Excursion Highlights of fukuoka tour at Fukuoka

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Daizafu Tenmangu's main hall is undergoing major renovations from May 2023 until around 2026. However, a unique temporary offering hall with grass and trees on its roof was built to serve visitors during the renovation period.

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Among the hundreds of Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most important one alongside Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu. Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period. Because of his great learning, Michizane has been associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity of education, and is popular among students. A wide range of good luck charms can be purchased from the shops around the main hall. Most popular are education related charms which are supposed to help students pass exams. After the approximately 90 minutes visit, re-board the coach and drive to a local restaurant for a Japanese set-menu lunch.

Next, you will head to Kushida Shrine. It was founded in 757 when Hakata was the point of arrival and departure for trade and diplomatic missions between Japan, China and Korea. From early to mid-July the shrine hosts the Yamakasa Gion Festival, the biggest festival in Fukuoka. On the last day of the Festival, seven teams from the seven neighborhoods of Hakata race carrying giant floats called "Kazariyama". Each of the floats are decorated with traditional figures and scenes and are up to 10 meters tall and weigh 1 ton. One of the huge floats is on permanent display in the shrine grounds.

Your last stop is Fukuoka Tower. It was built in 1989 for the Yokatopia Expo that was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of municipalizing Fukuoka as a city. The tower stands 234 meters high and is Japan's tallest seaside tower. From the observation platform at 123 meters above the ground, visitors enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view that covers the city of Fukuoka to Hakata Bay.   

Your tour concludes with an approximate 15-minute transfer back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Fukuoka, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kushida Shrine, Japanese set-menu lunch, Fukuoka Tower

Note

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Daizafu Tenmangu's main hall is undergoing major renovations from May 2023 until around 2026. However, a unique temporary offering hall with grass and trees on its roof was built to serve visitors during the renovation period.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking (approximately 3.2km or 2.0miles) with around 200 steps at the sites and a few to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. For dietary restrictions please contact the on board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Please be advised that special dietary requests or menu substitutions may be not be possible to accommodate in this program. Due to the popularity of sights visited, some crowding may be anticipated. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. The main hall of the shrine is under restoration, guests can enjoy a temporary installation and access to the surrounding garden instead.