Fukuoka for First Timer: Food, Culture, Historic One Day Tour

Fukuoka , Japan

Fukuoka for First Timer: Food, Culture, Historic One Day Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the dynamic city of Fukuoka on this full-day tour—ideal for first-time visitors eager to explore Japan’s culture, history, and food.

Designed for international travelers, this tour offers an authentic introduction to Fukuoka’s top sights. With an English-speaking guide, you'll dive into local traditions while visiting must-see landmarks across the city.

Available options

Fukuoka for First Timer: Food, Culture, Historic One Day Tour

What's included

Round-trip by Local Transportation

English Speaking Guide

Nakasu River Cruise Experience

Fukuoka Tower Ticket

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period who is known as the god of learning. Thats why this shrine is popular among students especially during the entrance exam season.

Enjoy an authentic local lunch with Fukuoka’s signature tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth noodles), a must-try for food lovers. Lunch is at your own expense, allowing flexibility and choice.

Fukuoka Tower is a prominent landmark located in the Momochihama area of Fukuoka, Japan. Standing at 234 meters (768 feet), it is recognized as the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Completed in 1989, the tower was built to commemorate the Yokatopia Asia Pacific Exposition and has since become a symbol of the city.

Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba is a charming sweets café located in the Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade in Hakata, Fukuoka City. This delightful spot is famous for serving zenzai, a traditional Japanese sweet red bean soup that often accompanied by grilled mochi rice balls.

Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba is open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On weekdays, the tour will visit Kawabata Shopping Arcade instead—a lively street with around 100 shops offering traditional Hakata sweets and local specialties.

Nakasu Hakata River Cruise offers visitors an enchanting journey through the heart of Fukuoka's vibrant urban landscape. This cruise provides a distinctive perspective of the city's nightlife and architectural beauty.

Step into Nakasu Yatai, the heart of Hakata’s street food scene, famous for ramen, yakitori, and local hospitality.

The tour concludes at here, participants are asked to return to their hotels on their own.

What's not included

The guide will take you to enjoy Fukuoka’s famous Tonkotsu Ramen for lunch. (Lunch fee not included in tour price)

Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi) at Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba (Fri, Sat and Sun only)

Personal expense (souvenir, drink, snack and etc)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that lunch (Tonkotsu Ramen) and dessert (Zenzai) are not included in the tour price. Our English-speaking guide will recommend and escort you to authentic local restaurants, help you navigate the menu and assist with ordering.

Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you will visit Kawabata Shopping Arcade as an alternative on weekdays. This vibrant shopping area features approximately 100 stores, including shops selling traditional Hakata sweets and local delicacies.

Please be aware that this tour will utilize public transportation to navigate through Fukuoka. There is no private charter arrangement included in the tour..

Please be at pick up point 10 minutes before starting time.

If the weather condition is not good for river cruise, river cruise tour will be cancelled for your safety.

Important Note: The remaining hours of the itinerary will be allotted for the travel time from pick up until drop off.

Meeting point

The guide will wait having a name board with our customer's name and the HIS logo.

About Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a vibrant coastal city in southern Japan known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm climate. As the largest city in Kyushu, it offers a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern urban living, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Top Attractions

Ohori Park

A large, beautiful park featuring a lake, gardens, and historic sites. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

The ruins of a historic castle that played a significant role in Japanese history. The site offers beautiful views and a glimpse into the past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Kushida Shrine

A historic Shinto shrine known for its vibrant festivals and beautiful architecture. It's a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Canal City Hakata

A large shopping and entertainment complex featuring a canal, theaters, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Shopping/Entertainment 1-3 hours Free to enter (costs vary for shops and restaurants)

Fukuoka Tower

A iconic tower offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. It's a great spot for photography and sightseeing.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (entry fee for observation deck and restaurant)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hakata Ramen

A type of ramen featuring a rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, thin noodles, and toppings like chashu (braised pork) and green onions.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (noodles and broth)

Mentaiko

Spicy cod roe, often served as a topping for rice or noodles, or as a side dish.

Snack/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (if served with rice or noodles)

Motsunabe

A hot pot dish featuring offal, typically beef or pork, cooked in a savory broth with vegetables and tofu.

Dinner Contains meat, gluten (if served with noodles or dipping sauce)

Yaki Toro

Grilled chicken skewers, often seasoned with salt or soy sauce, and served with a side of grated daikon radish.

Dinner Contains chicken, gluten (if seasoned with soy sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains and parks Water sports at nearby beaches and waterways Onsen (hot spring) bathing Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting temples, shrines, and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Boat rides on the canals of Yanagawa Swimming and water sports at nearby beaches

Best Time to Visit

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

These seasons offer pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms, while autumn features vibrant fall foliage.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited), Chinese (limited), Korean (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Fukuoka is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis and tour guides
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid sharing your PIN

Getting there

By air

Fukuoka Airport • 4.5 km from city center

By train

Hakata Station, Fukuoka 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

Tenjin Nakasu Hakata Dazaifu

Day trips

Dazaifu

10 km from Fukuoka • Half day to full day

A historic town known for its temples, shrines, and beautiful gardens. It offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience.

Yanagawa

30 km from Fukuoka • Full day

A picturesque town known as the 'City of Waterways' for its network of canals. It offers a unique and charming experience with its historic houses, boat rides, and local specialties.

Beppu

120 km from Fukuoka • Full day to overnight

A popular hot spring resort town known for its numerous hot springs, or 'hells' (jigoku), and scenic beauty. It offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival • July 1-15 (main events on July 15) Hakata Dontaku Festival • Early May (typically the first Sunday and the following day) Fukuoka Hakata Matsuri • October 15-18

Pro tips

Use an IC card, such as Suica or Icoca, for convenient and discounted public transportation
Try local specialties, such as Hakata ramen, mentsuyaki, and yakitori, at yatai (food stalls) or local restaurants
Visit popular attractions, such as Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins, during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Tenjin, Nakasu, and Hakata, for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Attend local festivals and events, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival and the Hakata Dontaku Festival, for a unique and memorable experience