This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:45AM Meet @ Hakata Port Cruise Center
- 9:30 @ Sasaguri Town Nanzoin
- 11:40 @ Hakata Station・Ming (Sea Bream and Bean Paste) Snack
- 12:20 @ Sennenmon – Jotenji Temple – Tochoji Temple
- 13:30 @ Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- 14:15 @ Kushida Shrine
- 15:00 Dismiss @ Kushida Shrine
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hakata Port Cruise Center at 08:45, the group explored Fukuoka until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Sasaguri Town Nanzoin at 9:30, Hakata Station・Ming (Sea Bream and Bean Paste) Snack at 11:40, Sennenmon – Jotenji Temple – Tochoji Temple at 12:20, Hakata Machiya Folk Museum at 13:30 and Kushida Shrine at 14:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakata to Kido Nanzoin-mae by train (450JPY); Kido Nanzoin-mae to Hakata by train (450JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
What Is a Private Fukuoka and Hakata Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. They listened very attentively to my explanations, which made me very happy. Although it rained, they showed interest in many different things. One of the guests seemed to have trouble with their knee and found going up and down stairs difficult. I noticed this at Nanzoin Temple, so from then on I made sure to use slopes and elevators as much as possible.
We returned to Hakata Station close to noon, but since they were not very hungry, I recommended taiyaki at the taiyaki shop in Ming at Hakata Station. They had stayed in another city in Japan for a while but had not tried taiyaki, so they were delighted to find it unusual and delicious.
After a short rest, we toured the old town of Hakata, though it felt a little cold. Since we were able to board the train without any waiting time, we went slightly over the planned time but were able to take our time exploring. I arranged a taxi at Kushida Shrine and ended the tour.
Click here for more details: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Hakata～Kido Nanzoin-mae | 450JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kido Nanzoin-mae～Hakata | 450JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Fukuoka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hakata Port Cruise Center at 08:45, and the tour finished at @ Kushida Shrine at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 08:45 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Sasaguri Town Nanzoin, Hakata Station・Ming (Sea Bream and Bean Paste) Snack, Sennenmon – Jotenji Temple – Tochoji Temple, Hakata Machiya Folk Museum and Kushida Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Chizuko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Fukuoka itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
My name is Chizuko Kitajima.
I have worked as an international exchange coordinator for sister schools for more than 20 years and have handled more than 10 sister school partnerships. I guided young students when they came to Japan.
I was born in Fukuoka and have lived here almost all my life. I am very happy to be able to introduce my hometown to our international guests.
I will do my best to make your trip different from other cities and offer you new experiences and pleasant surprises.
Please let me know where you want to go and what your interests are. I would be delighted to help you make the most of your trip and help you create wonderful memories.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Apr 6, 2026
Robert_S
A Wonderful Day!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide met us promptly at the cruise…
Apr 6, 2026
Robert_S
A Wonderful Day!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide met us promptly at the cruise terminal. We got a cab to the train and travelled to Nanzoin Temple to see the reclining Buddah. An amazing place & must see! After a train ride back, we set out on foot to explore Fukuoka. Chizuko was very organized, thoughtful and informative in explaining each stop on our tour. She took us to see various Hakata temples and shrines as well as the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. We tasted a delicious fish-embossed creame filled cookie she thought we would enjoy… we did! In spite of it being a rainy day, Chizuko made sure we saw everything on the itinerary. She was a lovely lady; we really enjoyed the tour and her company. Thank you, Chizuko!
May 4, 2025
92075
So glad we did this!
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko, our guide, was phenomenal.
We…
May 4, 2025
92075
So glad we did this!
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko, our guide, was phenomenal.
We communicated back-and-forth prior to our arrival in Japan. We had done some research and had a general idea of what we would like to see, do and eat.
Chizuko met us at our hotel and then effortlessly guided us on the subway and JR trains to our various destinations across the city, including a restaurant selling local delicacies that we would never have found.
It coincided with the festival so her carefully crafted itinerary changed a bit, as we were dancing and interacting with the various performing groups along the way.
Her English was perfect and, whilst she was very professional, she was also extremely pleasant and easy to talk to.
We had considered doing it on our own with a guide book but so glad we took the full day tour.
Highly recommended.
Mar 25, 2025
Veronicajhyde
A day in Fukuoka
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great day with our tour guide Chizuko,…
Mar 25, 2025
Veronicajhyde
A day in Fukuoka
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great day with our tour guide Chizuko, a trip to the garden island Nokonosima magnificent views and beautiful flowers and trees, just a few cherry blossoms.
In return a walk through shopping area and authentic sushi & sashimi lunch.
Continuing to walk through the shopping area past more blooms.
Highly recommended
Oct 18, 2024
Pearl_I
Wonderful Experience!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko was a wonderful tour guide. She spent hours…
Oct 18, 2024
Pearl_I
Wonderful Experience!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko was a wonderful tour guide. She spent hours to customize our experience in
Fukuoka. We had a memorable and enjoyable experience.