In a nutshell

This full day in Fukuoka will allow you to discover this amazing town between modernity and traditions.

Main stops

Kyushu National Museum Dazaifu Tenman-gu Lunch Fukuoka Tower * Shopping

The programme

Fukuoka continues its growth as the capital city of Kyushu, while preserving its rich history and traditions. The first stop on your itinerary after leaving the port will be visit he Kyushu National Museum. This striking wood and glass building in the hills houses important collections of Japanese artefacts, particularly ceramics, related to the history of Kyushu. It is the most recent of Japan's national museums after those of Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. The Cultural Exchange Exhibition room usually displays around 800 artefacts. The collections cover the history of Kyushu from prehistory to the Meiji era with particular emphasis on the rich tradition of cultural exchange between Kyushu and neighbouring China and Korea. Following a short walk, you will visit Dazaifu Tenman-gu. The shrine is housed in extensive grounds covering an area of 3,000 acres. The tranquil garden is planted with 6,000 plum trees and the shrine itself is built on the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, venerated throughout Japan as Tenjin, the Shinto kami of scholarship. Michizane is celebrated as a man pure in heart and deed, and after his death he was deified and worshipped as a god. You will then stop at a restaurant to lunch. A certain drive will take you to the 234-metre-tall Fukuoka Tower. The tower stands in the centre of the waterfront area called Momochihama (Seaside Momochi) and was built in 1989 on occasion of the Asian Pacific Expo (Yokatopia), which commemorated the centenary of the incorporation of the modern city of Fukuoka. It is the tallest seaside tower in Japan and took a total of 14 months to build at a cost of six billion yen. The tower has a triangular cross-section and is clad with 8000 half-mirrors, earning it the nickname of the 'Mirror Sail'. A lift will take you up to the observation deck 123 metres above the ground in about 70 seconds. Here you will be able to admire marvellous panoramic views revealing Fukuoka's urban layout, natural beauties and cultural landmarks, including Hakata Wharf and Sefuri Mountain. Finally you will drive to a department store in Tenjin where you will have a couple of hours free for shopping before returning to the ship

Good to know

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. * This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility