Day Bus Trip to Fruits Pick & Dazaifu, Yanagawa in Fukuoka

Travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan’s Kyushu region will find this day trip from Fukuoka offers a well-rounded mix of culinary delights, scenic views, and cultural highlights. With visits to a strawberry farm, the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a relaxing river cruise in Yanagawa, and a delicious unagi dinner, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into local life and traditions.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are the chance to enjoy delicious food three times a day, the opportunity to relax with a traditional boat cruise, and the chance to explore one of Japan’s most important shrines. Plus, the organized nature of the tour means you won’t have to worry about transportation or navigation — everything is taken care of.

One possible consideration is the timing of certain activities, such as the river cruise, which may be less spectacular early in the season. Also, the entire experience runs for about 11 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full-day outing.

This tour is ideal if you’re eager to experience Kyushu’s local produce, cultural sights, and charming waterways in one seamless day. It suits travelers who like a balance of sightseeing, tasting, and gentle adventure.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines food tasting, cultural visits, river cruises, and local dining.
• Authentic experiences: Includes a traditional boat ride and local specialty dinner.
• Convenience: All transportation and guides are arranged, making it easy for travelers.
• Seasonal appeal: Best during strawberry season (January to April), but options are available year-round.
• Group size and flexibility: Private groups up to 20, with options to book and pay later.
• Cost value: Priced at $1,311 for up to 20 people, bringing down the per-person cost for such a comprehensive day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Early Morning

The tour begins with convenient pickup from your hotel, Hakata Station, Hakata Port, or Fukuoka Airport. The driver will be holding a name board, making it simple to locate your transport. The day kicks off around 9 AM, setting the tone for a well-structured 11-hour adventure.

This early start is perfect if you’re a morning person or keen to maximize your sightseeing. The group size limits to 20 people make this feel intimate enough for engaging guides but still manageable for everyone.

First Stop: Fukuoka’s Strawberry Farms

Around 10 AM, you’ll head to one of Fukuoka’s top strawberry farms, such as “LION” Strawberry Farm in Chikuzen. The highlight? Freshly picked Amaou strawberries, which are renowned throughout Japan for their sweetness and juicy texture. It’s an experience that appeals to the senses — tasting strawberries ripened on the vine, with the chance to buy more to take home.

According to reviewer Joanne, the 1-hour strawberry pick was a standout, with “plentiful & sweet” berries. She appreciated that the guide Akiko handled entry fees and even refunded a ticket when someone in her group backed out, making the process seamless.

The fee is approximately 2000 yen (around $15–$20 USD) per adult, and you can indulge in all-you-can-eat strawberries during your visit. Some guests also enjoy browsing the on-site shop for strawberry syrup and desserts, adding a sweet start to the day.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Dazaifu

Next, a short bus ride brings you to Dazaifu, a city famed for its historical significance and the impressive Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Enshrining Sugawara Michizane — the deity of learning — this shrine attracts over 10 million visitors annually. The approach to the shrine is lined with shops offering local snacks and souvenirs, setting a charming scene.

The 2-hour stop includes a guided tour, giving insight into the shrine’s history and the surrounding atmosphere.

Adjacent to the shrine is the Kyushu National Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into regional art and history. Visitors can explore exhibits at their own pace, or visit the small amusement park on the premises, providing entertainment for families or those young at heart.

Reviewers note that the shrine is a vibrant mix of tradition and art, with recent collaborations with international artists making it a contemporary and engaging space. It’s a perfect spot to absorb cultural depth and take memorable photos.

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Early Afternoon: Lunch and Sightseeing

After exploring Dazaifu, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and guided walk. The tour guides typically recommend trying local specialties, and in this case, the highlight is “Seiro-mushi” — steamed eel served in a bamboo steamer, a specialty of Yanagawa.

This meal embodies the region’s culinary pride. Yanagawa, often called “the Venice of Kyushu,” is renowned for its waterways and eel dishes. The leisurely meal allows you to savor authentic flavors in a relaxed setting, with some restaurants offering views of the canal.

