Hakata Old Town Walking Tour Tracing the True History of Fukuoka

Duration3h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Explore Hakata's rich history and diverse culture with our guided tour. Known for its flourishing trade with the Asian Continent, Hakata has developed a unique blend of customs, traditions, and food cultures. Our English-speaking guide will take you on a journey through Hakata's revered shrines and temples, offering insights into its lesser-known history.
The tour includes a visit to the 300-year-old Mitsuyasu Seikaen Tea Leaf Shop, where you can savor kabusecha, a type of green tea from Yame, a renowned tea-producing region in Fukuoka, and local Japanese confectionery.
After a brief rest, we'll continue to Hakatamachiya Furusatokan to experience Fukuoka's deeply-rooted lifestyle and customs. The tour concludes with a visit to the cherished Kushida Shrine, a local favorite. Join us for an immersive journey into Hakata's past and present.

What's included

English-speaking guide
Teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Tea Leaf Shop
Admission fee

Fees other than those listed in Includes

What to expect

Jotenji Temple
15m

Duration: [2025] 15 mins [2026] 30 mins. On the way to Tocho-ji Temple, customers will take a stroll through the Hakata Old Town area. The tour will stop at Sennen-no-Mon, a welcome gate in Hakata Old Town where many historical cultural heritage sites remain, as well as Joten-ji Temple which is the birthplace of Hakata Gion Yamakasa, the iconic summer festival of Hakata.
Tochoji Temple
20m · Admission ticket included

Duration: [2025] 20 mins [2026] 40mins. This temple's five-story pagoda is cherished by the locals as a new symbol of Hakata. The Fukuoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in the temple grounds is Japan’s biggest wooden seated statue of Gautama Buddha. This cypress wood statue is 10.8 meters tall and weighs 30 tons. In the pedestal of the Gautama Buddha statue lies The Hell and Pure Land Tour which signifies "experience the world of the dead, return back to life, and let go of impurities and worries." The Daishi-do hall, five-story pagoda, Kuroda clan graveyard, main hall (outside only), Rokkaku-do hall 'Fukuoka Daibutsu' and 'The Hell and Pure Land Tour' will also be visited.
40m · Admission ticket included

Duration: [2025] 40 mins [2026] 30 mins. Amidst the quaint interior of this tea shop, enjoy local Japanese confectionery and kabusecha, a type of green tea which has little bitterness and is rich in umami, from Yame.
Hakatamachiya Furusatokan
25m · Admission ticket included

Duration: [2025] 25 mins [2026] 40 mins. Inside this building, which is replica of a traditional Hakata townhouse, various exhibits introducing Hakata's annual events, handicrafts, and the good old days of Fukuoka life are on display. Here, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history.
Kushida Shrine
20m

Having the oldest history as Hakata’s tutelary shrine, Kushida Shrine is where the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is offered, and kazariyama floats are displayed all year round. Fondly called “Okushida-san” by the locals, this is where Hakata’s local Shinto deities are enshrined.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting Time: [2025]2:20PM [2026]12:00PM. Meet in front of Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center (Hakata Station General Information Center) in the middle of JR Hakata Station concourse.

End point

Tour ends in front of Kushida Shrine.
*Kushida Shrine is situated a 15-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
*Please head to your next destination on your own from the location. The guide will give directions on how to get back

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled
Depending on road conditions and physical stamina of tour participants, arrival time at each location may be considerably delayed. Furthermore, there may be changes to the itinerary
Due to circumstances of the shrines/temples listed in the itinerary, entry may not be possible. In this case, the tour will be led to alternative destination(s) which will be notified to customers on the day. Alternative Destinations: Waka Hachimangu Shrine, Myoraku-ji Temple, Engaku-ji Temple, Ryugu-ji Temple
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations
Children 0-5 years old may join free of charge, but seating and teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho are not included for them. If preferred, please make a booking under the child rate
This is a walking tour. Customers will be walking for the day’s entire itinerary (approx. 3 km). Please participate in an outfit easy to walk in
Customers who prefer to use public transportation partway through the tour must shoulder the required fare
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (17)

From

29,000.00 JPY per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. · Booked through Viator

More activities in Fukuoka