Hafen
Fukuoka

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Among the hundreds of Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most important one alongside Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu. Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period. Because of his great learning, Michizane has been associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity of education, and is popular among students. A wide range of good luck charms can be purchased from the shops around the main hall. Most popular are education related charms which are supposed to help students pass exams.

Next, a short drive will take you to the Fukuoka Tower. It was built in 1989 for the Yokatopia Expo that was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of municipalizing Fukuoka as a city. The tower stands 234 meters high and is Japan's tallest seaside tower. From the observation platform at 123 meters above the ground, visitors enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view that covers the city of Fukuoka to Hakata Bay.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 15-minute transfer back to the pier.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Kyushu National Museum is closed on Monday, therefore on Mondays this site will be replaced with a visit to Ohori Park.

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Among the hundreds of Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most important one alongside Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu. Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period. Because of his great learning, Michizane has been associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity of education, and is popular among students. A wide range of good luck charms can be purchased from the shops around the main hall. Most popular are education related charms which are supposed to help students pass exams. After the approximately 90 minutes visit, re-board the coach and drive to the Kyushu National Museum.

When Kyushu National Museum was opened in 2005, it joined the Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara National Museums to become only the fourth national museum in the country. The museum building itself is a massive blue construction that resembles a sports stadium more than an exhibition space. The museum's appearance is made even more striking by the fact that it is located in a city as small as Dazaifu. Upon first entering the building visitors will surely be impressed by the spacious entrance hall. The main exhibition is on the fourth floor and is divided into five chronological sections that span Japanese history from the Prehistoric Era to the Edo Period(1603-1868). The sections are further divided into smaller rooms that have a unifying theme. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts that are presented in both a creative and informative fashion.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 30-minute transfer back to the pier.

Departing your ship, you will head to the Hakata City Hall by the shuttle bus (approximately 30min drive) to take the local subway. During this walking tour we are going to visit three very important shrines.

Jotenji Temple. It's famous for its stone monuments. This temple was founded by a monk who studied in China with the support from Hakata merchants in 1241.

Tochoji Temple, was built in the early ninth century by the famous Buddhist priest Kukai (Kobo Daishi) after his return from China. Its name means "a temple that reaches far to the East" and it is said to express Kukai's wish for Buddhism to spread from Fukuoka in the West to the East of Japan. The temple is best known for its huge Buddha statue, the Great Buddha of Fukuoka. Another point of interest is the Jigoku or hell experience where you walk through a dark corridor. The temple also features a five-story pagoda that is said to contain a Buddhist relic, a bone of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.

Kushida Shrine was founded in 757 when Hakata was the point of arrival and departure for trade and diplomatic missions between Japan, China and Korea. From early to mid-July the shrine hosts the Yamakasa Gion Festival, the biggest festival in Fukuoka. On the last day of the Festival, seven teams from the seven neighborhoods of Hakata race carrying giant floats called "Kazariyama". Each of the floats are decorated with traditional figures and scenes and are up to 10 meters tall and weigh 1 ton. One of the huge floats is on permanent display in the shrine grounds.

After the guided stroll of Hakata City, your guide will escort you take the local subway and back to the Hakata City Hall where the walking tour started. Depending on ship's departure you may stay in town and return to the port/ship at your leisure via shuttle bus service.

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Among the hundreds of Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most important one alongside Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu. Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period. Because of his great learning, Michizane has been associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity of education, and is popular among students. A wide range of good luck charms can be purchased from the shops around the main hall. Most popular are education related charms which are supposed to help students pass exams. After the approximately 90 minutes visit, re-board the coach and drive to a local restaurant for a Japanese set-menu lunch.

Next, you will head to Kushida Shrine. It was founded in 757 when Hakata was the point of arrival and departure for trade and diplomatic missions between Japan, China and Korea. From early to mid-July the shrine hosts the Yamakasa Gion Festival, the biggest festival in Fukuoka. On the last day of the Festival, seven teams from the seven neighborhoods of Hakata race carrying giant floats called "Kazariyama". Each of the floats are decorated with traditional figures and scenes and are up to 10 meters tall and weigh 1 ton. One of the huge floats is on permanent display in the shrine grounds.

