10 Cultural Tours in Kyushu That You Shouldn't Miss

Shirakawa-go is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for being a village with houses made in the historical "gassho-zukuri" architecture (thatched roof house). This is an area where you can feel the magnificent nature and old lifestyle culture with Hirase-onsen where the onsen source comes from the foot of sacred mountain Hakusan. This private tour will help to make your trip an unforgettable one.

Inclusions: Local guide (if option selected), Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Spend an exciting day in Fukuoka with your host and explore Japan’s gateway to Asia together. Take in some of the city’s main sites, like Fukuoka Castle or follow your feet to an obscure neighborhood. Take some time out to enjoy a meal at a yakai (street food stand) - we’d recommend the Hakata ramen, because well, it’s simply the best. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalized experience, 8 hours with a host, Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities (optional)

This is a plan for you to discover the craftwork technique of Hakata and use it yourself! You will learn about “Hakata-ori”: a beautiful and firm cloth made in Hakata, and “Hakata Ningyo”: a doll with various color, shape, and face made in Hakata. First, you will visit a traditional Japanese house where a craftsman makes Hakata-ori cloth with a weaving machine. You may make one yourself if you are lucky! There is a shop in a local shopping street that deals with Hakata Ningyo and Kimon made from Hakata-ori, which would be a perfect place to buy your souvenir! There is also a place where you are going to paint on a Hakata Ningyo! Don’t forget to book your tour craftwork tour!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pickup and drop-off, The use of private van

When visiting Fukuoka, Dazaifu Temple is a spot not to miss. The shops lining up to the shrine are also unique and appealing. But this is not everything! If you come to Dazaifu, enjoy all the spots there are to see. This is a tour prepared by otomo full of thought! See Komyo Zenji in a beautiful stone garden, Kamoda Jinjya in the mountains and also Kyushu Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan filled with 1000 years of Fukuoka history. Of course, there are lots to do in the streets too, taste the fresh plums, green onions and try the latest hamburgers. Finally, visit Tenmangu, your otomo guide will surely tell you everything there is to know!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Dream Tours Japan was born out of the idea of giving people the feeling of being connected with the destination in every facet of the tour. Whether it be from the on board commentary, insights into daily Japanese life, historical and important information of each attraction, cultural experiences, Japanese food and drink tastings as well as personal opinions and facts about what it is truly life to live as an expat in this weird and wonderful country we call Japan. It is my belief that only a Private Tour consisting of a small numbers of members can create this important connection that will stay with us for the rest of our lives!

Inclusions: Either a sit down lunch or something on the go to save time is included., We carry extra snack on board our vehicles and at certain picnic like spots to enhance the atmosphere., Still and sparkling water is provided throughout the day,, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Parking Fees, Alcoholic beverages are provided at appropriate stops along the way., Gratuities

Exclusions:

Let's discover Fukuoka City by bike with a licensed local guide! The course of the Fukuoka Bike Tour is covering historical, cultural sites, back streets and hidden places such as an old city area, castle ruins, downtown, seaside, parks etc by making good use of advantage of bicycles. And you go to a ramen restaurant popular for locals for lunch. Our local guides are government-licensed, friendly, familiar with Fukuoka. Why don't you get refreshed and know quickly about Fukuoka on the bike tour? We hope you will feel at one with our city Fukuoka and your Fukuoka trip will become a great memory for you. We look forward to cycling with you in Fukuoka.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Hakata ramen noodle (pork bone broth ramen), Bottled water, Helmet, Admission fee of Tochoji Temple, English Speaking Tour Guide

Exclusions: Personal expenses

***The tour time below is Japan Standard Time.*** A great birthday/ surprise gift for Ghibli fans *If you can't find the convenient time slot, please send me a request. * This online experience will take you to the places in Japan which are said to be the inspirations of seven Ghibli films. It's about 1hour experience via Zoom and operated in the hope of expanding the wishlist places of your next visit to Japan. Let's explore Ghibli-related places throughout Japan without leaving your home! Starting from Tokyo where the animations are being created, we will explore many places which are said to be inspirations of some of the scenes of the films such as a bathhouse where Chihiro worked at(Spirited Away), the enchanted forest(Princess Mononke), etc.. We will explore virtually from the north(Hokkaido) to the south (Kagoshima) of Japan. *If you do not show up on the tour time, we will not reschedule and refund you.

Inclusions: English speaking online guide, Consulting service for your future travel, Q & A session about Ghibli and Japan

Exclusions: Real guide

Private and personalised Fukuoka outing with a handpicked Host. If it’s your first time in Fukuoka, you’ll want to get orientated and see the city's landmarks. But what if as well as this, you could get a local’s advice about where to go, what to eat and all the exciting possibilities awaiting you? With your thoughtfully matched Host by your side, you can! Discover hidden gems as well as Fukuoka’s highlights, historic landmarks and sacred shrines and temples as you explore the city together. Immerse yourself in its rich culture and eat your way around Japan’s gourmet city with your Host who will reveal the best kept local secrets to you. Get familiar with the city, choose a specific area you’d like to explore and get ready to kickstart your adventure in Fukuoka!  

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 3 hours with your handpicked Host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Insight into Japanese culture, Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks additional to any included in the experience, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities

Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see.

Inclusions: Local guide ("Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Optional activity costs, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)

In this private tour, explore and immerse yourself in Japan's rich and unique religious culture with over 1,300 year of history in Kunisaki, Oita prefecture. English-speaking guide will kindly help you.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Guide, Accommodation

Exclusions: Please bring your comfortable pair of shoes (we will be walking around the countryside), Beverage, Transportation fee to/from Hakata station, Local transportation fee