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Cherry Blossom Day Trip from Fukuoka – Kokura Castle & Tea Ceremony
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Joined 2024
Enjoy a beautiful cherry blossom day trip from Fukuoka to Kokura, a historic town just north of the city.
Kokura is only about 15 minutes from Hakata Station by Shinkansen, making it an easy spring excursion from Fukuoka.
Visit the Kokura elegant Castle, where cherry blossoms bloom around the historic castle during the Sakura season.
You will also walk through the peaceful Kokura Castle Japanese Garden, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience.
Kokura is a hidden gem near Fukuoka.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
at your hotel or cruise terminal
- I would like to see you at your hotel or cruise terminal.
Hakata Station
We go to Kokura from Hakata Station by Shinkansen.
It is very fast ,comfortable and takes 15 minutes.
Kokura Station
Kokura Castle
Kokura castle is only the castle in Fukuoka prefecture with a castle tower. The exhibit contents and interior were renewed in 2019. At the 5th observation space, you can get a panoramic view of Kokura. The castle tower is the 6th tallest in Japan and a wonderful castle.
Japanese Garden
Admire the meticulously landscaped scenery traditional architecture and peaceful ponds. You can enjoy various scenery while walking around the pond.
Tea Ceremony Experience
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony held in the Japanese garden.
Learn the art of making and appreciating Matha after eating seasonable Japanese sweet. The tea ceremony is available daily, making it easy to plan your visit.
This tea ceremony is conducted with chairs and tables
Lunch
We go to a nice and delicious restaurant to for local dining experience in Kokura.
Kokura Station
We go back to Hakata Station by Shinkansen.
It takes 15 minutes by Shinkansen.
Hakata Station
at your hotel or cruise terminal
I will send you to your hotel or cruise terminal at 3:00 pm.
Ending Point
your hotel or cruise terminal
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, hotel pick-up
guide's Shinkansen fee 2,160 yen (round trip)
guide's castle admission fee 560 yen
guide's tea ceremony experience fee 800 yen
your castle admission fee 560 yen
your tea ceremony experience fee 800 yen
your Shinkansen fee 2,160 yen (round trip)
<lunch>
1,500 ～4,000 yen per person
You pay for your own lunch. Guide pays for own lunch.
Tour Important Information
Guide Fee: 6,000 yen/hour
Cruise Ship Guest Welcome
Cherry Blossom Festival at Kokura Castle (March 20–April 12) is especially recommended.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Masazumi T.
Explore Fukuoka with a Friendly Local Guide!
Hi, I’m Masa T. — a passionate and experienced local guide based in Fukuoka.
Over the past 6 years, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding more than 1,100 travelers from the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia as a volunteer guide. My goal is simple: to help you discover the best of Fukuoka through fun, personalized, and flexible tours.
I have created many tour courses based on my local knowledge and interests, and I’m also happy to offer customized tours tailored to your specific preferences and schedule.
I studied in the U.S. for 1 year and 8 months, and later worked as a manager at a major Japanese company, where I collaborated with engineers from various countries. I then served as a director of a group company for 7 years. These experiences have helped me connect easily with people from all over the world.
After exploring, I’d be happy to introduce you to some of the best local restaurants, where you can enjoy Sushi, Tempura, Sukiyaki, Ramen, Teppanyaki, and more.
Let’s make unforgettable memories together in Fukuoka!
Drawing on my background in international projects and leadership positions, I strive to provide tours that are both enjoyable and insightful for my guests."
I participated in a five-day international convention organized by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations in Fukuoka, attended by approximately 600 tour guides from around 50 countries, where I attended professional seminars and exchanged knowledge with guides from around the world.
Reviews
Marilyn C.
“Great Day!”
We had a really good day in Fukuoka with Masa. He was very professional and personable. We asked if we could make an extra stop to buy Raman for our grandkids at home and he made a special effort to take us to a restaurant that was very well known to buy it.
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Masazumi T.
Dear Marilyn C. Thank you very much for your thoughtful review. I truly enjoyed spending the day with you in Fukuoka. I’m glad we could find the ramen for your grandchildren – I hope they enjoy it! Wishing you many more wonderful travels. Best regards, Masazumi Tsukano
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Tamara K.
“Hell of Beppu: Jigoku Meguri Cultural Tour - November 15”
We truly enjoyed our “Hell of Beppu: Jigoku Meguri Cultural Tour.” Our guide made the experience memorable with fascinating explanations and a very pleasant attitude. The weather was perfect, the itinerary well-planned, and every stop was engaging. The lunch was also a highlight; the omelette rice was one of the best dishes we had on our trip. We would definitely recommend this tour to other travelers.
Masazumi T.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the “Hell of Beppu: Jigoku Meguri Cultural Tour” and that the explanations, itinerary, and lunch met your expectations. It was my pleasure to guide you, and I am glad that the experience became a memorable part of your trip. This was my first time guiding guests from Canada, and I truly appreciate that you enjoyed the tour. Best regards, Masazumi tsukano
Patricia D.
