and 'The Hell and Pure Land Tour' will also be visited on this tour.
Tea & Sweets at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho
Amidst the quaint interior of this tea shop, enjoy uiro, a Japanese sweet originating from Fukuoka, and kabusecha, a type of green tea which has little bitterness and is rich in umami, from Yame.
Hakatamachiya Furusatokan
Inside this building, which is replica of a traditional Hakata townhouse, various exhibits introducing Hakata's annual events, handicrafts, and the good old days of Fukuoka life are on display. Here, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history.
Kushida Shrine
Having the oldest history as Hakata’s tutelary shrine, Kushida Shrine is where the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is offered, and kazariyama floats are displayed all year round. Fondly called “Okushida-san” by the locals, this is where Hakata’s local Shinto deities are enshrined.
The tour operates on Mon ,Thu and Sat
The number of customers for 1 group booking for this tour is 2-10.
The last reception day (reservation deadline) is 8 days prior to the tour.
If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, or due to other operational management circumstances, the tour on that date may be canceled.
If the tour is canceled, customers will be notified by the conducting company or their travel agent.
The itinerary displayed on the booking screen is the final itinerary.
Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.
Depending on road conditions and physical stamina of tour participants, arrival time at each location may be considerably delayed. Furthermore, there may be changes to the itinerary.
Due to circumstances of the shrines/temples listed in the itinerary, entry may not be possible. In this case, the tour will be led to alternative destination(s) which will be notified to customers on the day. (Alternative Destinations: Waka Hachimangu Shrine, Myoraku-ji Temple, Engaku-ji Temple, Ryugu-ji Temple)
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations.
*Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.
This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter (or an English-speaking tour conductor and local guide).
Children 0-5 years old may join free of charge, but seating and teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho are not included for them. If preferred, please make a booking under the child rate.
This is a walking tour. Customers will be walking for the day’s entire itinerary (approx. 3 km). Please participate in an outfit easy to walk in.
Customers who prefer to use public transportation partway through the tour must shoulder the required fare.
Guide Language Support: English *In case of an accompanying Japanese-speaking local guide, English interpretation will be provided.
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