Kokura Castle and Garden Guided Tour in Kitakyushu

Fukuoka Prefecture , Japan

Kokura Castle and Garden Guided Tour in Kitakyushu

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About this experience

Discover the Charm of Kokura – Kyushu’s Gateway!

Kyushu, especially Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s top travel destinations. Kokura, the gateway to Kyushu, features key attractions like Kokura Castle, which has stood for over 400 years, offering stunning views and a rich history.

Explore the serene Kokura Castle Garden, a perfect blend of water, rocks, and greenery, especially beautiful in spring and autumn.

Visit Yasaka Shrine, the guardian of Kokura Castle, where you can experience the area’s spiritual heritage.

This tour, led by an expert guide, offers an in-depth look at Kokura’s history and culture. Book now to experience the best of Kokura without language barriers!

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Kokura Castle and Garden Guided Tour in Kitakyushu

What's included

Professional guide

Entrance to Kokura Castle

Visit to Yasaka Shrine

Entrance to Kokura Castle Garden

Detailed itinerary

Kokura Gion Yasaka Shrine is a historic and culturally significant shrine, revered as the guardian deity of the region. It holds a special connection to Kokura Castle, as the shrine has long been considered its protector. The shrine is especially famous for hosting the annual Kokura Gion Festival in July, a lively event that attracts both locals and tourists, filling the area with traditional festival energy. The shrine is a place for various ceremonies, including those for health and protection, and remains a cherished site for the people of Kokura.

Kokura Castle Garden is a beautiful Japanese-style garden located within the grounds of Kokura Castle. The garden features serene ponds, intricate stone arrangements, lush trees, and tranquil walking paths, offering visitors a peaceful retreat. The beauty of the garden is especially striking during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage, drawing visitors year-round. The garden allows guests to experience the harmony between nature and traditional Japanese landscape design while offering a calming atmosphere amid the historic setting of Kokura Castle.

Kokura Castle is a historic landmark with a legacy spanning over 400 years, making it one of the most important cultural sites in Kyushu. The castle's distinctive stone walls and imposing tower offer panoramic views of the surrounding city and the strait. Built in the early 17th century, Kokura Castle has been preserved as a symbol of regional history and power. Today, visitors can explore the castle's interior, which houses a museum displaying historical artifacts and details about the castle's past. The view from the top of the castle is a must-see, offering a stunning perspective of both the city and the sea.

What's not included

Food & Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of the east gate of Kokura Yasaka Shrine. The guide will be holding the yellow sign.

About Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the northern part of Kyushu Island, is known for its vibrant city life, rich history, and delicious cuisine. With a perfect blend of modern attractions and traditional charm, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ohori Park

A large park featuring a beautiful lake, a Japanese garden, and historical sites. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Japanese Garden: ¥400)

Fukuoka Tower

An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. The tower is also home to a museum and an observation deck.

Architecture 1-2 hours ¥900 (adults), ¥700 (children)

Dazaifu Tenman-gu

A famous Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning. The shrine is surrounded by beautiful plum and iris gardens.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (garden entry: ¥500)

Canal City Hakata

A large shopping and entertainment complex featuring a canal, themed restaurants, and various shops. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Shopping/Entertainment 2-4 hours Free entry (costs vary by attraction)

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

A large park with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a variety of plants and flowers. It's a great place for a relaxing day out.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥400 (adults), ¥150 (children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hakata Ramen

A rich and creamy pork bone broth ramen topped with chashu (braised pork) and pickled ginger. It's one of the most famous dishes in Fukuoka.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (noodles)

Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe)

Marinated and spiced cod roe, often served as a topping for rice or noodles. It's a popular delicacy from Fukuoka.

Snack/Dinner Contains fish, spicy

Motsunabe

A hot pot dish made with offal (usually beef or pork) and vegetables. It's a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular in colder months.

Dinner Contains beef or pork, gluten (soy sauce)

Yaki Gyoza (Pan-fried Dumplings)

Crispy pan-fried dumplings filled with pork and vegetables. They are often served with a side of soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

Snack/Dinner Contains pork, gluten (soy sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Ohori Park and Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Cycling along the coast and through scenic areas Onsen (hot spring) bathing in nearby towns like Kurokawa Strolling through beautiful gardens and parks Exploring historic sites like Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine and Kushida Shrine Trying traditional crafts and workshops Swimming and sunbathing at Itoshima Beach Boat tours in Yanagawa

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the beauty of the region.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited), Chinese (limited), Korean (limited)
English: Limited (English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas and hotels)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Fukuoka is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is relatively uncommon. However, travelers should still take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Fukuoka Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Hakata Station

By bus

Hakata Bus Terminal, Tenjin Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of three lines: Kūkō Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hakata Tenjin Dazaifu Momochi

Day trips

Dazaifu

10 km from Fukuoka • Half day to full day

Dazaifu is a historic town known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and gardens. It's a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of Fukuoka.

Itoshima

30 km from Fukuoka • Full day

Itoshima is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and fresh seafood. It's a popular spot for a relaxing day trip.

Yanagawa

30 km from Fukuoka • Half day to full day

Yanagawa is a charming town known as the 'City of Water' for its network of canals. It's famous for its traditional boats, historic sites, and unagi (eel) cuisine.

Festivals

Hakata Gion Yamakasa • July (Ongoing for a month, with the main event on July 15th) Dazaifu Tenman-gu Plum Festival • February to March Fukuoka Hakata Aki Matsuri • October (First weekend)

Pro tips

Try the famous Hakata ramen and other local dishes at the city's many ramen shops and yatai (food stalls)
Visit Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine and other historic sites to learn about Fukuoka's rich history and culture
Explore the city's beautiful parks and gardens, such as Ohori Park and Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Take a day trip to nearby cities and towns, such as Dazaifu, Itoshima, and Yanagawa, to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions of the region
Use the city's efficient and affordable public transport system, including the subway and buses, to get around easily and conveniently