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
- 11:00 Moji West Coast Pier No. 6
- 11:05-11:20 Tour of Mojiko Station
- 11:20-1145 Move to Tanga Market (JR + Monorail)
- 11:45-12:30 Stroll around Tanga Market and lunch
- 12:30-12:50 Walk to Kokura Castle Garden and shopping at Uomachi Ginten-gai
- 12:50-13:20 Tea ceremony experience, garden stroll and exhibition hall tour
- 13:20-13:30 Walk through the grounds of Yasaka Shrine to Kokura Castle
- 13:30-14-25 Kokura Castle
- 14:30-14:50- Rooftop Observation Room of Kitakyushu City Hall
- Afterwards, walk to Kokura Station, and the tour ends after the guests board the train bound for Mojiko
What Is a Private Kokura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tanga Market and Kokura Castle
The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Japan, but they were very interested in Japanese culture and listened to my explanations with great enthusiasm. At Tanga Market, they took out sushi and other prepared dishes from a specialty tuna shop and enjoyed them in the plaza within the market. One of the guests also purchased and enjoyed a dry sake. When I explained a little about the sake-making process, they were very pleased. Afterwards, they wanted to buy walking shoes, and while heading to Kokura Castle, they found and purchased a favorite pair at Uomachi Shopping Arcade. For the tea ceremony experience, since we visited at a time that avoided group reservations, we had the place entirely to ourselves and experienced an authentic tea ceremony, which they seemed very satisfied with. At Kokura Castle, they enjoyed taking photos wearing kimono and sitting in a palanquin. Afterwards, the guests expressed a wish to visit the TOTO Museum, but unfortunately it was closed on Mondays.
Click here for more details: Kitakyushu Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Mojiko～Kokura (Fukuoka Prefecture) | 340JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Kokura～Tanga Market | 100JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
Hallo, my name is Chiharu Horigome. I am a national government-licensed guide interpreter. I was born in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and living in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. I lived for 42 years in Chiba City until April 2023, during that time I worked as a volunteer guide for Narita Airport transit tours. I studied chemistry at university and have over 20 years of experience as a chemical patent translator, so I can also assist with factory tours. My specialty is Japanese culture, especially the tea ceremony, which I have been familiar with since I was a child. In addition, I have a license for kimono dressing. I hope people from other countries feel authentic Japanese culture. I can also help them understand hot springs and sake, including chemical explanations. I am happy to assist you during our tour. If you have any questions about our tour, feel free to ask. I am glad to answer them to the best of my ability! I am looking forward to seeing you.