Fukuoka City & Museum
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Port
Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$250
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Every year, approximately eight million people visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is built over the grave of Michizane Sugawara in Dazaifu City. It is widely known as one of the most famous shrines for the god of studies, sincerity and warding off evil, and is venerated throughout Japan.
Return to Fukuoka and visit the Fukuoka City Museum, focusing on the history and folk cultures of Fukuoka. The lifestyle of Fukuoka is showcased here, filtered through the city's role as a gateway for trade with foreign countries. The museum's curator offers some commentary so that you can better understand the history and lore of Fukuoka. Perhaps the most important piece in the museum is a Han Dynasty gold seal (stamp). Experts believe that the seal was originally cast in China and was gifted by Emperor Guangwu of Han to a diplomatic envoy from Japan AD 57. The seal is mentioned in many a Japanese textbook, as it is considered a key indicator of how the Japanese nation came into being.
Your final destination is the Kushida Shrine, located in the city center. The facility hosts the Gion Yamakasa Festival — a race in which seven teams compete to complete beautifully decorated festival floats, which are then pulled along the street for all to enjoy.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Photography is prohibited in some parts of the museum. The museum visit includes the facility's permanent exhibits only. Tour sequence may vary. Japanese Yen will be needed for additional purchases. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is undergoing renovation. A temporary shrine is open until the renovation is complete. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.