Fukuoka

Viewing points

Enjoy a memorable experience with a view of Fukuoka's gorgeous scenery from Fukuoka Tower. Ascending 234 meters (768 feet) into the sky, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Located in the Momochihama area of Fukuoka, it has a triangular cross-section covered with 8,000 half mirrors and is known as the Mirrored Sail.  Head up to the 123-meter (404-foot) high observation deck and soak up 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Admire the sunset at the most popular time to visit, or marvel at panoramic views of the Fukuoka city lights at night when the tower's Sky Illumination is lit. The illumination emphasizes the unique design of Fukuoka Tower, helping you appreciate it even more. At the Sky Walk 123 steps, feel like you are flying or walking in the sky by looking through virtual reality binoculars. On the first floor, explore shops of local specialties such as Hakata’s traditional confectionery or mentaiko (cod roe), or grab a bite to eat at the cafe or European style restaurant.

Meet your guide at the Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel and board your bus. Embark on a journey through Kyushu's diverse landscapes. Begin your day at the awe-inspiring Kumamoto Castle. Immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning architecture while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Next, delve into the expansive Aso Grassland. Marvel at the picturesque volcanic peaks as they provide a dramatic backdrop to grazing cattle and sheep. Then, explore the geological wonders of Mount Aso at the Aso Volcano Museum. Discover the region's volcanic heritage and the impact of its colossal caldera on the landscape. Have the chance to horseback ride across the grasslands (not included). Feel the rhythmic connection with nature in this breathtaking setting. Afterward, discover the grandeur of Mount Aso, an active volcanic complex featuring Nakadake Crater. Witness firsthand the raw power and beauty of this dynamic landscape. End your day in tranquility at Kurokawa Onsen, a serene hot spring village nestled in Kyushu's mountains. Relax in natural baths and savor the hospitality of traditional ryokan (entry not included). ***Due to the current hot weather, in order to enhance your experience, we will be replacing Kurokawa Onsen with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine on this itinerary from August 5th to September 30th. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful grounds, historic architecture, and vibrant festivals, making it a popular destination for both worshippers and tourists. Return to Fukuoka at the end of the tour.

Discover Fukuoka with a local host who will make you feel like they’ve known you and their city forever. You'll be paired with like-minded guide, who will suggest a bespoke itinerary that suits your interests and requests to explore the city your way. Whether you want to see some of the most famous shrines and temples or shop until you drop in the unique Tenjin underground shopping mall, your host will create a personalized experience just for you. Discover off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods where you can really immerse yourself in the culture and taste authentic cuisine. See the highlights, immerse yourself in the culture and live like a local for a day as you stroll through the city, discovering its rich culture, history and food scene. With your thoughtfully-matched host by your side, skip the tourist traps and see the real Fukuoka like a local. Fukuoka is also known as a gourmet city thanks to its history as a port which was the bridge from Japan to mainland Asia. Discover the city’s unique food culture by eating your way around it. Pick up tasty street food from yatai (mobile food carts) and of course, make a ramen pilgrimage to taste the silky pork bone broth and noodles which is the city’s most famous dish. Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

Explore Kyushu's most populous city with your private tour guide and personalized itinerary. Fukuoka is one of the leading tourist cities in Japan and the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the southernmost of Kyushu. The city is divided in two by the River Naka, with Hakata, the older eastern part, serving as an important port and commercial center. It is also highly regarded for its food culture, especially ramen, and it connects the world to a region rich in ancient cultures. On your tour, you'll uncover the suburban areas and hidden places that only local people know about. Armed with their extensive local knowledge, your guide will help you arrange the tour itinerary to fit your interests perfectly. Spend time in the city's natural spaces or visit the sightseeing spots you can't miss in Fukuoka. Your guide will also offer various Japanese cultural experiences to enrich your tour. Your guide is familiar with the areas, so you won't miss out on what makes Fukuoka unique.

Meet your guide at your accommodation, where your guide will be waiting for you to begin your customized tour of Minami-Aso and Takachiho. Choose the stops you'd like to make, but your itinerary may look something like the following: Head to Shirakawa Spring Park as your first stop, where you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of one of Kumamoto's renowned parks. Journey to the Takachiho area next, boarding a small boat to navigate the Takachiho Gorge. Gaze upward at the magnificent waterfall from the river, a perspective that offers a unique appreciation of the area's natural splendor. Visit one of the oldest nearby shrines, the Takachiho Shrine, steeped in history and spiritual significance. Experience the thrill of a famous trolley train in Takachiho. Enjoy a 30-minute ride that showcases spectacular views of the area. The journey across a 105-meter-high railway bridge promises a thrilling and memorable experience. Note that this itinerary serves as a template for your adventure. Remember, the tour price does not include activity expenses, but communicate your interests to craft an itinerary that perfectly aligns with your desires.

* Hakata Doll is a local art work which has as long as 400-year history. In this tour, you will visit the most famous Hakata Doll Shop in Hakata, and you can experience Hakata Doll Painting with a teacher(speaking Japanese). The only one doll in the world will be a great souvenir to yourself, with an unforgettable memory of your travel to Fukuoka!! * This tour will be guided only in Japanese. At the time of reservation, please inform us whether or not you can speak Japanese and the mobile phone number available in Japan.

Depart from Fukuoka, take a 2.5-hour drive to Kamishiromi Kumanoza Shrine, the filming location of the movie 'Into the Forest of Fireflies Light'. Then arrive at Aso Volcano, located in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island. It is the symbol of Kumamoto and is famous for its composite volcano with a large caldera. Kusasenri is a vast grassy plain which offers great views of the volcanically active Nakadake Peak. There is also a large pond in Kusasenri where you can also see horses grazing. This scenic location has become a popular feature of the Aso Geopark. Finally, you can experience the Japanese-style open-air bath at Kurokawa Onsen.

Begin your journey at Kumamoto Castle, a majestic fortress steeped in history and architectural splendor, offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Next, venture into the expansive Aso "Thousand-mile" Grassland, a vast expanse of natural beauty where free-roaming cattle and sheep graze peacefully against the backdrop of volcanic peaks. Delve deeper into the geological marvels of Mount Aso at the Aso Volcano Museum. Learn about the region's volcanic history, the formation of its expansive caldera, and the impact of volcanic activity on the landscape and local communities. For an unforgettable adventure, opt for a horseback riding experience across the grassland (additional cost required). Feel the rhythm of nature beneath you as you traverse this stunning landscape, gaining a unique perspective of Aso's beauty. Discover the awe-inspiring Mount Aso, an active volcanic group centered around the immense Aso Caldera. Explore Nakadake Crater and witness firsthand the raw power and geological wonders of this dynamic landscape. End your day at Kurokawa Onsen, a tranquil hot spring village nestled in the serene mountains of Kyushu. Indulge in the therapeutic waters of natural rotenburo baths and experience the timeless charm of traditional ryokan hospitality. Due to the current hot weather, to enhance your experience, we will be replacing Kurokawa Onsen with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine on this itinerary from August 5th to September 30th. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful grounds, historic architecture, and vibrant festivals, making it a popular destination for both worshippers and tourists. Embark on this unforgettable journey through Kyushu's natural wonders and cultural landmarks, where each destination promises a unique and enriching experience.

Explore Yamaguchi's ancient port, local seafood market, magnificent bridge, and mysterious shrine. Depart from Fukuoka at 8:30 A.M. and enjoy your pleasant trip. First, visit Mojiko Port, a historic port city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its well-preserved ancient dock buildings and warehouses give the city a strong port atmosphere. In addition, there are some museums and cultural relics where you can gain an in-depth understanding of Mojiko Port's history and culture. Next, discover the Subsea Tunnel on a fascinating walk and ferry experience. Stroll through the 780-meter-long subsea tunnel. Continue to the Kanmon ferryboat and cross the Kanmon Strait in just a few minutes on one of the fastest means of transportation between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. Riding the Kanmon ferryboat, you can enjoy the spectacular sea view and the beautiful scenery on both sides. Next, visit the Karato Market. The 1st floor of Karato Market will be completely transformed into a seafood street called "Ikiiki Bakangai (Lively Bakan Street)". Numerous delicacies, such as nigiri sushi, miso soup, deep-fried, and other dishes made with fresh ingredients, are available. Of course, fugu (puffer fish) sashimi is also available. Tourists who like seafood or Japanese food must not miss this spot. Continue to the Tsunoshima Bridge, a magnificent bridge connecting Yamaguchi prefecture, Honshu, and Tsunoshima. You can enjoy the magnificent sea view and the architectural beauty of the bridge. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the blue ocean and the surrounding scenery, making it definitely an unforgettable sightseeing spot. It is definitely an ideal place to take a photo. Finish your tour with a visit to Motonosumi Shrine. According to the oracle brought by a white fox, the shrine was built in 1955 by dividing (obtaining the spiritual power of the gods) from Taikodani Inari Shrine in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. On the way from Ryugu Shiobuki to the shrine, there are 123 red torii gates, which are very impressive. If you carefully observe the torii on the high platform of the shrine, you may see the merit box above your head! It is said that if you put incense money into it, your wish will come true.

Depart from Fukuoka, take a 2.5-hour drive to Kamishiromi Kumanoza Shrine, the filming location of the movie 'Into the Forest of Fireflies Light'. Then arrive at Aso Volcano, located in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island. It is the symbol of Kumamoto and is famous for its composite volcano with a large caldera. Kusasenri is a vast grassy plain which offers great views of the volcanically active Nakadake Peak. There is also a large pond in Kusasenri where you can also see horses grazing. This scenic location has become a popular feature of the Aso Geopark. Finally, you can experience the Japanese-style open-air bath at Kurokawa Onsen.