Hakata Old Town Walking Tour Tracing the True History of Fukuoka

4.9
(17 reviews)
Fukuoka, Japan

3 hours 10 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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 uiro, a local sweet treat.
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

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

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    The tour will pass through the Hakata Sennen-no Mon gate on the way to Joten-ji Temple.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Duration: [2025] 40 mins [2026] 30 mins. Amidst the quaint interior of this tea shop, enjoy uiro, a Japanese sweet originating from Fukuoka, and kabusecha, a type of green tea which has little bitterness and is rich in umami, from Yame.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    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.

    25 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Coffee & Tea Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Religious Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
New Product

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.9 Based on 17 17 reviews
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