Fukuoka in One Day: Tochoji Temple — Guide Junichi

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Fukuoka from Hakata Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from North America. They arrived at the exit of the Hakata Port Terminal at 9:00 a.m. as arranged. At first, three of them came, as I was told one person was resting on the ship and would join us later, so including me we were four, and we took one taxi to our first destination, Tochoji Temple. I guided them around the five-story pagoda, the main hall, and the Great Buddha of Fukuoka.

From Tochoji Temple, we walked to the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Here they viewed traditional crafts of Hakata and a video about the Gion Yamakasa festival. The fourth member of the group also joined us here. We took a break and had some tea at a cafe.

Next I guided them to Kushida Shrine. This place has many highlights, such as the zodiac compass plate, statues of horses and oxen, the ginkgo trees, the test-of-strength stones, and the Hakata Gion Yamakasa float. While paying attention to what the guests were most interested in, I gave careful explanations individually.

From Kushida Shrine, we walked through the Nakasu Kawabata shopping arcade to Shogetsudo, where they could enjoy painting Hakata dolls, which they had requested to visit. Here you can try painting from around 2,000 to 3,000 yen for small items. They spent about an hour happily painting Hakata dolls.

Finally, they said they wanted to shop at a drugstore, so I guided them along the way through ACROS Fukuoka and Fukuoka City Hall, which has displays about sister cities, and then to a store inside the One Fukuoka Building that opened last year. At Fukuoka City Hall we first lined up for a shuttle bus, but in the end we took a taxi back to the Hakata Port Cruise Terminal, and the tour ended at 15:00.

I was able to guide them to temples and shrines rich in highlights that represent Fukuoka, lead them through the long arcade shopping street, and let them experience painting Hakata dolls as they had hoped. The weather was also fine, so I believe they were satisfied.

Click here for more details: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Junichi

Hello, my name is Junichi Matsumoto.
I will be your guide on this occasion. With warm hospitality, I will do my best to help you fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of Japan.

Before becoming a guide, I worked for the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and retired in March 2023. From 2003 to 2005, I was stationed in Montana, USA, which has a sister-state relationship with Kumamoto. During that time, I actively interacted with the local community together with my family, which gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences.

I am an easygoing person who quickly builds a friendly relationship with international guests. With a sincere smile and attentive care, I always strive to provide tours that are warm, enjoyable, and memorable. It would be my great pleasure to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in Japan.