Fukuoka: Hakata Temples & Doll Painting Walking Guide Tour

8:00 or 13:00: Meet with English Guide at Hakata Station

This temple was founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism from China to Japan. Although the temple buildings cannot be entered, visitors can walk through Shofukuji's attractive temple grounds and observe the buildings from the outside.

Being one of the oldest still intact Buddhist temples in Japan, Tocho-Ji is an important attraction in Fukuoka city. It was founded in 806 by Kobo-Daishi Kukai. It is also known as “Tocho-mitsuji Temple”. It is said that Kobo-Daishi, who returned to Hakata after undergoing ascetic training in China called Tang back then, prayed for the eastward dissemination and perpetuation of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.

This is one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka. Famous for its Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, this shrine offers other amazing sights such as the biggest Otafuku mask in Japan and a well where you can pray for eternal youth.

Hakata Doll is one of the most beautiful and famous arts and crafts in Japan. Shogetsudo is a famous Hakata dolls shop, where you can try to do Hakata Doll Painting. You will learn about the origin and history of Hakata dolls and try your hand at decorating dolls (about 1 hour).