History and Culture of Hakata: Past and Present of International Exchange

Theme

History, culture, arts

Content

• Explore shrines, temples, gardens, and historical buildings in Hakata district.
• Visit museums, art galleries, and similar venues in Hakata.

Places to Visit

Fukuoka Castle Area: Ohori Park, Japanese gardens, Korokan ruins, among others

Old Town Area: Joten-ji Temple, Shofukuji Temple, Tocho-ji Temple, among others

Tenjin Area: Kushida Shrine, Kego Shrine

Places of Interest

Fukuoka City Museum, Fukuoka City Art Museum, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

Travel Designer’s Comment

To understand Hakata, a visit to the Fukuoka City Museum is a must. At the museum's entrance, you'll be greeted by four large bronze statues sculpted by French artist Antoine Bourdelle.

At the entrance of the exhibition rooms, a 360-degree rotating projector displays a map showing Fukuoka as the gateway to Japan, encompassing China, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia. It becomes immediately clear how Hakata has been a gateway for international exchange with Asia since ancient times.

The museum houses well-known artifacts such as the "National Treasure Golden Seal," associated with the ancient Korokan ruins, a diplomatic facility and guesthouse located here. In the Middle Ages, Hakata prospered as an international commercial city. In the early modern period, Kuroda Kanbei and his son Nagamasa built Fukuoka Castle, and the castle town flourished with 520,000 koku. The Kuroda clan produced many scholars, including Kaibara Ekken, who authored "Yōjōkun."Zen painter Sengai was the head priest of Shofukuji Temple in this area. The museum also provides detailed exhibitions on the development of the town since the Meiji era, tailored to the perspective of overseas travelers.

Now, when you extend your walk to the bustling downtown area of Tenjin, you'll notice it filled with many young foreigners. Hakata not only serves as a travel destination but has also become part of the living environment that Asian youths visit casually and repeatedly. As a gateway for international exchange continuing from ancient times, Hakata continues to demonstrate its vibrant energy today. Fukuoka City, with a population of 1.6 million, continues to grow, alongside Tokyo, and I hope you can experience a glimpse of this dynamism in the town.

Schedule (3 hours)

We can customize it according to your interests.

Fee

¥10,000 (including tax)

Included in the fee

Guide fees, etc.

Number of Participants

2 to 6 people

Meeting Place

Please arrive at the matching location about 10 minutes before your reserved time.

Dates Available

Weekdays or weekends, subject to availability of the attendant.

Options

Please inform us if you would like meal or shopping guidance.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation fee of the full amount will be charged from 2 days before the experience date.

What to Bring

Please bring your own drinks.

Attire

Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Payment Method

Pre-payment by credit card or equivalent.

Participant Requirements

Please contact us if you require wheelchair accessibility or any special assistance.

Booking Period

From 2 months before the date of the experience to 7 days before.

Disclaimer

In unavoidable circumstances where the experience is canceled or the content is changed, refunds will be processed promptly. Thank you for your understanding.

Other information

Transportation will mainly be by public transport. 

Please arrange for taxis yourself.

 We can take photos for you during the experience. 

For foreign language support, please contact us in advance.

 We do not accept tips.