Spots in Fukuoka Area

  • Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine
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    4.0
    2086 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Dazaifushi Saifu 4-7-1
    The head shrine of 12,000 Shinto shrines across the country dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of scholarship. The shrine’s origin lies in the deification of when Michizane, who passed away in this area in 903, was later deified and the main shrine building dedicated to him was erected in 919. The shrine’s charms, said to bring success in academic affairs, and paper talismans themed after the famous Tobiume plum tree said to have flown to the shrine in yearning for Michizane, are popular purchases among visitors. The best time to see the 6,000 Chinese plum trees on the shrine’s grounds is from the end of January to the beginning of March. A five-minute walk from Dazaifu Station.

    Major attraction when visiting Fukuoka. It is a big area with a bit of climbing up the hill, beyond the garden and the major shrine at the base where most of the crowds are.

  • Ohori Park
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    4.5
    2045 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Ohorikouen 1-2
    When the feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa built Fukuoka Castle, he used part of a cove on Hakata Bay to create the castle’s outer moat (a great moat, or “ohori” in Japanese). Thereafter, the area around the pond was turned into a garden and later opened to the public as the prefecturally operated Ohori Park in 1929. The park’s great pond is encircled by a two kilometer long path, making it perfect for strolls and jogging. There are also cafés and restaurants in the park, making it a popular location for locals to rest and relax.

    The park is huge, and a bit like the central park of Fukuoka. There is a lake where you can rent pedalos, there is a jogging track, a track for bikes, plenty of people walking, play grounds for kids...

  • Kushida-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    1639 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Kamikawabatamachi 1-41
    A Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu (left shrine), Ohatanushi (central shrine), and Susanoo (right shrine); and the oldest patron shrine of Hakata. Famous for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held in July, the stunning yamakasa floats used in the festival are on permanent display on the shrine’s grounds. The waters of the Well of the Crane of the Miraculous Spring which well up from beneath the main shrine building are said to grant health and long life and are quite the attraction for tourists and locals alike.

    This is an interesting one right between commercial and residential blocks. Small compound with enough things to see while taking a break from the walking.

  • Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
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    4.5
    500 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihigashiku Saitozaki 18-25
    This is an expansive nationally-run park located in Fukuoka City. The premises are full of equipment for children to play on such as a roller slide and a giant trampoline, and it also features a dog run and cycling course. In the Dobutsu-no-Mori area visitors can interact with animals and even feed them, while at Hana-no-Oka and the flower garden visitors can enjoy flowers in all four seasons. In summertime, the Sunshine Pool with a water slide is popular, and there is also a place to enjoy barbecue, making this a public park visited by many people from Fukuoka and other prefectures throughout the year.

    Went on a weekday, was pretty much empty in the morning. Great playground facilities and lots of open area to sit or walk in. Admission to the small zoo within the park was included in ticket price...

  • Hakata Bus Terminal
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    4.0
    251 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Hakataekichuougai 2-1
    The Hakata Bus Terminal, from which scheduled and high-speed buses leave and return from trips around Fukuoka City, has one underground and nine above ground floors with stores for clothing and accessories, sundries, daily goods and foodstuffs. Just a one-minute walk from JR Hakata Station’s Hakata Exit, it is convenient for both tourists and shoppers. From the first floor run local scheduled buses and from the third run high-speed buses going to Honshu and other areas around Kyushu.

    If your final destination after Fukuoka Aiport arrival is Hakata, then look no further just use the direct bus from FUK airport to Hakata Bus station, however if your destination is beside Hakata...

  • Fukuoka City Museum
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    4.0
    361 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashisawaraku Momochihama 3-1-1
    This public City Museum is near both Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome. On display are historical materials that are closely related to both Fukuoka and Hakata. The King of Na gold seal, a National Treasure of Japan, made from real gold, is continuously on display inside of a case. There are numerous masterpieces on display that were donated by the Kuroda Family, former Lords of Fukuoka Domain, including a famous spear, the Nippon-Go, and numerous legendary swords.

    Fukuoka City Museum is located near Fukuoka Tower. If you take Subway, the nearest station is Nishijin. The main attraction of this museum is “gold seal” that was given to a Japanese ruler by Chinese...

