Private Fukuoka culture, history and foodies Tour

Without a doubt the best and most popular Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. It is dedicated to the God of Learning and as such is busy all through the year with many student visitors coming here to pray for upcoming success in their educational endeavors, especially during examination time at various periods during the year. 6000 or so Plum Trees have been planted on the site and they begin to bloom around early February to early March. Of course the Cherry Blossoms are also unique to the area and it must be added that during Autumn the leaf changing season of the incredible beautiful Japanese Maple Trees are exceptional and worth a to visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in mid to late November. The entrance to the shrine is a long street lined with small stalls filled with local specialities, a variety of food and drinks and of course many different types of souvenirs that one can take back home after their travels in Japan.

Situated in the remote countryside on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, is one of the most remarkable places you will find called Nanzoin Temple. I have been to hundreds of ho hum temples all over Japan but without a doubt this location has been absolutely the most amazing place you could hope to visit. The Nanzoin Temple is home to the largest reclining buddha in Japan and possibly the world. The actual dimensions of the statue are 41 metres long by 11 metres in height and it weighs in at 300 tons, so as you can see, it isn't small! A Reclining Buddha is a relatively rare site in Japan as most are sitting or standing. Sitting indicates that the Buddha is meditating whilst the reclining pose represents the fact that the Buddha is just about to die and enter the state of Nirvana. This state is much more common in South East Asian countries such as Thailand and Laos, so we have discovered a rare find here in the rural confines of Fukuoka.

Firstly, just to let you know I am a huge fan of Costco. I have been a member for at least 20 years and there aren't enough superlatives to describe how impressed I am with their level of service, quality and range of products and obviously value for money. In fact, I honestly doubt that I would still be in Japan after all this time if Costco wasn't accessible to me on a regular occasion. So, if I am an absolute fan, then I have come to the conclusion that others must be in the same boat as myself. Therefore I have decided to make a Costco visit an option on the Private Tours that I perform as Shore Excursions and Day Tours in Fukuoka.

Everyone loves Ramen! It is the lifeblood of Fukuoka and most of Japan to tell you the truth. Ichiran Ramen is originally from Fukuoka and has been exported all over the world. The Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) broth is to die for and a local speciality! You can also learning about the manufacturing process and see noodles being made in front of your eyes. They have a small museum and a gift shoip to take some authentic product home with you for friends and family!

Couples Rock is connected by a large Shimenawa (rope) which is 30 metres in length and weighs 1 tonne. The male rock is 11.8 metres high and the female rock is 11.2 metres in height. Shimenawa is a thick, twisted, straw rope that in ancient times, was believed to have the power to ward off evil sprits or was used to cordon off sacred area as a talisman and as a result many objects connected with Shinto Shrines are decorated with these types of ropes. A beautiful location worth visiting, on a nice day of course!

Every now and then you come upon a special place that instantly makes a strong and lasting impression on you. Suginoya Sake Brewery is just one of these places and as a resultt we make this location a regular attraction on our tours. Each member of the tour will be given a voucher to choose beer, Japanese rice wine, various liqueurs or a non alcoholic drink and of course you are welcome to buy more samples out of your own pocket.

Starting in the 13th century, the tribes of Mongolia succeeded in creating the largest empire in human history, which stretched from the Sea of Japan to Europe. In 1271, Kublai Khan renamed his empire the Yuan, and he sent an expeditionary force to invade Japan in 1274. Unfortunately for him, the invasion was unsuccessful. After this, the Kamakura Shogunate ordered its retainers in Kyushu to build a stone barricade in case of another Mongolian invasion. Most of the stones that were used in the Mongolian Invasion were transported to be used for the construction of the Fukuoka Castle and these stones can still be seen today at the remains of Fukuoka Castle. This is an amazing part of Japanese history in the fact that were able to keeping the rampaging Mongolians at bay (many say the 1281 Typhoon was a divine hand by the Japanese god`s to protect their lands) has resulted in the Japan we see and love today. If these efforts had been in vain, Japan would be a much different country today and one that maybe doesn`t speak Japanese?

Yusentei Park located in the middle of Fukuoka City is in a nutshell a rare find of a location that will tick all your Japanese Cultural boxes. So many things, quintessentially Japanese that you will be constantly held in amazement and culturally in a head spin. I have lived in Japan for nearly 15 years now and I am still bewildered that it took me this long to find a place like this! Yusentei Park was first built in 1754 as a place of relaxation for a local Lord. After many years and a complete restoration it was opened to the public as the first Japanese Gardens within the Fukuoka City area. In modern times it has become a designated tourist spot with thousands of Japanese and international visitors alike, receiving calmness and peacefulness within its various activities and views to be enjoyed by all.

The Hakata Port Tower is not a one dimensional destination in any sense of the word. Literally, there is something here for everyone. Of course the main reason that people come is for the view and the experience of seeing nearly every part of Fukuoka City and its outlying areas. Not only can you see the Fukuoka Dome and Hilton Seahawk Hotel up come and personal but other areas are also easy to be spotted including the Airport, Hakata Station, the nearby Marinoa City Outlet Mall and its massive Ferris Wheel. In total, more than a dozen easily recognized landmarks can be spotted in an extremely short period of time.