“Great customize tour in Fukuoka ”
We booked Masazumi as our tour guide in Fukuoka when our cruise ship docked there. We communicated on our custom itinerary and preferences before my family arrived in Fukuoka. Masazumi was flexible with our scheduling needs. He met us outside the cruise terminal and we took a taxi to our first location. He was happy to share his knowledge of the shrines, customs, and traditions of the area. He kept us on schedule and we didn’t feel rushed. For lunch, he asked us for our dining preferences and made accommodations knowing how busy restaurants could be during the weekends. We were pleased with his restaurant choice and enjoyed an authentic Japanese meal. He helped us navigate the public transportation. He was very friendly and we were happy he was our guide for this city.
Masazumi T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a real pleasure guiding your lovely family of three — such warm and friendly people! I’m very glad you enjoyed the Japanese restaurant and the meal. Since you are from San Francisco, it was nostalgic for me as I once lived nearby, and I truly enjoyed our conversation. Thank you again for choosing my tour in Fukuoka!
$207/ per group
More tours by Masazumi T.
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Fukuoka Half Day Highlights with Japanese Lunch
Join me for a half-day tour to explore Fukuoka’s best spots! We’ll visit Fukuoka Tower (234m, 3rd tallest in Japan), enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ohori Park and its Japanese Garden, designed by Honda Seiroku, the father of Japanese gardens. We’ll also stop by Kushida Shrine, a historic site in the heart of the city. To end, I’ll take you to a delicious local restaurant for a taste of authentic Fukuoka cuisine. Let’s explore and enjoy the city together!
Fukuoka Half Day Highlights with Japanese Lunch
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Cultural Treasures of Fukuoka with Local Lunch (Private 4-Hour Morning Tour)
Enjoy a relaxed morning tour of Fukuoka’s highlights, including Tochoji Temple with its giant wooden Buddha, historic Kushida Shrine, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. End your walk with a peaceful visit to Ohori Park and its Japanese Garden. This 4-hour private tour starts around 9:30 AM and includes a delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant. It’s a great way to explore the city’s culture and flavors with a knowledgeable local guide.
Cultural Treasures of Fukuoka with Local Lunch (Private 4-Hour Morning Tour)
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Fukuoka’s Best: Dazaifu Tenmangu, Tochoji Temple, Japanese Garden with Lunch
Experience the best of Fukuoka in this 5.5-hour private tour. Visit three of the city’s most beloved and peaceful sites: the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Tochoji Temple with its impressive Great Buddha, and the serene Japanese Garden. Enjoy a tasty local lunch at a carefully chosen restaurant, offering genuine flavors of Fukuoka’s cuisine. This tour offers excellent value for travelers seeking a relaxing mix of culture, history, and nature with a knowledgeable local guide.
Fukuoka’s Best: Dazaifu Tenmangu, Tochoji Temple, Japanese Garden with Lunch
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Explore Japan’s Heritage: Dazaifu, Kyushu National Museum & Historic Tochoji
Sugawara Michizane, enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, is revered as the god of learning. During New Year's season, over 2 million people visit, and more than 10 million every year from Japan. The Kyushu National Museum, opened in 2005, is Japan’s fourth national museum. It focuses on history and cultural exchange with Asian countries, unlike the other three which focus on art. Tochoji Temple, founded by the Kukai in the 9th century, is known for one of the biggest wooden seated Buddha.
Explore Japan’s Heritage: Dazaifu, Kyushu National Museum & Historic Tochoji
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Fukuoka
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History Exploration and Local Town Walking Tour
You would explore the traditional Japanese cultures by visiting the shrine and the temple. A folk museum would also showcase the history of Hakata and some notable craft products that have long been preserved. Hakata doll workshop would give you an in-depth experience of painting your own doll. Please enjoy Hakata local cuisine for lunch! A stroll in a small but bustling local town is another attraction. Walking along the shopping street, you would feel an energetic atmosphere of everyday life.
History Exploration and Local Town Walking Tour
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Ohori Park Japanese culture tour
Around Ohori Park, there are a lot of tourist spots where you can experience Japanese culture and green-rich nature. The 2-kilometer circular walkway is full of people who enjoy running, walking and chatting. It is nice and cozy place.
Ohori Park Japanese culture tour
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Cultural Treasures of Fukuoka with Local Lunch (Private 4-Hour Morning Tour)
Enjoy a relaxed morning tour of Fukuoka’s highlights, including Tochoji Temple with its giant wooden Buddha, historic Kushida Shrine, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. End your walk with a peaceful visit to Ohori Park and its Japanese Garden. This 4-hour private tour starts around 9:30 AM and includes a delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant. It’s a great way to explore the city’s culture and flavors with a knowledgeable local guide.
Cultural Treasures of Fukuoka with Local Lunch (Private 4-Hour Morning Tour)
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History Exploration and Relaxing Onsen Tour
This tour is composed of two main attractions; exploring historical structures in "Hakata old town", and immersing yourself in a refreshing hot spring located in the seaport area. Through the first half of the trip, you would experience the traditional townscape with the shrine and temples. The tiredness of walking will be healed by the hot spring bath and local specialty lunch. Please fully enjoy the tradiotional cultures and experiences.
History Exploration and Relaxing Onsen Tour