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
- 9:00am Meeting point – In front of the cruise ship
- 9:45am Shiranoe Botanical Garden
- 12:15 Lunch
- 1:30 Strolling around Mojiko Retro
- 2:30pm Strait Museum
- 3:00pm Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Fukuoka began at 09:00, when the guide met the guests at – In front of the cruise ship, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:15.
From there the group visited Shiranoe Botanical Garden at 09:45, Strolling around Mojiko Retro at 1:30 and Strait Museum at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Mojiko Station to Shiranoe 2-chome by bus (340JPY); Shiranoe 2-chome to Mojiko Retro by bus (340JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
What Is a Private Botanical Garden Tour from a Cruise Port in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The weather was lovely with clear blue skies. At the request of the guests, who wanted to walk slowly, we took a leisurely stroll, but the botanical garden is located on a mountain slope with many stairs, which seemed a bit challenging.
When guiding cruise ship passengers, something that always troubles me is that they have likely already seen top-level attractions at other ports of call, so similar facilities can feel like a repeat and the sense of wonder can fade. This time as well, the guests mentioned that they had already seen castles at other ports of call that were of National Treasure and World Heritage level, and they said that a botanical garden they had visited as an alternative due to bad weather had cherry blossoms in full bloom that were very beautiful. At Shiranoe Botanical Garden too, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms had been in full bloom and very beautiful a week earlier, but strong winds and rain had scattered them, and while the double-flowered cherry blossoms and rhododendrons were in full bloom, I felt they still paled in comparison. How to convey a sense of wonder to guests under such circumstances remains a significant challenge for the future.
Click here for more details: Kitakyushu Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Mojiko Station～Shiranoe 2-chome | 340JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Shiranoe 2-chome～Mojiko Retro | 340JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Fukuoka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at – In front of the cruise ship at 09:00, and the tour finished at at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 09:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shiranoe Botanical Garden, Strolling around Mojiko Retro and Strait Museum.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY 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
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Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide…
Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
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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 &…
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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…
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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.