Private Tour-Experience the traditional culture of Fukuoka!





View all photos

Duration
5 hours 30 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese
Confirmation
Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Overview
Hakata dolls, with a history of over 400 years, are known to every Japanese person. On this tour, you will experience painting one yourself. You will also learn about Yamakasa, a summer festival in Fukuoka with a history of around 300 years. There are two types of floats: the decorative kazari-yamakasa and the carried kaki-yamakasa that race through the streets. Both feature enormous Hakata dolls meticulously crafted by master artisans. The tour includes a visit to Kushida Shrine, the starting point of the kaki-yamakasa and the place where decorative floats are displayed. Surprisingly, Fukuoka’s history is even older than Kyoto’s. Eisai, a Zen monk who first brought tea seeds back from China, founded Japan’s very first Zen temple here in Fukuoka—Shofukuji Temple. The tour also takes you there, where you will enjoy Japanese tea and traditional sweets at a tea café. Immerse yourself fully in the rich culture and history of Fukuoka!"
What's Included
Included
Private Tour Guide
Necessary expenses for the tour guide
Not included
Cash is required for the some experience. Please prepare at least around 5,000 yen in cash.
Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Let’s meet in the lobby of Hotel Okura!
End point
Hakata Station is served by JR Kyushu, JR West, and the Fukuoka City Subway. The station has two main exits: the Chikushi Exit on the east side and the Hakata Exit on the west side. The final stop of this tour will be the Chikushi Exit."
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
1 hour 25 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 1
A specialty shop of Hakata dolls and Hakata textiles, founded in 1947 and located along the Hakata River. Visitors can enjoy a painting experience called 'Etsuke' in the spacious store
Stop 2
1 hour 17 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 2
Canal City is a large complex consisting of five buildings with five floors above ground and one basement level. It features shops, restaurants, hotels, a movie theater, and a theater.
Stop 3
30 minutes
Stop 3
Kushida Shrine was founded in 1587. Every year from July 1st to 15th, the heroic Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival takes place, racing through the streets of Hakata. At 4:59 a.m. on the final day, the race begins here at Kushida Shrine. It is also the only place where decorative Yamakasa floats can be seen year-round, except in June.
Stop 4
1 hour 17 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 4
A long-established tea shop founded in 1716. At the adjoining Japanese tea café Chayu Seika, you can enjoy sencha or matcha along with two kinds of traditional Japanese sweets.
Stop 5
37 minutes
Stop 5
Shofukuji Temple, founded in 1195 by Eisai, is Japan’s first Zen temple and the birthplace of Japanese tea. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1969.
Additional Info
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other
Although the tour includes experiences, meals, and tea breaks, there will be a lot of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing
Other
In case of bad weather, be sure to bring rain gear.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Similar Attractions
ViatorKushida Shrine
4.9 (291 reviews)
Available experiences
37
ViatorDazaifu Tenmangu
4.9 (180 reviews)
Available experiences
32
ViatorOhori Park
4.9 (329 reviews)
Available experiences
26
ViatorUminonakamichi Seaside Park
4.9 (92 reviews)
Available experiences
9
ViatorKawachi Wisteria Garden
4.6 (10 reviews)
Available experiences
4
From
From JPY 17,500