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
- 9:45 Meet @ Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
- 10:00 @ Kushida Shrine ~ Tochoji Temple ~ Sennenmon Gate
- 12:00 Lunch @ Torikawa Daijin KITTE Hakata B1
- 13:20 @ Sasaguri Town, Nanzoin Temple
- 15:30 Disband @ Hotel Monterey Fukuoka
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Fukuoka Like During the Hakata Dontaku Festival? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe who used a free day during a group tour. The guests had prior experience staying in Japan and a strong understanding of Japanese culture. Having just arrived from Europe the day before, they were quite tired toward the end of the tour due to jet lag, so we cut the planned visit to Yusentei Garden and finished the tour a little early.
The day happened to be the first day of the "Hakata Dontaku" festival. At Kushida Shrine we came across a group taking part in the parade, and at Tocho-ji Temple we encountered the "Matsubayashi," the origin of "Dontaku," so the guests took many photos of these rare scenes. The crowds were smaller than expected, so we were able to spend a relaxed time under the clear May skies. For lunch, the guests requested something light, so we chose "yakitori." The "chicken skin" yakitori is unusual, and we were also able to get seats right away, which was fortunate. I thought it worked well as a light lunch.
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 | Subway | Watanabedori～Kushida Shrine | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hakata～Kido Nanzoin | 450JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kido Nanzoin～Hakata | 450JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Hakata～Watanabedori | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,320JPY | ||
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.