Hakata's spiritual essence melds with the city's modern shopping scene while on a five-hour exploration of the Tocho-ji temple's wooden Buddha, Sumiyoshi Shrine's ancient artifacts, and Canal City Hakata's retail sprawl. You'll first discover Tochi-ji, the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu, where tales linger of devoted monk Kobo-Daishi and generations of the Kuroda family. You'll even glimpse the Great Buddha of Fukuoka, a 35-foot-tall wooden statue that took four years to carve and today is recognized as the largest seated Buddha statue in Japan. Moving on, you'll enter the sacred space of Sumiyoshi Shrine, tracing back some 1,800 years, when passing sailors came here to pray for safe travels. Learn about the trio of gods to which the shrine is dedicated, plus see a theater where Japanese Noh plays are presented and a collection of ancient artifacts detailing the area's history from the Middle Ages. Top off the day at Canal City Hakata, a bustling shopping and entertainment destination where you'll have 90 minutes of free time to pick up souvenirs, stroll around the indoor water feature, or savor tasty local cuisine ( on own expenses ).