Escape the Crowds: Hita’s Historic Charm & Scenic Rivers from Fukuoka
Joined 2024
「This plan offers a more exclusive and personalized experience than standard Fukuoka city tours.」
Escape the crowds and discover a quieter side of Japan on this relaxing day trip to Hita, a riverside town known for its Edo-period charm and pure water cuisine. Stroll through historic streets, savor river fish and eel dishes, and, if time allows, visit Fukuoka’s iconic Kushida Shrine. While others rush tourist hotspots, enjoy a peaceful journey—set to your favorite Apple Music playlist in the car.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Fukuoka airport, Hakata port, station, and anywhere
- I am located within a 20-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Hakata Port, so if you book a hotel near these facilities we can ensure a smooth meeting.
Strolling Through Mameda Town
Step back in time as you explore Mameda Town, a charming Edo-period district in Hita. Wander through preserved streets lined with historic merchant houses, traditional shops, and local museums. A perfect place to soak in Japan’s timeless culture and craftsmanship.
Optional 1: Lunch Time, A cozy local restaurant in Hita
Traditional river fish and eel dishes, specialties of Japanese cuisine, can be enjoyed here thanks to the exceptionally pure waters of Hita—an experience unique to this region.
Optional 2: Lunch, Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery Restaurant
Savor freshly prepared dishes that pair perfectly with beer at the on-site Sapporo brewery restaurant. With views of the surrounding nature, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy local flavors in a refined, modern setting.
**Advance reservation required at least 4 weeks in advance.**
**The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.**
Optional 1: Michi-no-Eki Mizube no Sato Oyama
Michi-no-Eki Mizube no Sato Oyama is a scenic roadside station in Hita, Oita, set along the Mikuma River. It’s famed for fresh local produce, Oyama-grown fruits, and seasonal delicacies. Visitors can enjoy riverside views, shop for regional specialties, or savor light meals at the on-site restaurant, making it a relaxing stop on any Kyushu road trip.
Optional 2: Sapporo Brewery Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Sapporo beer is crafted during an English-friendly guided tour of the Kyushu Hita Brewery. Explore the brewing process, discover the brewery’s history, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
**Advance reservation required at least 4 weeks in advance.** **The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.**
Photo spots along the Mikuma River
The Mikuma River in Hita offers picturesque photo spots year-round. Stroll along its serene banks to capture reflections of historic ryokan, charming bridges, and seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and misty winter mornings. A perfect backdrop for unforgettable travel memories.
Departure time from Hita
Farewell time, Hakata Port Central Pier Cruise Center
Please share your memories of this tour.
Ending Point
Your Accommodation in Fukuoka city
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
Guiding fee
Private car (SUBARU JUSTY)
Free mobile Wi-Fi
Free Apple Music and Netflix
Driving fee
Gasoline fee
Parking fee
Expressway tolls (Fukuoka Urban Expressway)
Guide gratuity
Cost of meals (guide and customers)
Entrance fees of facilities (guide and customers)
**Sapporo Brewery Tour**
Adults: 500 JPY / Ages 13–19: 300 JPY / Children under 12: Free
Includes one sample beer.
Please pay in cash.
Closed: Every Monday and Tuesday (or the following days if they fall on national holidays), year-end and New Year holidays, and other unscheduled closures.
Tour Important Information
1.If you want to do cashless payments on your entire itinerary, please let me know in advance. I will need to have a payment machine ready.
2. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
3. Extra time is assumed, but it is an itinerary that will be difficult to proceed if the meeting time is delayed. I hope we can meet on time:)
4. My car can accommodate up to 4 guests. If you are a group of 5 or more, please contact me so that I can arrange a rental-car tour;
**5-7 guests +33,000yen (8 person van)**
If the brewery tour is closed, I will propose an alternative plan.
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 Katsu N.
Hi there! I may sound formal in this profile, but I’m actually very easygoing—feel free to check my reviews! Next section is my profile:)
**Curriculum Vitae (Summary)**
Main Service Areas: Nagasaki (Meeting: Nagasaki, Fukuoka), Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Saga (Meeting: Fukuoka)
[Qualifications]
- Hospitality & Customer Satisfaction: Please see guest reviews for feedback.
- Luxury Market Focus: Please see my listed tour for more.
- English Skills:
Intermediate: Conversational English tour-related communication
No overseas residency
[Work Experience]
- High-end Furniture Retailer
Experience and knowledge utilized: Hospitality and Marketing Strategy for high-end clients/ Tour route planning and design
- Freelance Guide & Content Writer (2024–Present)
Focus: Private luxury car tours in Kyushu / SEO content writing for inbound marketing
[Key Destinations & Experiences]
Nagasaki
- Nagasaki City: Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, cultural highlights
- Shimabara: Traditional castle & volcanic geology
Fukuoka
- Fukuoka City: Urban highlights
- Dazaifu: Tenmangu Shrine visit
- Yanagawa: River cruise & local cuisine (eel)
Kumamoto
- Mt. Aso: Panoramic volcanic landscapes
- Kumamoto Castle: History + earthquake heritage
- Kurokawa Onsen: Upscale hot spring resort (with special access options)
Oita
- Hita: Scenic riverside town and former samurai district — a hidden gem offering a peaceful alternative to busy Dazaifu
- Beppu/Yufuin: Lake views, onsen & volcanic activity
Saga
- Arita: Japanese ceramics & garden culture
- Yoshinogari: Ancient civilization experience
Other Destinations
- Takachiho Gorge: Mystical Japanese landscape and cultural legend site
[Education]
B.A. in English Studies (Major in Linguistics; Senior Seminar: Shakespeare Studies)
Dokkyo University, Saitama, Japan (Graduated: 2000)
Considering graduate studies in Geography, in connection with my work as a guide.
Happy to share more if you're interested :)
Reviews
Jachin L.
“The best Guide for a tour in Japan”
With out family of 4 we wanted to have a customized tour around Kyushu. Katsuhisa created a beautiful itinerary and perfectly on time he waited for us at our hotel in Kumamoto. What followed was two days of relaxed driving. The first day to Mount Aso, Kusasenri Grassland and the Takachiho Gorge. Also for lunch he found us a traditional Japanese restaurant we normale no western tourists come. The second day we drive to Beppu to see different Onsen. Again we had a lunch a a special place. This time we could cook our own good a natural steam source. During a quick visit at a beach one of our Sons had an accident. Katsuhisa immediatelly helped us by going to a drugstore and get us the right bandage (thanks!!) Even after this unfortunat moment we could see another Onsen. Finally after two beautiful days our driver brought us to our new hotel in Fukuoka! So, if you need a nice and skilled tour guide, you should contact Katsuhisa.
Katsu N.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I'm truly glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed the tour. As a small note for future reference, I’ve learned that moist wound care isn’t widely practiced in Europe, but similar products may be available through major online retailers. Also, for your next trip, I’d be happy to guide you through Saga Prefecture—an area we didn’t visit this time. It’s known for its beautiful ceramic art and even has a ninja-themed park that children and adults alike can enjoy. I look forward to seeing you again someday! ///**Aan jullie allebei: Hebben jullie genoten van de tour? Ik schrok echt toen je grote broer zich pijn deed op het strand, maar hopelijk wordt het later een grappige herinnering. Of misschien is het nog beter om dat moment gewoon te vergeten en alleen de leuke herinneringen te bewaren. Ik hoop jullie ooit weer terug te zien. Tot dan!**
Isao S.
“A Perfect Tour”
Katsu-San (Winner!) planned out tour to Shimabara and Unzen with two days notice and did extra research to ensure we had the most meaningful and personalized trip possible. He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and went out of his way to make sure we were enjoying each part of the tour. He was also very flexible when we asked for something not on the itinerary. There is no better way to explore an unknown area of Japan. Katsu-San took care of everything so we could completely relax and enjoy our time with no stress and no complicated decision making.
Katsu N.
Dear Isao and family, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. I’m truly honored by your kind words. I hope your memories of quiet gardens, samurai stories, and volcanic steam stay with you for a long time. And whenever you return to Kyushu, I’ll be more than happy to welcome you back. Warmest regards, Katsuhisa Your private guide in Kyushu
Van D.
“Fukuoka day trip”
Katsu is a great guide and terrific driver. Very patient and courteous. He made the experience a wonderful experience
Katsu N.
Dear Van and everyone, thank you for joining our tour last week. And thank you for posting your review. I'm glad that everyone was satisfied. There are still many great towns in Japan. so I hope you'll contact me when you come to Japan again. See you again. Kind Regards Katsuhisa
$645/ per group
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Cool Escape: Mt. Aso & Hita From Fukuoka, 1Day, Volcano Activity, Private Car
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Visit to NANZOIN Temple
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[Extend your journey with my tours and enjoy multi-day discount. Please send me a message before booking.] Join my [OMOTENASHI] tour for a full day centered on Mt. Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. Witness the raw power of its crater, explore the sweeping Kusasenri Grassland, and enjoy stunning mountain landscapes. On the return, stop by Hita’s charming Edo-period streets—once a bustling castle town—for a taste of Japan’s history and local flavors.
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