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Private tour in Fukuoka Mai T
Yame Tea Culture & Yanagawa Water Town Day Private Tour
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6 hours
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6 hours
1
Mai T.
5.0
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4
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From a young age, I have been deeply immersed in traditional Japanese culture. I began practicing kendo (Japanese fencing) in childhood - a martial art widely rooted here in Kumamoto - and have continued to cultivate discipline, respect, and mindfulness through it ever since. In parallel, I have studied ikebana (flower arrangement) and, most notably, sado (the Way of Tea) from an early age. Tea ceremony has been a constant presence throughout my life, shaping how I see beauty, hospitality, and human connection. Through years of practice, I have learned not only the formal rituals, but also the philosophy behind them - finding harmony in simplicity and meaning in quiet moments. Today, I live in a peaceful rural village in Yamaga, an area known for its rich tea culture, hidden hot springs, and timeless way of life. I am fortunate to be part of a close-knit local community where traditions are not preserved for show, but lived naturally - guided by the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. Large group tours can feel rushed and impersonal. With me as your private guide, your experience is entirely tailor-made, shaped around your interests, pace, and curiosity. Whether you wish to visit sacred shrines, soak in local hot springs, meet craftspeople, experience tea culture firsthand, or simply slow down and enjoy the countryside, I will design a meaningful day just for you. If you are seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Kyushu, guided by someone who truly lives this culture rather than observes it from the outside, I would be honored to share my home with you. Let’s go beyond the guidebooks - and into the heart of Japan. I look forward to welcoming you.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mai T.
Matcha, Canals, and Rural Life in Southern Fukuoka
Overview of your Fukuoka tour
Discover the cultural heart of southern Fukuoka on this day private tour combining matcha tea culture and a traditional canal town. The tour begins in Yame, one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions, known for its high-quality matcha and green tea. While strolling through the historic Yame-Fukushima district, you will learn about local craftsmanship and daily life in a traditional merchant town. Depending on your interests, you may enjoy a matcha tasting or a simple matcha or tea experience. After lunch, we travel to Yanagawa, a charming town famous for its network of canals dating back to the samurai era. Here, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the waterways and, if you wish, take a traditional river cruise on a small boat. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, slower-paced experience beyond major tourist cities. The itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted according to weather, traffic conditions, and your interests, ensuring a comfortable and memorable day in rural Kyushu.
Your Fukuoka tour itinerary
10:00 – Meet at JR Chikugo-Funagoya Station 10:40 – 12:00 | Yame – Matcha & Historic Tea Town - Visit Yame tea plantation (Daichaen) - Stroll through the historic Yame-Fukushima district and learn about Japanese green tea and matcha culture. Enjoy a matcha tasting or a simple matcha experience (depending on availability), along with explanations of local history and craftsmanship. 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch in Yame Area Lunch at a local restaurant in the Yame area. 13:30 – 15:00 | Yanagawa – Canal Town Experience Explore Yanagawa, a historic canal town dating back to the samurai era. Enjoy a traditional river cruise on a small boat ( ticket not included). Learn how the canal system shaped daily life and culture in the region. 16:00 – Return to JR Chikugo-Funagoya Station.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan
Transportation will be provided in a clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned private vehicle. For groups of up to 3 guests, we use a Toyota Sienta, offering a smooth and relaxed ride for sightseeing. For groups of 4-7 guests, I use a Nissan Serena, providing extra space and comfort for longer drives. Please enquire for the price. The vehicle size will be selected according to your group size to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey throughout the day.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Chikugo, Fukuoka, 833-0015, Japan
Meet me at JR Chikugo-Funagoya Station. Address: 東1088-2 Tsushima, Chikugo, Fukuoka 833-0015, Japan Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iXjdaKbxb4KuCBGA
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
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English
Japanese
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6 hours
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6 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.