We begin at Tochoji, a historic Buddhist temple founded by Kukai,one of the most influential monks in Japanese history.

One of the most memorable experiences here is the “Hell and Heaven” passage beneath the Great Buddha. As you walk through darkness and symbolic scenes of the afterlife, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist ideas of life, death, hell, and paradise — a worldview that may feel very different from Western traditions.

Travel back around 130 years and discover what everyday life in Hakata once looked like.

Inside traditional Hakata-style buildings, you can see how local people lived and learn about the crafts and customs that have been passed down through generations. It’s a wonderful place to experience the atmosphere of old Hakata rather than simply read about its history.

Next, we visit Kushida Shrine, one of Hakata’s most beloved shrines and a place deeply connected to the identity of the city.

Here, I’ll introduce you to the role Shinto shrines play in Japanese daily life and explain how local people have celebrated, prayed, and gathered here for generations.

Rather than seeing it simply as a beautiful shrine, you’ll discover why this place continues to hold such a special place in the hearts of Hakata people.

Then we stroll through Kawabata Shopping Arcade, a historic shopping street with roots going back more than 130 years.

Along its 400-meter arcade, you’ll find an intriguing mix of old and new: local food shops, traditional Buddhist-goods stores, small family businesses, massage shops, cafés, and more.

Japanese shopping arcades are part of everyday neighborhood life, so this is a great opportunity to step away from the usual tourist spots and experience the rhythm of the city as locals know it.