Fukuoka: Hakata Temples & Doll Painting Walking Guide Tour

◆ A professional English-speaking guide will accompany you to visit 3 famous temples in Hakata, Fukuoka! ◆ Conveniently meet at Hakata Station for easy sightseeing. ◆ Public transportation fee is included! ◆ You will have the experience to do Hakata Doll Painting. ◆ In a 4-hour tour, you will visit Shofuku-Ji Temple, Tochoji Temple, Kushida Shrine, and Hakata Doll Shop Shogetsudo. ◆ Tour will be finished in Kawabata Shopping Arcade.

Itinerary

1. 8:00 or 13:00: Meet with English Guide at Hakata Station
2. This temple was founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism from China to Japan. Although the temple buildings cannot be entered, visitors can walk through Shofukuji's attractive temple grounds and observe the buildings from the outside. (15 min) Admission included
3. Being one of the oldest still intact Buddhist temples in Japan, Tocho-Ji is an important attraction in Fukuoka city. It was founded in 806 by Kobo-Daishi Kukai. It is also known as “Tocho-mitsuji Temple”. It is said that Kobo-Daishi, who returned to Hakata after undergoing ascetic training in China called Tang back then, prayed for the eastward dissemination and perpetuation of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. (15 min) Admission included
4. This is one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka. Famous for its Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, this shrine offers other amazing sights such as the biggest Otafuku mask in Japan and a well where you can pray for eternal youth. (30 min) Admission included
5. Hakata Doll is one of the most beautiful and famous arts and crafts in Japan. Shogetsudo is a famous Hakata dolls shop, where you can try to do Hakata Doll Painting. You will learn about the origin and history of Hakata dolls and try your hand at decorating dolls (about 1 hour). (1h 0min) Admission included
6. Kawabatadori Shopping Street　★ Tour will be finished here. (30 min)

Meeting & end point