Your last stop is Fukuoka Tower. It was built in 1989 for the Yokatopia Expo that was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of municipalizing Fukuoka as a city. The tower stands 234 meters high and is Japan's tallest seaside tower. From the observation platform at 123 meters above the ground, visitors enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view that covers the city of Fukuoka to Hakata Bay.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 15-minute transfer back to the pier.

Board your coach and commence the approximately 70 minutes journey to Former Takatori House. This structure is the former home of Koreyoshi Takatori (1850 - 1927), a successful coal baron. This residence is a National Important Cultural Property and is an important structure teaching visitors about the period when Karatsu flourished as a coal producing area. Visitors to the Takatori House can see a structure with an exquisite design complete with a restored Western-style room with a plaster ceiling, cedars doors with paintings, transoms decorated with animals, reliefs of plants and a Noh stage. Visitors will not be disappointed by the grandeur of the modern Japanese-style architecture.

Re-board the coach and a short drive will take you to the Nakazato Taroemon Kiln.The Karatsu-yaki ware is one of the Japan's three great tea ceramics along with the Raku-yaki ware and Hagi-yaki ware. Fondly named Chato, literally tea ceramics, Karatsu-yaki ware has been loved by masters of the tea ceremony from ancient times. The Karatsu-yaki ware is believed to begin in Mount Kishidake adjacent to Kitahata in Karatsu.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 60-minute journey back to the pier.

Your tour begins with an approximately 30-min drive to the Hakata Station. Upon arrival, board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train for approx. 15-minute ride to Kokura, then board a coach and drive to the Furoshiki Wrapping Experience. Furoshiki is a Japanese traditional wrapping cloth that can be used to carry gifts, clothes, and other goods. Since it can be used for multiple purposes and can replace plastic bags, furoshiki is considered very eco-friendly. Enjoy learning how to use this traditional cloth. You will have a chance to purchase your favorite kokura ori product.

Next, after an approximately 60min drive you will arrive to Kokura Castle Garden. It is a reconstruction of the original garden and is not very large but is a quiet oasis from the busy streets nearby. It was originally built for the Hosokawa clan but the Ogasawara clan took over and controlled the castle for most of the Edo Period. The famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi almost certainly spent time enjoying the garden while he lived here. It is a stroll type garden with a path going around a small pond.

Then head to Kokura Castle. It was built in 1602 at the beginning of the Edo Period. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1866, and the current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle's traditional architecture provides an interesting visual contrast to the neighboring modern shopping and entertainment center.

After your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximate 70-minute transfer back to the pier.

Dive into Fukuoka's soul on this casual hop through the city's vibrant food and drinking culture. Led by a food-loving local guide, this walking tour takes you through bustling streets and into the belly of Fukuoka's culinary melting pot. Savor Fukuoka’s favorite local foods (including seafood and the finest fowl) and sample some regional drinks (sake, shochu, and local craft beer) at each stop, experiencing the warmth and "friendly first" spirit of this gateway city. The journey culminates in an exclusive craft beer tasting led by the cofounder and master brewer of Fukuoka Craft, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Fukuoka, Japan’s ancient portal to Asia, is a culinary crossroads where centuries of cultural exchange have created a diverse food culture. Experience the city’s culinary soul on this food-and-drink hop with Fukuoka-born enthusiast Ryo Ishii. This 2.5-hour walking tour begins at a modern-classic kakuuchi – a standing bar born from Kyushu's working-class roots. In this laid-back setting, beloved by locals for its unfussy charm, you'll rub elbows with Fukuokans while sipping sake with local seafood specialties. Weaving through the city’s vibrant streets, the enticing aroma of grilled chicken guides you to your next stop. Here, expertly prepared Kyushu fowl pairs perfectly with smooth shochu, reflecting the region's fondness for rich flavors. The tour concludes at Fukuoka Craft's original taproom, unexpectedly housed in a Mexican restaurant. Brewmeister David Victor leads an exclusive tasting of local brews, demonstrating how craft beer has joined sake and shochu as a favorite tipple in the city’s dynamic food scene. Guests then return to the port by private coach. This soul-food hop offers an immersion into Fukuoka's heart, where traditions continue to evolve, one bite and sip at a time.

After filling your stomachs and hearts, return to the pier by your private coach.

Explore Fukuoaka at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Fukuoaka at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Fukuoaka at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Fukuoaka at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.