Excursion Kokura castle garden by bullet train - full day tour at Fukuoka

Experience a ride on Japan's famous Shinkansen or Bullet Train to the ancient feudal castle town of Kokura and visit the town's most famous sites, Kokura Castle and Japanese style gardens. For centuries Kokura has enjoyed a prominent location guarding the Straits of Shimonoseki, which has greatly advanced the prosperity of the town.

Bullet Train Ride

From the pier, a 30-minute transfer will bring you to the Hakata Station. Here, board the Bullet Train, known not only for high speed but

also for its high standard of safety and comfort. Following a 20-minute ride, you will arrive at Kokura station, where a coach awaits for the transfer to Kokura Castle.

Kokura Castle

The 15^th-century castle was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki of the Ogasawara clan but was destroyed by fire in 1865 during the war between the Kokura and Choshu clans. The five-storey castle tower was reconstructed in 1959 similar to its original architectural design, while other parts of the castle were fully restored in 1990. Today, the interior houses a fine museum spread over several floors. During your visit you can view exhibits that provide insight to the history and culture of the castle town of Kokura. To reach the building's top floor requires climbing 128 steps.

Kokura Castle Japanese Gardens

Leaving the castle, take a 10-minute stroll to the castle gardens, which have been recreated on the original site and opened to the public in 1998. The serene, Japanese style gardens contain a genuine samurai mansion, which used to serve as a castle annex. Together they combine to make one aesthetic unit. Take a walk around the grounds and enter the mansion's tatami room, where you will be presented with a short demonstration of a tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of Japanese tea.

Following your visit to the castle gardens, proceed on foot to a local hotel for lunch. After lunch, commence an approximate 1.5- to 2-hour coach drive that will return you to the port at Fukuoka.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of uphill and downhill walking, with approximately 128 steps to reach the top of the castle. The castle is a five-storey building with no lift. It is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

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