Afternoon: Yanagawa River Cruise

Post-lunch, the tour shifts to the KAWAKUDARI River Cruise, lasting about an hour. Travel along the historic waterways of Yanagawa, a city built around irrigation channels. As you float past traditional houses and lush greenery, you’ll notice the peaceful pace and the nostalgic atmosphere.

A female gondolier will serenade you with Japanese songs, enhancing the charm of the ride. An authentic experience, as one reviewer described, even if the flowers along the canal weren’t in full bloom early in the season.

The cruise fee is roughly 1800 yen (around $15 USD) per adult, and it’s an excellent way to relax and see Yanagawa from a different perspective.

Evening: Strolling Yanagawa and Final Dinner

Following the cruise, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through Yanagawa’s castle town, taking in the scenic waterways and traditional architecture.

Dinner at a local restaurant, such as Ohana, wraps up the day with more regional flavor. Besides eel, you might also find other local delicacies, providing a satisfying conclusion to the trip.

Return Journey: Heading Back to Fukuoka

After a full day of sightseeing and tasting, the bus departs Yanagawa around 8:30 PM, returning you to your pickup point by approximately 9:30 PM. The long day might be tiring but filled with lasting memories of Kyushu’s natural beauty and culinary richness.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: The tour uses a private bus with an English-speaking guide, ensuring smooth transfers and insightful commentary. The bus is comfortable, with modern amenities and a manageable group size.

Timing: Starting early and covering so many stops, the schedule is tight but well-paced. Each stop’s timing allows enough exploration without feeling rushed, though activities like the river cruise might be less spectacular outside peak blossom season.

Price & Value: At $1,311 for up to 20 people, this rounds out to approximately $65 per person, which includes transportation, guide services, parking, and tolls. Considering the number of experiences packed into the day, this provides good value, especially when you factor in the convenience of organized logistics.

Seasonal Notes: The strawberry farm is best from January to April, and early spring might mean fewer flowers along the canal during the cruise, as one review pointed out. Still, the scenery and cultural experience remain compelling year-round.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.

Final Thoughts

This day trip to Fukuoka’s beautiful sights and tasty specialties offers a balance of fun, culture, and relaxation. The combination of seasonal strawberry picking, historic shrine visits, scenic boat cruises, and regional cuisine make it a well-rounded choice for those eager to see Kyushu beyond the city.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a mixture of culinary delights and sightseeing, and prefer the ease of guided trips with all logistics handled. If you’re after a comprehensive day that introduces you to some of Fukuoka’s most charming sites and flavors, this tour is a solid pick.

While the experience is packed, it feels authentic and thoughtfully organized, with plenty of opportunities for photos, tasting, and soaking in local atmosphere. Just be prepared for a long day, especially if you want to fully enjoy each stop.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes all transportation on a private bus with a driver and guide, making travel between spots seamless.

Do I need to book the strawberry farm or river cruise separately?
Yes, you should reserve and pay directly for the strawberry picking and river cruise activities. The tour guide can assist with entry fees and refunds.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
The strawberry picking season runs from January to April, which is ideal for fresh berries. The river cruise is enjoyable year-round but may be more scenic when flowers are in bloom.

How long is each activity?
Activities vary, with about an hour for strawberry picking, two hours at Dazaifu, and approximately one hour for the river cruise. Lunch and walking tours fill the middle of the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the pace is relaxed, and children often enjoy the boat ride and exploring the shrine. Just consider the full-day length when planning.

Can I customize any part of the experience?
Since the tour is organized as a private group, there’s some flexibility, but most activities are pre-arranged. Communicate your preferences in advance with the provider.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a small umbrella. If you plan to buy strawberries or souvenirs, bring some cash.

This tour blends the best of Kyushu’s flavors, scenery, and culture into one manageable day. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or water-lover, it offers plenty to enjoy.

You can check availability for your dates here: