Yanagawa & Dazaifu Cultural Explorer – Cruise-Friendly Tour

Fukuoka , Japan

Yanagawa & Dazaifu Cultural Explorer – Cruise-Friendly Tour

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6h - 8h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cruise peaceful canals, explore a samurai villa, and visit one of Fukuoka's most historic and important shrines — all in one scenic day trip from central Fukuoka.

Begin and end your day at Tenjin Nishitetsu Station in downtown Fukuoka. Travel by express train to Yanagawa, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing ride on a traditional wooden boat through the town’s famous canals. Then visit the elegant Ohana Villa, once home to a local samurai family, with beautifully preserved architecture and gardens.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant — meals are not included, but recommendations are provided. Continue on to Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine, one of Kyushu’s most important spiritual sites. Explore the shrine and stroll the lively shopping street known for sweets, souvenirs, and seasonal charm.

All transport from Tenjin to Yanagawa, Dazaifu, and back is included. Don't hesitate to reach out if a tour is showing as not available. We may be able to cater to your dates.

Available options

Yanagawa & Dazaifu Cultural Explorer – Cruise-Friendly Tour

What's included

Fees for the river boat cruise, and Ohana museum are included in the tour fee.

All transportation costs from Tenjin Station and back, and to the places listed in the tour, with the exception of emergency return trips to Tenjin (Please see the exclusions section) are covered.

Gratuities

Detailed itinerary

Take a wonderful boat cruise along the canals of this old castle town. A step back in time and away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s more crowded attractions. Come and see a quieter rural part of Fukuoka prefecture.

Visit the home of the Tachibana Family. See how this powerful samurai family helped to shape and govern this area of Kyushu, and the importance that they held both locally and nationally. Visit some of the old residence. Marvel at the collection of samurai armor, view the old dwellings of this historically important family.

Stop 3

Come and visit one of Fukuoka’s most visited spots. Dedicated to the deities of education, students from all over Japan make pilgrimages to this site, to pray for success in their studies and exams. Wonder through the different shops selling their wares, admire the gardens of the shrine’s grounds, visit the shrine and experience the serenity and the beauty of this important place.

What's not included

Lunch is not provided or included in this tour price however food options can be recommended.

Should an emergency return or a disruption to public transportation occur, private transportation costs (taxi) back to Fukuoka will not be covered by the tour. Please message for more details.

Bottled water is not provided but vending machines all along the tour route are readily accessible.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We will meet at Tenjin Station. Exact details will be given after bookings have been made, or please message for more information. For those coming by cruise ship, or from other parts of the city, message for more details.

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