Cultural Synergies in Fukuoka

Explore Japan's cultural synergies and southern hospitality

Known historically as ‘The Gateway to Asia’, Fukuoka Prefecture has largely escaped modernization over the years, especially in its more rural areas, where long-established practices continue to flourish. Embrace both the past and present as you take a deep dive into Fukuoka Prefecture’s art, culture and cuisine; as local ‘yatai’ vendors line the streets drawing crowds for their famous Hakata ramen, ancient Shinto shrines pay homage to modern day artworks, and samurai mansions are opened to the public as lodgings.

The first stop on your cultural tour is the peaceful town of Dazaifu, widely respected across the nation for the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. For over 1000 years the shrine has been dedicated to deified poet and scholar Sugawara Michizane – a key historical figure worshiped as Tenjin, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. Upon arrival at Dazaifu Tenmangu, you will be greeted by a Shinto priest who will guide you through a formal prayer ceremony in an intimate and private area of the shrine. Allow the priest to lead the way through the shrine’s open-air contemporary art collection, showcasing world renowned contemporary artists including Ryan Gander and Lawrence Weiner.

Located further south, towards the Ariake Sea, is the ancient castle town of Yanagawa. Known as Japan’s ‘City of Water’, you will discover hundreds of miles of canals, intricately interwoven amongst traditional Japanese homes, willow trees and the centuries-old villa of the Tachibana family. During a private kawakaudari (river cruise) experience you are invited to sample the flavors of the Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana seasonal breakfast, embrace the sounds of Meiji-era poems recited by your boatman, and marvel at the shimmering surface of the water in the morning sun – a truly unique and intimate encounter. Stay packages at Ohana include the ‘boat breakfast plan’ as well as rare Noh theater performances within the lord’s mansion.

There are many other experiences rooted in Fukuoka's unique culture.

©Koichiro Fujimoto

©Koichiro Fujimoto

Sample Itinerary (3days / 2 nights)

Day 1

Arrive at Fukuoka airport.

Your journey begins with a Hakata old town tour with a Hakata textile craftsman and a loom weaving experience. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of Hakata-ori, which has been handed down for nearly 800 years, and to actually experience it. For dinner, enjoy the yatai street food carts that are rooted in Fukuoka's local culture.

Day 2

After breakfast, move to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, honored as the head shrine of approximately 12,000 shrines nationwide that pay tribute to Sugawara Michizane, who is revered as the god of learning, culture and the arts. The Cultural Research Institute of Tenmangu Shrine guides you through 3-4 major artworks.

In the afternoon, explore the canal town of Yanagawa. Enjoy a lunch of steamed eel, a Yanagawa specialty, while cruising the canals. At the end of the boat ride, Chizuka Tachibana, the 18th generation owner of Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana, the only feudal lord's villa in Japan where visitors can stay overnight, gives you a guided tour of the family manor, giving you first-hand insights into the 400-year history of the Tachibana family.

Day 3

After breakfast, travel to the Yame area. At Aizome Kasuri Studio, you make your own indigo art. Your last stop is Baba Suishaba (Watermill), makers of natural cedar incense. Here you learn about sustainable manufacturing and how the artisans coexist with nature.

Depart from Fukuoka airport.

Accommodation

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka

Scheduled to open on June 21st 2023, the brand new The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is designed to showcase Fukuoka City’s rich cultural heritage through a luxury lens. The downtown location will feature 167 kimono-inspired guest rooms and suites, six dining venues, full-service spa, indoor swimming pool and a Club Lounge.

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