Hakata Old Town Walking Tour Tracing the True History of Fukuoka
At a glance
Hakata Old Town Walking Tour Tracing the True History of Fukuoka is a 3h 30m small-group experience in Fukuoka, Japan, operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 17 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $187.43 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: English-speaking guide, Teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Tea Leaf Shop, Admission fee.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 10 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 10 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Confirmed within 48 hours
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
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
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Tea Leaf Shop
- Admission fee
Not included
- Fees other than those listed in Includes
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 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.
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Stop 2 · 20m
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.
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Stop 3 · 40m
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.
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Stop 4 · 25m
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.
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Stop 5 · 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 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.
Good to know
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Hakata Old Town Walking Tour Tracing the True History of Fukuoka take?
The experience lasts about 3h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $187.43 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
English-speaking guide; Teacake charge at Mitsuyasu Seikaen Tea Leaf Shop; Admission fee.
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 17 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Fukuoka.
