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
- 8:53am Nanzoin Temple
- 11:17am Hakata Station – Lunch & Rooftop Tour
- 12:05pm Rakusuien Garden
- 12:40pm Kushida Shrine
- 1:20 Hakata Furusatokan (Hometown Museum)
- 1:30pm Tochoji Temple
- 2:00pm Cruise Center
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Nanzoin Temple at 08:53, Hakata Station – Lunch & Rooftop Tour at 11:17, Rakusuien Garden at 12:05, Kushida Shrine at 12:40, Hakata Furusatokan (Hometown Museum) at 1:20, Tochoji Temple at 13:30 and Cruise Center at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Yoshizuka to Kido Nanzoin-mae by train (340JPY); Kido Nanzoin-mae to Hakata by train (450JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 790JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Cruise Port Shore Excursion to Nanzoin Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe who had arrived by cruise ship, and this trip was to celebrate a birthday. Because the next port of call required immigration procedures, the group needed to return to the ship by 2:15 pm, so we moved up the meeting time and used taxis for part of the route that had originally been planned on foot or by bus. Taxis wait at stations and the cruise center so there was no problem there, but every attempt to request a car by phone was declined with the response that "there are no cars available." It seems app-based reservations are now prioritized, but frequency of use, service fees, and payment by the guest all present challenges for a guide to use the service personally. The guests wished to collect a commemorative stamp in their own stamp book at Nanzoin Temple, but it took considerable time to understand the rule that goshuin stamps can only be placed in a goshuincho purchased at Nanzoin itself, and with the temple grounds being so large and time being short, we were not able to obtain stamps at all of the stations. Even so, the guests seemed pleased to have been able to receive at least one. They also seemed delighted to see the colorful and intricate sand mandala created without any underdrawing by three Mongolian monks, though great care had to be taken as the wind could scatter the sand. Although it was a rushed schedule, the guests appeared to enjoy the experiences at the other spots as well.
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 | Yoshizuka～Kido Nanzoin-mae | 340JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kido Nanzoin-mae～Hakata | 450JPY |
| Total | 790JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nanzoin Temple, Hakata Station – Lunch & Rooftop Tour, Rakusuien Garden, Kushida Shrine, Hakata Furusatokan (Hometown Museum), Tochoji Temple and Cruise Center.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 790JPY 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?
Peko 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.
Hello everyone .
Please call me Peko.
I’m National government licensed Guide Interpreter.
I like travelling, Japanese archery, and tea ceremony.
I visited 17countries.
Also I lived in Netherlands for a year and three months.
local people always showed me their hospitality. So, I think it’s my turn to show visitors to Japan the spirit of hospitality.
Currently, I live in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.
Fukuoka has been an important place of defense and trade since ancient times, because it is close to the continent,
So, Fukuoka is blessed with historic, cultural sites, as well as beautiful scenery and fresh seafood.
Especially, channel between Yamaguchi and Moji is must see spot for you.
If you come to Mojiko, I highly recommend the “Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full Day Tour”.
Kanmon Strait round tour is so fascinating, varied and exciting for you.
You can enjoy breathtaking scenery ,historical places, walking under the sea tounnel, ferry ride, bus, stream of first current and gourmet.
Let’s enjoy Kanmon with me!
Also Kitakyushu city got the first prize of “New three Major Night Views of Japan in 2023.
We can see and enjoy panoramic night view from mountain.
Why don’t you go around and enjoy Fukuoka with me.
Endless discover is waiting for you.
Apr 6, 2026
Sandra_V
Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Peko was delightful,…
Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned…
Apr 6, 2026
Sandra_V
Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Peko was delightful,…
Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned a great itinerary
and it was a very fun day in Kitakyushu.
Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide…
Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide Peko. Very informative and fun, and even on a dark
and rainy day we were able to see a great deal, including the largest statue of a reclining
Buddha. Highly recommend!
May 25, 2025
Susan_L
Peko was a very nice &…
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Peko was a very nice…
May 25, 2025
Susan_L
Peko was a very nice &…
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Peko was a very nice & good guide. She happily adapted to my requests and I’m very
grateful to her for coming out in the pouring rain! Great city & great tour guide.
Mar 20, 2025
Florencio_J
I had a great time! My…
Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
I had a great time! My…
Mar 20, 2025
Florencio_J
I had a great time! My…
Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
I had a great time! My guide Peko did an amazing job talking about the history and significance of the area. It’s like time traveling to when Japan was just becoming industrialized. You can tell as soon as you step into the train station nearby. If you go on a holiday, make sure to get your fill of blowfish sushi in the fish market.