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
- 10:00 Moji West Coast Pier No.1
- 10:10-10:20 Visit Mojiko Station
- 10:20-10:45 Travel to Tanga Market (JR + Monorail)
- 10:45-11:05 Stroll through Tanga Market
- 11:05-11:15 Walk to Kokura Castle
- 11:15:11:45 Cherry blossom viewing around Kokura Castle
- 11:45-12-30 Kokura Castle
- 12:30-12:40 Move to Kokura Castle Garden through the Yasaka Shrine grounds
- 12:40-13:30 Tea ceremony experience, garden stroll, and exhibition hall tour
- 13:30-13:50- Kitakyushu City Hall Rooftop Observation Room
- Afterwards, walk to Kokura Station, and after the guests board the train bound for Mojiko, the tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Moji West Coast Pier No.1 at 10:00, Mojiko Station at 10:10, Travel to Tanga Market (JR + Monorail) at 10:20, Tanga Market at 10:45, Walk to Kokura Castle at 11:05, Cherry blossom viewing around Kokura Castle at 11:15, 12-30 Kokura Castle at 11:45, Kokura Castle Garden through the Yasaka Shrine grounds at 12:30 and Kitakyushu City Hall Rooftop Observation Room at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Mojiko to Kokura (Fukuoka Prefecture) by train (340JPY); Kokura to Tanga Market (100JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 440JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Cultural Tour in Kitakyushu Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from North America who arrived by cruise ship. Part of the group chose to rest on board due to fatigue from the long voyage and did not join the tour. Since this tour had been planned in advance in consultation with the guest, focusing mainly on introducing and experiencing Japanese culture, it was very unfortunate that not everyone could take part. I had planned activities such as a kimono dressing experience and a Kokura-ori weaving experience, but the guest did not seem very interested in them, so we skipped those. At the Tanga Market, the guest enjoyed the atmosphere of a market unique to Japan. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the guest was also able to touch the falling petals, which seemed to be thoroughly enjoyable. During the tea ceremony experience, the guest was able to encounter authentic Japanese culture and art, and appeared to take a real interest in it. As a cruise voyage reaches its later stages, some travelers seem to grow tired and may feel unwell, so I felt I should also consider how to respond in such cases.
Click here for more details: Kitakyushu Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Mojiko～Kokura (Fukuoka Prefecture) | 340JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Kokura～Tanga Market | 100JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Moji West Coast Pier No.1, Mojiko Station, Travel to Tanga Market (JR + Monorail), Tanga Market, Walk to Kokura Castle, Cherry blossom viewing around Kokura Castle, 12-30 Kokura Castle, Kokura Castle Garden through the Yasaka Shrine grounds and Kitakyushu City Hall Rooftop Observation Room.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 440JPY 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?
Chiharu 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.
Hallo, my name is Chiharu Horigome. I am a national government-licensed guide interpreter. I was born in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and living in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. I lived for 42 years in Chiba City until April 2023, during that time I worked as a volunteer guide for Narita Airport transit tours. I studied chemistry at university and have over 20 years of experience as a chemical patent translator, so I can also assist with factory tours. My specialty is Japanese culture, especially the tea ceremony, which I have been familiar with since I was a child. In addition, I have a license for kimono dressing. I hope people from other countries feel authentic Japanese culture. I can also help them understand hot springs and sake, including chemical explanations. I am happy to assist you during our tour. If you have any questions about our tour, feel free to ask. I am glad to answer them to the best of my ability! I am looking forward to seeing you.