Fukuoka is known as the gateway to Asia, so it’s not a huge surprise that you might find the culture here, and throughout Kyushu island, to be a little different from the rest of Japan. You’ll join one of our friendly local Fukuoka hosts (that’s a given, everyone here is friendly) and experience the diverse history, culture, and art of this region.

You’ll follow your host to sacred shrines, like Kushida-jinja or Dazaifu Tenman-gu, and get a feeling for the ancient spirituality that resides there. You could fill in a wooden plaque of your own and dedicate a prayer to the deities of the temples, or if you’re feeling creative why not paint a Hakata doll to take home with you?

If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time fear not, you could don a traditional kimono instead in a traditional dressing ceremony. Kyushu is also home to Japan’s most famous pottery, so there’s plenty to see as you wander through walkways of the old districts (or hop on a boat to save those legs).

Of course, no cultural experience is complete without a tasty traditional meal - we’re talking a yatai food stand for some Hakata ramen.