Product Description

Step into a charming Meiji-era alleyway and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty and cultural heritage of Hakata. This 3-hour guided walking tour takes you beyond the usual tourist paths to explore historic Zen temples, craft shops, and nostalgic local stores, offering a glimpse into the authentic daily life and spiritual history of Fukuoka.

Highlights

• Walk through a Meiji-period alleyway
  Stroll a picturesque old street steeped in traditional architecture, often compared to Kyoto for its tranquil beauty.
• Visit Japan’s first Zen temple
  Explore Shofukuji Temple, the first Zen temple in Japan, founded by the priest Eisai. Discover the spiritual significance of Zen Buddhism and admire the peaceful dry gardens.
• Stop at local shops with century-old history
  Browse Saimon Kamaboko, a fish cake shop with over 100 years of history, and pick up local specialties and delicacies.
• Discover traditional crafts and souvenirs
  Visit Nagasawa, a family-run shop offering elegant wedding gifts and artisan crafts, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of Endo-shoten, a classic toy and sweet shop.
• End with a sweet treat
  Conclude your walk with a visit to a beloved local chocolate shop, a perfect way to finish your cultural journey.

Tour Details

• Tour Name: Hakata Alleyway Tour
• Price: ¥3,800
• Duration: 3 hours
• Start Time: 10:00
• End Time: 13:00
• Language: English-speaking guide
• Departure Point:
  Hakata Station
  1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0012, Japan

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Itinerary

• 10:00 – Meet at Hakata Station
• 10:15–11:35 – Alleyway walk & temple visits (Jotenji & Shofukuji)
• 11:35–11:50 – Saimon Kamaboko fish cake shop
• 11:50–12:05 – Nagasawa wedding gift store
• 12:05–12:20 – Endo-shoten (classic toy & sweets shop)
• 12:20–12:35 – Local chocolate shop
• 13:00 – End of tour at Tsunaba Street

What’s Included

• Guided walking tour with cultural and historical commentary
• Visits to temples, shops, and artisan locations
• Recommendations for dining and further exploration
• Photo-taking assistance

Important Notes

• Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
• Tour proceeds rain or shine—umbrellas are recommended in case of light rain.
• Late arrivals or no-shows are non-refundable.
• The walking route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Reviews

“I am very happy with this tour. Mr. Nagafuchi was so kind and knowledgeable. We learned so much about Old Hakata and saw beautiful places we wouldn’t have found on our own.”

“Highly recommend this itinerary! Even without speaking Japanese, it was a great way to interact with locals and see a different side of Hakata.”

“Naga-san showed us places not in the travel guides. He’s very friendly and well-prepared. A great way to spend a half-day in Fukuoka!”