Hakata Old Town is an area where historical temples and shrines remain, allowing visitors to deeply experience traditional Japanese culture. It offers a wealth of unique charms that can only be savored at the pace of walking, from the delights of its narrow alleys to the nostalgic shops nestled within its historic streetscapes. Why not join our guide to enjoy a special experience at Kaigenji Temple and a walking tour through Hakata Old Town?

The special experience at Kaigenji Temple is truly unique: you'll strike the mokugyo (wooden fish drum) and chant Buddhist prayers! To elaborate, the experience involves chanting Buddhist prayers wholeheartedly while striking the mokugyo in complete darkness, followed by a quiet period of self-reflection. During this session, some participants may experience mindfulness or trance states.

After the special experience at Kaigenji Temple, your local guide will also take you to some recommended shops in Hakata Old Town.:

• Mitsuyasu Seikaen Chaho Main Store, a long-established tea shop founded over 300 years ago.
• Saimon Kamaboko Main Store, a traditional Hakata kamaboko (fish cake) shop where artisans meticulously handcraft each item, having received numerous awards including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.
• Okumura Shoten, a long-established doll and toy shop founded in 1884 (Meiji 17), which also carries nostalgic traditional Japanese sweets (dagashi).

About Kaigenji Temple:

Kaigenji Temple is home to two adjacent halls, the Enma-do Hall and the Kannon-do Hall, where the impressive King Enma (Enma Daio) and Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Mercy, revered in the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage) are enshrined. During the festival in August, vibrantly colored Juo-zu (paintings depicting the Ten Kings who judge sins in the afterlife) are displayed. The Enma Omikuji (King Enma's fortune slips) available from a gacha-gacha style machine in the Enma-do Hall are also very popular.

Important Information:

• This tour will be conducted in English. Your understanding is appreciated.
• During the Hakata Old Town walking tour, temples may be guided from outside their grounds.
• Visiting spots may be subject to change due to holidays or other circumstances.
• During the special experience at Kaigenji Temple, there will be a period when the hall is completely dark. Please be aware of this in advance.
• 
  
• 
  
• Scheduled Dates:  December 4, December 11, December 18, December 25, 2025; January 8, January 15, January 22, January 29, 2026.
• This is a request-based booking. Your reservation will be confirmed after we respond to your application.
• This plan does not include insurance. Please consider purchasing travel insurance if necessary.
• Meeting Point: Your guide will be waiting for you just outside the ticket gate of Gofukumachi Subway Station.
• Minimum Number of Participants: 4 people.
• Application Deadline: 1PM, 10 days prior to the tour date.
• If the minimum number of participants is not met by 1PM, 10 days prior to the tour date, the tour may be canceled even after the request booking has been approved.
• In the event of cancellation after request approval, we will notify you.
• Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued after your booking is confirmed (after the request booking is approved).
• For cancellations or inquiries regarding this tour, please contact the tour operator below via the dedicated email address.
• Tour Operator: "Enjoy Kyushu Desk" within JTB Fukuoka Branch Office
• Email Address: enjoy_kyushu@jtb.com
• Business Hours: 9AM - 5PM
• Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and New Year holidays (December 30, December 31, January 1, January 2, January 3).