Explore the Villages of Ceramics (from Fukuoka)

THIS TOUR STARTS FROM A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE IN FUKUOKA.

You can pick your hotel, Fukuoka Airport, a train station or any other location as long as it is located within FUKUOKA CITY.

If you would like our assistance in reaching FUKUOKA, please book a customized bespoke tour instead.

Toyota Alphard	HiAce Grand Cabin

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

+ Vehicle designated in selected package (either a Toyota Alphard or HiAce Grand Cabin)

+ English speaking driver (the driver is not a guide & may only have basic English skills)

+ Tolls, Highway Fees, Parking Fees, Fuel (and other associated vehicle costs for this itinerary)

HOW CAN I ADD A TOUR GUIDE?

Pick a date & package; press the PROCEED BOOKING button. The next screen will offer you the option to add on a REGION EXPERT (a local guide with expert knowledge of the area, its history and culture) for an additional fee. Other add-ons may also be available.

ITINERARY

This private package tour will start at a location of your choice within FUKUOKA and then proceed to the four destinations in Saga.

Destination 01: Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum

Destination 02: Touzan Shrine

Destination 03: Mifuneyama Rakuen Garden

Destination 04: Takeo Onsen Roumon

DETAILED ITINERARY

Saga is located in the north of Kyushu, the southwestern island of Japan. The prefecture also offers many other things such as internationally famous potteries, high-quality foods cultivated in the rich nature, relaxing hot springs, festivals and other historical and traditional cultures which are well worth checking out.

We start off in the northern shore of Kyushu, Fukuoka. After picking you up in one of our luxurious private vehicles, we will drive you through some truly spectacular views to the four destinations in Saga.

Destination 01: Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum

The museum was built to contribute to the local cultural heritage, and the development of ceramics and pottery culture throughout Kyushu, southern Japan. A valuable and extensive exhibition of work such as the famous Kanbara Collection of old Imari from Europe of the 17th to 18th centuries, as well as the Shibata Collection covering Arita pottery manufactured from 1603 to 1867.

Entrance fee (separate from tour price, to be purchased on the spot)
Free (except during special exhibitions)

*Closed on Monday, December 29~31

Destination 02: Touzan Shrine

This shrine enshrines the deities of Arita pottery, Emperor Oujin, followed in hierarchy by Nabeshima Naoshioge and Yi Sam-Pyeong. Founded in 1658, this shrine has received many things dedicated by people in Arita such as a shrine gate, statues of guardian lions, balustrade, lanterns, gateposts, drum and large plate all made with pottery and they are the traces of Arita’s history from the Edo period until Today.

Destination 03: Mifuneyama Rakuen Garden

Mt. Mifuneyama is said to have been named after Empress consort Jingu’s mooring her ship (fune) here on her return from Silla, back in ancient times. Standing at a height of 210 meters, the mountain is the symbol of Takeo, Saga Prefecture. The mountain is dear to the hearts of many people, also having appeared in school songs over the years. Standing there quietly, the beautiful Mt. Mifuneyama has a definite feeling of dignity.

Entrance fee (separate from tour price, to be purchased on the spot)
Adults: JPY400 per person

*Opening times and fees depend on season

Destination 04: Takeo Onsen Roumon

Roumon Tower Gate standing at the entrance to Takeo Onsen with 1.300 years of history and “Shinkan” are both wooden buildings designed by Dr. Kingo Tatsuno who designed Tokyo Station and designated as National Important Cultural Properties. It became widely known since 4 zodiac signs were found on the 2nd floor of the Roumon Tower Gate and turned out that ,with 8 signs in Tokyo Station, there are 12 signs that exist in total.

The tour will end with us dropping you off at a location of your choice in Fukuoka.