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Immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of Japan’s spring season with this exclusive tour to three iconic destinations. Begin at the breathtaking Kawachi Wisteria Garden, home to vibrant wisteria tunnels stretching across 10,000 square meters, where cascading blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white create a magical atmosphere. Next, step into the charm of the Meiji era at the Former Matsumoto Residence, a stunning blend of Western and Japanese architecture, offering a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Japan’s elite. Conclude your journey with a visit to the Former Kurauchi Residence, where beautifully preserved traditional architecture and serene Japanese gardens tell the story of a prosperous industrial past.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet in front of LAWSON Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store at JR Hakata Station Chikushi Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.
Drop-off is possible at either at Kokura Station North Exit or Hakata Station (last stop). The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark.
Itinerary
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1
Start your tour at Hakata Station, where you'll meet your tour conductor and begin your journey. Along the way, you’ll make a quick stop at Kokura to pick up the rest of the group before heading to the stunning Kawachi Wisteria Garden, renowned for its breathtaking wisteria blossoms that draw visitors from across Japan and the world. The expansive garden, covering approximately 10,000 square meters, showcases 22 varieties of wisteria flowers in shades of white, purple, and pink. Stroll through two enchanting wisteria tunnels, each measuring 80 and 110 meters in length, and marvel at the vibrant, cascading blooms. These tunnels create a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. The flowers typically bloom from late April to early May, though their peak timing may vary depending on weather conditions. This is a truly unmissable stop for any springtime visit to Japan.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
Step into the elegance of Japan’s Meiji era with a visit to the Former Matsumoto Residence, a magnificent example of early modern Japanese architecture. Built over 100 years ago as the residence and reception hall of businessman Kenjiro Matsumoto, the estate combines a Western-style mansion designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the father of modern Japanese architecture, with a Japanese-style annex created by his construction supervisor, Shosaburo Kubota. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, this stately home offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of Japan's elite during the Meiji era. While the guided tour is conducted in Japanese, the architectural details, design, and historical ambiance speak for themselves, offering an immersive experience that transcends language. After exploring the residence, delight in a refined French meal served within this elegant setting, adding a touch of sophistication to your journey.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Discover the grandeur of Japan’s industrial heritage at the last stop of the tour, Former Kurauchi Residence, an estate built by the Kurauchi family, who prospered as coal barons from the Meiji period through the early Showa era. The residence features a main house, reception hall, and meticulously landscaped Japanese gardens, which have been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Over the years, additional structures such as a tea room and an impressive entrance were added, enhancing the estate’s charm. As you explore the residence, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of Japanese elegance, where the blending of traditional architecture and exquisite gardens reflects the wealth and refinement of the Kurauchi family. This serene and picturesque stop is an opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Japan’s industrial past.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is limited to participants aged 15 and above. All participants must be at least 15 years old to join. (Applicable for departures on or after April 1, 2026)
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is limited to participants aged 15 and above. All participants must be at least 15 years old to join. (Applicable for departures on or after April 1, 2026)
- Due to the reservation system at Kawachi Wisteria Garden, bookings are accepted on a request basis only. This means we cannot confirm your reservation instantly, and the tour departure will not be guaranteed until your reservation at the garden is secured. We will notify you via Viator chat when your reservation is officially confirmed. If we cannot secure a reservation for the garden, we may ask you to reschedule your departure date.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- Due to reservation times at Kawachi Wisteria Garden, lunch may be served later, around 1:30 PM. The return time may also vary depending on the schedule.
- During busy periods like Golden Week, heavy traffic is expected on highways. This may cause significant delays in the return time. In such cases, we may need to adjust the itinerary, including shortening or omitting stops at some sightseeing spots.
- Delays caused by transportation issues or failure to arrive on time at the meeting point will be subject to cancellation fees.
- Regarding photography at Kawachi Wisteria Garden: General snapshot photography is allowed, but using tripods or monopods along the main or circular paths is prohibited. Professional photography is not allowed.
- Selling photos taken at Kawachi Wisteria Garden is strictly forbidden. Legal action will be taken if such activity is discovered.
- The peak bloom of flowers may vary due to weather conditions. For reference: Usual peak bloom period for Kawachi Wisteria Garden: Late April to Early May.
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions on the day of the tour.
- The tour itinerary may be rearranged due to scheduling or other circumstances.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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