Uncover the hidden gems of Dazaifu and Yanagawa on this guided tour from Fukuoka. Explore ancient shrines, marvel at the Kyushu National Museum, and drift along the scenic Yanagawa River on a traditional boat. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, you’ll savor local delicacies and witness the art of pole-propelled navigation. This immersive cultural experience promises to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. But what else awaits as you explore these historic cities? Let’s find out.
Key Points
- This guided tour takes visitors from Fukuoka to explore the historic cities of Dazaifu and Yanagawa, including ancient shrines, temples, and a scenic boat ride.
- The tour includes round-trip train tickets, a boat ride along the Yanagawa River, sampling of local specialties, and an English-speaking guide.
- Highlights in Dazaifu include the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kyushu National Museum, and the charming Dazaifu Starbucks, while Yanagawa offers a traditional boat ride.
- The tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and is accessible for strollers but not wheelchairs.
- The cancellation policy is non-refundable, except in case of inclement weather, to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants.
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Tour Overview
This guided tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic cities of Dazaifu and Yanagawa from Fukuoka.
Travelers will embark on a train journey to the former imperial capital of Dazaifu, where they’ll discover ancient shrines and temples before boarding a scenic boat ride along the tranquil Yanagawa River.
During the river cruise, guests will witness the traditional ‘punting’ technique used to navigate the waterways.
The tour also includes the chance to savor a local specialty, umegae-mochi, and enjoy alcoholic beverages.
With an English-speaking guide leading the way, this immersive experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Inclusions
The guided tour includes an English-speaking guide to lead the way, as well as train tickets and a Yanagawa River cruising ticket.
Travelers can also look forward to sampling the local specialty, umegae-mochi, a rice cake with sweet bean paste, alongside complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Private transportation and a provided lunch round out the inclusive offerings.
This all-inclusive experience allows visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and flavors of Dazaifu and Yanagawa without worrying about the logistics.
With these convenient inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the guided train and boat tour and make the most of their time in the Fukuoka region.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers meet up with the tour guide in front of the Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Department Store, at the iconic Lion Statue, starting promptly at 9:30 AM.
This convenient meeting location is easy to find and close to public transportation.
Once everyone has arrived, the group will depart on their guided train and boat tour of Dazaifu and Yanagawa.
The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, allowing participants to seamlessly continue their day in Fukuoka after the experience.
This simple and straightforward pickup process ensures a smooth start and end to the tour, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the historic sites and scenic waterways that await.
Cancellation Policy
Importantly, this tour has a non-refundable and unchangeable cancellation policy. If inclement weather forces the cancellation of a tour, customers will be offered an alternate date or a full refund. Customers should be aware that no refunds will be provided for any reason once the booking is confirmed.
This policy ensures the tour operator can plan effectively and minimize disruptions. While it may seem restrictive, it helps maintain the high-quality experience for all participants.
Customers are encouraged to carefully consider their schedule and weather forecasts before booking to avoid any last-minute changes or disappointments. The operator’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in their flexibility when tours can’t proceed as planned.
Accessibility and Transportation
According to the information provided, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Travelers will be relying on public transportation, as the meeting point is conveniently located near public transit options. Infants accompanying the group must sit on laps during the tour, which is a common policy for group activities. The maximum group size is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
| Accessibility | Transportation | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Not wheelchair accessible | Near public transit | Maximum of 8 travelers |
| Stroller accessible | Meeting point is convenient | Infants must sit on laps |
| Common policy for group activities |
This tour offers a well-rounded experience, catering to the needs of various travelers while maintaining a small group size for a more personalized exploration of Dazaifu and Yanagawa.
Tour Highlights: Dazaifu
The guided tour in Dazaifu explores the city’s rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to discover the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the renowned scholar Sugawara no Michizane. Visitors can wander through the shrine’s expansive grounds, admiring the ornate architecture and beautiful gardens.
The tour also includes a visit to the Kyushu National Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Japanese art and historical artifacts.
Strolling along the tranquil Komyozenji Temple gardens.
Exploring the charming Dazaifu Starbucks, housed in a former government building.
Sampling traditional Umegae-mochi, a local rice cake with sweet bean paste.
Learning about Dazaifu’s role as a former administrative capital of Kyushu.
Discovering the city’s vibrant shopping streets and local handicrafts.
Tour Highlights: Yanagawa
After discovering Dazaifu’s rich cultural heritage, the tour takes visitors on a scenic journey to the charming town of Yanagawa, where they’ll embark on a relaxing boat ride along the town’s intricate waterways. Floating along the picturesque canals, travelers will witness the unique "don-ko" tradition, where locals navigate their traditional wooden boats using long poles. Along the way, they’ll admire the town’s historic architecture and lush greenery. The tour also includes a delightful sampling of local delicacies, such as the beloved Umegae-mochi, a rice cake filled with sweet bean paste. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Yanagawa’s serene way of life and deep-rooted traditions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Boat Ride | Cruise along Yanagawa’s scenic canals |
| "Don-ko" Tradition | Witness the unique method of pole-propelled boat navigation |
| Historic Architecture | Admire the town’s well-preserved buildings |
| Local Cuisine | Taste the renowned Umegae-mochi rice cake |
| Tranquil Atmosphere | Immerse in Yanagawa’s serene and traditional ambiance |
Group Size and Age Restrictions
This tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Children of all ages are welcome, though infants must be seated on laps during the boat ride.
With its small group size and accessibility, the tour caters to a wide range of visitors seeking an engaging and immersive exploration of Dazaifu and Yanagawa.
The tour’s group size and age-inclusive policies offer several advantages:
- Personalized attention from the English-speaking guide
- Flexibility to accommodate individual needs and preferences
- Enhanced opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction
- Comfortable transportation and seating arrangements
- Inclusive experience for families with young children
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests typically cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as the package includes meals and alcoholic beverages. However, guests should check with the tour operator to confirm any restrictions or allowances regarding outside items.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
For this tour, you don’t need any special equipment or clothing. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection if desired. The tour guides will provide all necessary transportation and equipment for the boat and train portions.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Children under 12 receive a 20% discount, while seniors over 65 get a 10% discount. Discounts apply to the tour price and must be requested at the time of booking to receive the reduced rate.
Can I Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t allow extensions or additional activities. It has a fixed itinerary and schedule. However, you could explore Dazaifu and Yanagawa on your own before or after the tour if you’d like to spend more time in the area.
How Long Does the Entire Tour Take From Start to Finish?
The guided tour lasts around 7-8 hours, from the 9:30 AM start time until the participants return to the original meeting point. The full experience includes train travel, a boat cruise, and stops at various attractions along the way.
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Recap
This guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the historic cities of Dazaifu and Yanagawa from Fukuoka.
Visitors can discover ancient shrines, temples, and museums in Dazaifu, then enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Yanagawa River, experiencing the traditional ‘don-ko’ pole-propelled navigation.
With an English-speaking guide, this immersive cultural experience includes local specialties, making it a well-rounded and enriching day trip.
