Fukuoka Private Tour: Heart and Tradition of Hakata

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 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.

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.

Taking lunch time in this local shopping street.

Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex, calling itself a "city within the city". Attractions include about 250 shops, cafes and restaurants, a theater, game center, cinemas, two hotels and a canal running through the complex.

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.

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?

The ending point of this tour. Hakata Station is a major railway station in southern Japan and the largest on Kyushu Island. It serves as a gateway to Kyushu as it’s the terminus of both the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train line to Osaka, and by extension the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo.