Northern Kyushu Day Tour Akiyoshido Cave and Motonosumi Inari

Fukuoka , Japan

Northern Kyushu Day Tour Akiyoshido Cave and Motonosumi Inari

Active

10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the stunning landscapes and geological wonders of Northern Kyushu on this day tour. Begin at the Mekari Parking Area with breathtaking views of the Kanmon Strait before exploring Akiyoshido Cave, Japan's second largest limestone cave, filled with fascinating geological formations. Visit the picturesque Motonosumi Inari Shrine, famous for its striking red torii gates and unique offering box challenge. Finally, take in the scenic beauty of Tsunoshima Bridge, a must-see for photographers. Don't miss this chance to explore some of Japan's most beautiful natural sites.

- Visit Akiyoshido Cave, a 10.7 km long limestone cave
- Explore Motonosumi Inari Shrine with its 123 red torii gates
- Enjoy the scenic views from Tsunoshima Bridge
- Tour duration: approximately 10 hours, with multiple stops and free time

Available options

Northern Kyushu Day Tour Akiyoshido Cave and Motonosumi Inari

What's included

Pick up and drop off at meeting point

Multilingual tour guide

Tourist air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Start Your Beautiful Journey

Meeting Point & Pick-up:
08:30 – Lawson (Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station Chikushi Exit)
※ Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The bus will leave on time and will not wait for late arrivals.
09:40 – Kitakyushu | Mekari Parking Area (Approx. 20 min, free time)
Take a short break at Mekari PA, a popular rest stop overlooking the beautiful Kanmon Strait. From the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of the strait where Honshu and Kyushu meet. Visitors can also browse local specialties and souvenirs from both Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki — a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery and pick up regional treats.

10:50 – Yamaguchi | Akiyoshido Cave – One of Japan’s Largest Limestone Caves.
Akiyoshido, a designated Special Natural Monument, stretches 10.7 km, making it Japan’s second longest and one of the largest limestone caves. Located 100 meters underground beneath Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, the cave features a 1 km sightseeing route. With a constant temperature of around 17°C year-round, it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Inside, you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and massive terraced limestone formations that serve as precious geological specimens. Formed over a million years ago, Akiyoshido offers visitors a mysterious underground world showcasing Earth’s ancient history and the wonders of nature.

14:00 – Yamaguchi | Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Selected by CNN as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City is famous for its 123 red torii gates stretching from the hillside to the cliffs overlooking the sea, creating a breathtaking contrast with the blue ocean and sky.

Challenging Offering Box: Unlike ordinary shrines, its offertory box is placed 6 meters high on a torii gate. Successfully tossing a coin in is said to bring good fortune! For those who miss, a standard offertory box is also provided nearby.

Ryugu no Shiofuki (Dragon Palace Blowhole): In winter, crashing waves force seawater through rock crevices, spraying up to 30 meters high with a roaring sound like a dragon’s breath. Under sunlight, rainbows sometimes appear — a spectacular sight!
If the Motonosumi Inari Shrine closed, will be replaced with Fukuoku Inari Shrine .

15:20 – Yamaguchi | Tsunoshima Bridge
One of Japan’s most scenic bridges, Tsunoshima Bridge stretches 1,780 meters across the sparkling blue sea. Frequently featured in TV commercials, the stunning harmony of the bridge with the turquoise waters makes it a photographer’s dream.

15:50 – Return Journey
End of the day’s tour and start heading back.

18:30 – Fukuoka | Lawson Hakata Station Chikushi Exit
Tour ends.

What's not included

Lunch

Personal expenses

Ticket of Akiyoshidō

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

During the Obon holiday period (August 9 – August 17) and on weekends and national holidays from September to November (September 15, September 23, October 13, November 3, and November 24), visits to Motonosumi Inari Shrine will be replaced with Fukuoku Inari Shrine (30–40 minutes stop).

This is a group tour with guests from various countries. The guide will provide explanations in multiple languages.

Due to the booking platform's privacy settings, we can't see your email address， please inform us your email address after booking. We will send you an email around 9 PM the night before your departure, which will include information about the guide, driver, and vehicle license plate.

Vehicle type will be arranged based on the group size and cannot be specified in advance

Bring some cash, as credit cards may not be accepted at certain Locations.

Please note: Bad weather, traffic conditions, or crowding during Japanese holidays and peak seasons may cause delays in return time. As a result, some attractions may be shortened, rescheduled, or canceled. We recommend not scheduling other activities or transportation after the tour.

The guide will be at the meeting point with a yellow Gogoday flag.Simply provide your booking name to join.Be sure to arrive 15minutes early.No refunds will be given for latecomers or those who don't show up.

If the participants less than 13 person, the tour guide will also service as the driver，and only provide basic commentary

Meeting point

Departure:8:30am Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel (in front of Hakata Station Chikushiguchi).
Adress: 4-23 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan. The tour guide will hold a yellow flag "Gogoday"

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