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Private: Fukuoka And The Famous Tenmangu ShrinesExplore > Japan > Fukuoka > Private: Fukuoka And The Famous Tenmangu Shrines
OverviewLeave no stone unturned in a Japan much different than Tokyo. Fukuoka was a surprise. This is quite a modern city and we enjoy our tour which took us to the old and the new. Our last stop before South Korea, we saw the ferry that heads that way. Fukuoka is a destination for the South Koreans because of the beautiful beaches - who knew! Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture provides some of the most interesting communities in the country and Dazaifu is no exception. Established in the late 7th century to serve as the administrative center of the entire island of Kyushu, Dazaifu quickly became pivotal for Japan's diplomatic relations and organizing the country's defenses. Today the city is home to over 70,000 residents with a variety of temples and shrines that draw in travelers from around the world. Your first stop will be at the area's Tenmangu Shrines which are famous throughout Japan. A mind awakening aura will be in the air as the enchanting complex was dedicated to Michizane, a scholar and politician associated with the deity of education. Michizane began writing poetry at age 11 and quickly rose to power within the imperial court before clashing with the reigning Fujiwara clan who exiled him to Dazaifu. His often visited grave can be found on site. Ask your guide to take you to the legendary Tobiume which many consider to be a flying plum tree that accompanied Michizane from Kyoto to Dazaifu following his expulsion. Before leaving take a chance on boosting your knowledge by acquiring an ema charm! Following your exploration of the shrine you will make your way to one of Japan's four national museums. Standing out amongst the rest, the Kyushu National Museum was the first of its kind built after the 1800s and focuses on understanding Japanese culture from an Asian point of view. With the idea of presenting history in a creative and informative fashion you are bound to get sucked into the endless unique exhibits in what seems to be an out of place destination. Head back to Fukuoka for lunch and prepare yourself for an adventure up the Fukuoka Tower. At 234 meters tall this tower is far and away the city's highest building and will provide spectacular views of the surrounding city and Hakata Bay. After locating your next stop, Ohori Park, from above you will be able to see the most beautiful destination in the city up close and personal. Once serving as part of the moat system for the nearby Fukuoka Castle, Ohori Park can be explored by walking through its intricate gardens or venturing over the stone bridges that connect the central pond's islands to the mainland. This perfect step back from the city is a great way to see where the locals escape to. Your day will wind down perfectly with a stroll through Tenjin shopping district where you can feel free to explore the many unique shops! - Lunch is included in the price of this tour. - Please note, that we have limited English speaking guides and this tour must be booked well in advance. - This tour is conducted by using a private vehicle. - This tour is not wheelchair accessible. - IMPORTANT. This tour has a cancellation/refund policy that is non-conforming with ShoreTrips standard policy. Full refunds will be made for cancellations due to your ship not making its scheduled port stop if you have notified the vendor or ShoreTrips of this situation at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled stop. 50% refunds will be made cancellations due to your ship not making its scheduled port stop if you have notified the vendor or ShoreTrips of this situation at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled stop. No refunds will be made for cancellations made in the last 48 hours prior to the scheduled stop. Excursion Protection insurance is available and highly recommended and will be offered to you during the checkout procedure. Days offered: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Departures:
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