Excursion Hakata walking exploration tour at Fukuoka

Departing your ship, you will head to the Hakata City Hall (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.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Fukuoka, subway ride, Jotenji Temple, Tochoji Temple, Kushida Shrine

Note

Please note: This tour involves extensive amount of walking (total distance about 3km or 1.86miles) on paved, inclined streets and some steps at the various sites and a few to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.  Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour includes also a subway ride. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.