* Leaving Fukuoka behind, Munakata Shrine. One of the oldest shrines in Japan, Munakata Taisha Shrine has been venerated since ancient times as housing the god of paths, and many visitors pray for nautical and traffic safety.

Miare Festival is one of the most famous shrine rituals in Japan. The fascinating Miare festival, one of the most famous sacred rituals in Japan, is held here in early October when over 400 boats decorated for the occasion take to the waters

* Our next destination is Hakata. Now a district of Fukuoka, Hakata was an independent city for centuries and is considered one of the oldest settlements in Japan.

Here we will visit the Kushida shrine, a small and ancient Shinto shrine dating to the VIII century. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of business success, eternal youth and longevity, making it a very popular destination for local residents.
We will then visit Canal City Hakata, a vast shopping complex known as the “city within a city”, enclosing over 250 traders including shops, cafés and restaurants across five floors and overlooking an artificial canal where an array of splendid fountains erupt at regular intervals to entertain visitors.
We will pause here to indulge in some retail therapy, searching for the perfect souvenir among the vast range of shops which offer everything from traditional Japanese artefacts to clothes and accessories from luxury international brands.