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Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
4.9
29 Ratings
Fukuoka
Experience the best of Fukuoka on a full-day private tour with a licensed guide. Explore historical temples, indulge in unique food culture, and customize your itinerary to suit your interests!
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Fukuoka Castle Remains - Once a bustling site during the Edo period (early 1600s), today it stands as the remnants of stone walls, moats, and gates. The panoramic view of Fukuoka city from Fukusaki Hill is stunning. The Sakura Festival is the best time to visit to fully appreciate the beauty of the castle ruins.
- Sumiyoshi Shrine - One of Kyushu’s oldest shrines, Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine, like its Osaka counterpart, is dedicated to the protective deities of seafarers and is the last in a series of shrines sailors would visit before setting sail. The Main Hall, rebuilt in 1623 in a classical style, is particularly impressive, along with several national treasures, including an ancient sword, a copper axe, and medieval manuscripts. The shrine, surrounded by a grove of Japanese cedars and camphor trees, offers fine views over the River Naka. Don’t miss exploring the adjacent Sumiyoshi Park.
- Kyushu National Museum - Opened in 2005, Kyūshū National Museum (Kyūshū Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) is notable for its award-winning architecture and as Japan’s first new national museum in over a century. It houses a vast collection of art and historical artifacts related to the island’s rich history. Highlights include prehistoric relics from archaeological digs and exhibits tracing the island’s role as a trading link between Japan, China, and Korea.
- Kushida Shrine - Founded in AD 757, Kushida-jinja is one of Japan’s most famous and Fukuoka’s oldest Shinto shrines. It features unique carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a gingko tree over 1,000 years old. The shrine is renowned for hosting the Hakata Gion Yamakasa each July, a two-week festival with prayers for health and prosperity, including a race with teams carrying heavy wooden floats around the city.
- Tochoji Temple - Tochoji Temple (南岳山 東長寺), the head temple of the Shingon Buddhism Kyushu sect, is dedicated to the famous monk Kobo-Daishi (Kukai 空海). It is one of the oldest temples in Japan established by Kobo-Daishi.
- Yatai - Fukuoka’s open-air food stands (屋台, Yatai) are iconic. Typically seating seven or eight people, they offer an atmospheric outdoor dining experience with simple, hearty foods. The best place to find them is on the southern end of Nakasu Island, where around 20 yatai are attractively situated along the water.
- Uminonakamichi Seaside Park - Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園, Uminonakamichi Kaihin Kōen) is a vast, family-friendly public park on a narrow peninsula across the bay from central Fukuoka. It features flower gardens, playgrounds, an amusement park with a ferris wheel, sports fields, a water park, a zoo, and large open spaces perfect for picnics.
- Ohori Park - Ohori Park (大濠公園, Ōhori-kōen) is a pleasant city park in central Fukuoka with a large pond at its center. A walking path around the pond’s circumference, just over two kilometers long, is popular for jogging, walking pets, and leisurely strolls. The park, constructed between 1926 and 1929, was designed after the classical garden style of China’s West Lake. Three islands in the pond are connected by elegant stone bridges.
- Shofuku-ji Temple - Shofukuji (聖福寺, Shōfukuji) is Japan’s first Zen temple, founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism from China. While the temple buildings are not open to the public, visitors can walk through the attractive temple grounds and view the buildings from outside. Zen Buddhism, introduced by Eisai, emphasized meditation and discipline and became popular with the samurai class.
- Momochi Seaside Park - Seaside Momochi (シーサイドももち, Shīsaido Momochi) is Fukuoka’s modern waterfront on reclaimed land along Hakata Bay. Developed for the 1989 Asia Pacific Expo, it features wide, tree-lined streets, futuristic buildings, public parks, and no overhead phone or electricity lines.
- Canal City Hakata - Canal City Hakata (キャナルシティ博多) is a large shopping and entertainment complex, calling itself a “city within the city.” It includes about 250 shops, cafes, restaurants, a theater, game center, cinemas, two hotels, and a canal running through the complex. The fifth floor features the “Ramen Stadium,” with eight ramen shops offering noodle dishes from across Japan, including the local specialty Hakata Ramen.
- Yusentei Park - Yusentei Park, the former home of the 6th lord of Fukuoka, was built in the 18th century. The park features a beautiful traditional garden and an ornate pond, offering a glimpse of Fukuoka’s past.
- Hakozaki-gu - Hakozaki Shrine is one of the most important shrines in this part of Japan. Originally destroyed during the Mongolian invasion of 1274, it was rebuilt and has stood ever since. Notable sights include a stone anchor used by Mongolian ships and a statue of Nichiren, a prominent Buddhist scholar who foresaw the invasion.
- Fukuoka Tower - Fukuoka Tower, standing at 234 meters, offers stunning views of the city. The tower is illuminated at night and is a national symbol of the city. It also features a restaurant at the top, where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view.
- Nokonoshima Island - Located just off the coast, Nokonoshima Island is accessible by a relaxing 10-minute ferry ride. The island, with a radius of 12 kilometers, is known for its prime position in Hakata Bay. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping under the stars.
- Atago Jinja Shrine - Atago Shrine, located on a hillside, offers sweeping views of the city and Hakata Bay. The shrine is known for its nesting storks and is accessed via a torii gate and stairs. Though less visited, it is worth the effort for the views and a glimpse of the city’s religious history.
- Dazaifu Temmangu - Dazaifu refers to the regional government of Japan’s past. The Dazaifu Government Remains offer a glimpse of the former governmental grounds. Nearby, a museum provides insights into Fukuoka’s history, making it a great spot for history enthusiasts.
- Yanagawa - The picturesque River Yanagawa is especially beautiful during the spring sakura season. *The Yanagawa river rafting is not included in the tour.
- Yanagibashi Rengo Market - Known as the kitchen of Hakata, Yanagibashi Rengo Market features over 40 greengrocers and fishmongers selling fresh products. There are also shops offering fruits, tofu, and finger foods, as well as restaurants serving seafood Donburi (Japanese rice bowl dishes).
- Nanzoin - Located 15 kilometers east of Fukuoka, Nanzoin Temple is one of the prefecture’s most visited Buddhist shrines, attracting over a million visitors annually. The main attraction is the massive bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha, the largest bronze statue in the world. The pleasant walk to the site from the village of Sasaguri is marked by smaller Buddha statues, streams, bridges, and gardens. Also worth visiting is the wooden Buddha at Tōchō-ji, the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu, founded in AD 806.
- Rakusuien - Rakusuien is a Japanese-style garden and tea house where visitors can enjoy traditional Matcha (green tea) and sweets for 500 yen. The entrance fee is 100 yen.
What's Included
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Fukuoka
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English Speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Fukuoka!
Enjoy a full-day walking tour with your private guide, as he/she introduce modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic, ancient city! This dynamic city is home to many historical temples and is famous for its unique food culture.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel or any other point at your convenience to start your day. You will then have the choice of visiting any of Fukuoka’s famous sites.
Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will then arrange a six-hour tour that’s best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Fukuoka Castle Remains
Jonai,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(29 Ratings)
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Roversanfrancisco
Jun 14, 2024
Great time touring with Chizuko! - Thank you Chizuko for your detailed planning! You have amazingly planned out our itinerary accordingly to our request and helped us book dinner reservations. Your recommendation for omakase sushi course is spot on. We love it!
Even though it was a hot day we enjoyed our tour to Dazaifu and to Nazoin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pedro_c
Jun 14, 2024
Custom tour with an awesome guide! - What a wonderful experience we had with Chizuko, our excellent guide. From the beginning when she contacted me, she planned out an itinerary according to our wishes. She advised us to get the transit card for convenience and faster travel. She even helped us with booking dinner reservations and suggestions of a good omakase sushi restaurant.
Review provided by Viator
428janeens
Jun 3, 2024
Excellent trip - Sasuke-san was a fantastic tour guide. I really enjoyed the temples we visited and she was so knowledgeable about local history. I would highly recommend her
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_w
May 28, 2024
Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Sasuke. - Got to spend the day with Sasuke, who was very friendly, and gave us a great taste of the Fukuoka area. We loved getting to see several temples/shrines, and getting to explore around town. Thank you Sasuke for making our trip to Fukuoka a memorable one!
Review provided by Viator
Amy_c
May 20, 2024
Great trip with great tour guide - Guide Shannon is very entertaining and good knowledge of the places we visited. Timing and arrangements of the whole trip is very well plan. We visited places we requested and timing is perfect. We don't feel rush. We are able to have time taking photo relax and shop.
Review provided by Viator
Oliai_fred
May 15, 2024
Fukuoka Day Tour - Very nice experience. Sausuke’s English is excellent. She was very patient and flexible with planning. She provided excellent explanations and I highly recommend her as a guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7854yssuzannef
May 13, 2024
A full day touring! - We had a wonderful day touring Tokyo with Minoru. He showed us more than we would have been able to cover on our own. He was also very knowledgeable and flexible! I highly recommend him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_m
Apr 8, 2024
Private tour of Fukouka - Our guide Peko met us at the port right off our ship. She was fabulous. We took a taxi to the main railway station and headed out to Nanzoin to see the reclining Buddha. Breathtaking. She was so knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. Next we headed back into town and we had lunch in the rooftop garden of the station which had fabulous views over the city. Next we took matcha tea and sweets at a small tea house in a beautiful garden. Then 2 temples one of which we went inside the Buddha and a short stop at the heritage museum. Then back to the ship on plenty of time. We would never have been able to see so much on our own and Peko’s knowledge and personality was the icing on the cake. Definitely recommend a tour with Peko. She was fabulous. Taxi fares and transport costs were not expensive.
Review provided by Viator
499russelll
Apr 6, 2024
Great experience with a wonderful guide. - We had an amazing time in Fukuoka thanks to our wonderful guide Chizuko. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited such as Nanzion Temple.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rizal_m
Mar 8, 2024
A good introduction to Fukuoka. - The tour is a good introduction to Fukuoka's history and culture. Takaya-san, our guide is a knowledgable person and have a pleasant personality. We would like to recommend this tour to anyone who are interested in history and culture, or only have one day in Fukuoka!
Review provided by Viator
