A Ramen good cycling experience!!!! - The cycle was at a relaxed pace. At each stop we made the information we received was excellent . Our guide and translator did an amazing tour. Thanks to both.

Great Way to Start Your Visit to Fukuoka - Just arrived in Fukuoka from a long flight and wanted to get oriented to the city. We were traveling as a couple and booked via their web site prior to arriving. Booking through the web site was very straightforward and easy. In addition, reminder emails are sent before your trip. You meet Harumi at 1 pm at the HafH Fukuoka THE LIFE Hotel/Cafe across the street from the Canal City Mall. She arranged for a tour guide and English translator since we were both from California. The bikes were clean, comfortable and good condition. The city is flat so very easy to ride. Much of the way also had dedicated bike lanes. In addition, our guide took special care to look out for cars as we rode through the city. The modern city of Fukuoka was formed with the merger of the former cities of Hakata and Fukuoka. Historically, Hakata was the port and merchant district, and was more associated with the area's culture and remains the main commercial area today. On the other hand, the Fukuoka area was home to many samurai, and its name has been used since Kuroda Nagamasa, the first daimyō of Chikuzen Province, named it after his birthplace in Okayama Prefecture and the "old Fukuoka" is the main shopping area, now called Tenjin. We proceeded south to our first stop at the ruins of Fukuoka Castle (福岡城跡, Fukuokajōato) which are located in the middle of the city in Maizuru Park, named after the castle's alias, Maizuru Castle. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Fukuoka Castle used to be the largest castle on Kyushu, but it was almost completely torn down after the Meiji Restoration as an unwanted symbol of the feudal past. Nowadays only ruined walls and a few turrets remain. We stopped at various locations including the moat/lotus flowers, main gate and castle top for a city view. At each stop our guide explained the history of the castle and took pictures. We then rode to Ohori Park (大濠公園, Ōhori-kōen) which is a pleasant park in central Fukuoka with a large pond at its center. There is a walking path around the circumference of the pond that is just a little over two kilometers long and is popular for jogging, walking pets and leisurely strolls by the water. Ohori is Japanese for moat, and the park's pond once served as part of the moat system of the neighboring Fukuoka Castle. The park was constructed between 1926 and 1929 and designed after the classical garden style of the West Lake in China. There are three islands in the middle of the pond that are connected to the mainland and each other by elegant stone bridges. We road along the lake and took a break in the park. Our guide provided local snacks and ice cream while we sat along the lake taking in the scenery. We then proceeded north to "Hakata Town" and the Shofuku-ji Temple. Shofukuji (聖福寺, Shōfukuji) has the distinction of being the first Zen temple constructed in Japan. It was founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism from China into Japan. Although the temple buildings cannot be entered, visitors can walk through Shofukuji's attractive temple grounds and observe the buildings from outside. Our guide explained how this was Japan's first Zen temple and the birthplace of Japanese tea. We then rode to Kushida-jinja which is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo, it is said to have been founded in 757. This is a shrine to pray for safety. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is centred on the shrine and during July this place is busy with activity. Our guide explained the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and provided a keep sake souvenir. We really enjoyed this relaxing afternoon bike ride through the city streets.

Perfect Activity - Loved our tour, the exercise, and the history. Fukuoka is beautiful. Our guide Harumi was so sweet and accommodating. Our interpreter Anthony was great. All around one of our favorite experiences in Japan.

Bike is life !! - The entire trip exceeded my expectations, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great time and will definitely visit Fukuoka again in the near future. Our interpreter was also amazing!!! They were both an awesome duo.