Fukuoka: Tochoji Temple & Dining and shopping in Tenjin — Guide Masa

What's a Private Walking Tour of Fukuoka's Hakata and Tenjin Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I made an effort to take plenty of time and, rather than giving a standard explanation, to share lesser-known stories and episodes along the way. The guests enjoyed shopping, purchasing small Hakata-ori textile items at places such as the Hakatamachi area, the local history museum, and the Nakasu-Kawabata shopping arcade. We had a light meal at a popular sushi restaurant inside a newly opened building in Tenjin. It was well received as being very delicious at a reasonable price. If we had had more time, I had considered extending the tour to the Fukuoka Castle ruins and Ohori Park, but there was not enough time.

A notable stop on the tour was Ohori Park. Ohori Park is one of Fukuoka's most beloved green spaces, built around a large central pond that was once part of the moat of Fukuoka Castle. The park features walking paths, a traditional Japanese garden, and scenic bridges connecting small islands across the water, making it a popular spot for relaxing strolls. Located right next to the Fukuoka Castle ruins, the area offers a peaceful blend of history and nature in the heart of the city.

Click here for more details: Hakata Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Hi! I’m Masaaki Chiwata. I’m a bit old man but luckily I’m fine and healthy. I have just passed the government licensed guide interpreter test in February 2025, so my command of English might not be good enough yet, but hopefully I’m going to be a good guide and I’ll do my best to help you enjoy the tour. I worked for the news agency “Kyodo News Service” as a stuff writer for over 40 years. I retired several years ago. As a reporter, I covered and wrote articles on wide range of topics from murder case, trials, elections, politics, volcanic eruptions, even an airplane accident. May be I could share some of my experiences with you.