Fukuoka in One Day: Fukuoka Tower — Guide Chizuko
December, 2024
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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:15 Meet up @ Hakata Port Cruise Center
- 09:30 By local bus: Hakata Port International Terminal – Gofukumachi
- 09:45 Shopping @ Cocokara Fine Drugstore
- 10:30 Shopping @ Canal City Shopping Center
- 11:45 Shopping @ Hakata Station Hankyu Department Store – Hands
- 13:20 By local bus: Hakata Station Bus Center – Mizuho PayPay Dome
- 13:50 Lunch @ MARK IS Food Court
- 14:45 Amusement facility @ E-ZO Fukuoka
- 16:00 Fukuoka Tower
- 16:10 Disband at Fukuoka Tower
Title: What Can You Do on a Private One-Day Fukuoka Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family visiting Japan on a cruise ship from Asia. It was their second visit to Japan, and they had already stopped at Kagoshima and Nagasaki on the cruise, completing their sightseeing there. Their request was that, since they wanted to avoid boredom, on their final day in Fukuoka they would like to visit attractions where they could be physically active.
E-ZO Fukuoka had been a request from the very beginning. I had wanted to suggest the disaster prevention drills at the disaster prevention center and the ice-skating rink set up for the winter season below Fukuoka Tower, but unfortunately both facilities were closed or suspended on the day of the visit, so I was unable to take them there.
Upon arrival, the guests all had slight colds and first wanted to purchase medicine, so we began with a visit to a pharmacy. Canal City was also one of their desired destinations, but the products they wanted were not available there, so we walked to Hakata Station and made the purchase at a department store. At both the pharmacy and the department store, they were able to buy many of the items they wanted and were very satisfied.
I had visited E-ZO Fukuoka about a week earlier, but perhaps because the holiday period had begun, the attractions were quite crowded despite it being a weekday, and the waiting times reached 30 to 40 minutes. Although we went past six hours, I finally guided them to Fukuoka Tower as they had requested, and the tour concluded.
The customer service staff at the department store were fluent in Chinese and served them in Chinese, but the guests today seemed more comfortable with English than with Chinese. Since guests come with many different backgrounds and preferences, I felt that responding appropriately can be challenging.
No photos were taken on the day.
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 | Bus | Hakata Port International Terminal～Gofukumachi | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Hakata Station Bus Center～Mizuho PayPay Dome | 260JPY |
| Total | 520JPY | ||
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.