  • Marinoacity Fukuoka
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    4.0
    328 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashinishiku Odo 2-12-30
    "One of Kyushu's largest outlet malls, located 30 minutes by car from the center of Fukuoka City, this oceanfront location features outlet shops for a variety of popular brands, large sports and furniture stores, a food court, and more. The ""Sky Wheel,"" a Ferris wheel with a view of the sea, can also be enjoyed at night with its illumination."

    There are several routes to access Marinoa City from the city centre of Fukuoka. Showa Bus from subway Meinohama station would be easier. Showa Bus discount coupon is available in the mall...

  • Maizuru Park
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    4.0
    345 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Jounai
    Kuroda Nagamasa, the first feudal lord of the Fukuoka clan built this castle over a period seven years from 1601. 480,000 square meters marking the main castle grounds have been designated as a National Historic Site, and the area from the hon-maru to the san-no-maru is known as Maizuru Park, used as a place for relaxation by the locals. This is also a popular spot for hanami flower-viewing parties for cherry and lotus blossoms, and every year in the spring a cherry blossom festival is held where the castle walls and cherry blossoms are lit up at night; although the Otakayashiki site and Tamon turrets are normally closed at night, they are opened for this special time. Be sure to enjoy this collaboration of magical light, sound and cherry blossoms.

    I visited the Maizurukoen on 1 and 11 Feb 2020 respectively. The plum flowers reached 60% bloom on 1 Feb 2020. There were more pink plum flowers than white plum flowers. I went there again on 11...

  • Miyajidake-jinja Shrine
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    4.5
    223 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukutsushi Miyajimotomachi 7-1
    This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Empress Jingu, Katsumura-no-Okami and Katsuyori-no-Okami. A large number of visitors come to pay homage to the gods of business success, road safety and family security. The special shimenawa rope hung at the inner shrine is 11 meters long and weighs 3 tons, making it Japan’s largest. The Okunomiya Fudo Jinja Shrine at the back of the shrine is located inside a large stone chamber belonging to the Maruzuka Kofun ancient tomb. Twice a year, the sun setting into the sea shines a light on the torii gate and road up to the shrine, creating a “road of light” leading to the shrine. This appears in February and October, so be sure to visit after checking the schedule.

    I just loved this shrine, was so peaceful, the chill of the air was just right so walking around the shrines was at ease. for those who cant walk the steps there is a few cars paces at the top, some...

  • Hakozaki-gu Shrine
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    4.0
    322 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihigashiku Hakozaki 1-22-1
    Also known as “Hakozaki Hachiman-gu Shrine,” alongside Usa Hachiman-gu Shrine and Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine this is one of the three great Hachiman-gu Shrines of Japan. Emperor Ojin is the main enshrined deity, along with Empress Jingu and Tamayori-hime. In Nishioku there is the “Ajisai Garden” and “Shinen Flower Park,” with spring being the best time to see peonies, and the early summer best for hydrangeas. The “Tamaseseri Festival” that takes place each January 3 is a famous festival in which there are two wooden balls that represent yin and yang and bring good fortune and the contestants vie over the “yang” ball.

    Hakozakigu is truly a beautiful shrine. The shrine-complex includes several buildings and the shrine-ground is vast. I can imagine that it would also be a very peaceful place on a normal day if not...

  • Kyushu Railway History Museum
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    4.0
    381 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Kiyotaki 2-3-29
    A museum dedicated to railway history located close to JR Mojiko Station. Inside, visitors can climb aboard actual trains used from the Meiji period onward. The museum also has interactive exhibits that give participants a taste of what travel was once like during various periods of railroad history in Japan. The realistic model railroad presenting a panorama of railways in Kyushu and the museum’s simulator, which lets users experience what it is like to drive an 811 series train, are particularly popular. The Train Exhibition Hall displays nine historic trains which operated in Kyushu. Visitors can also try driving a miniature train outside the museum.

    Small in size but has a lot to offer for a railway museum. Impressive locomotives and other trains kept in good condition... Building above also has additional items

  • Chikuzen Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    374 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku Sumiyoshi 3-1-51
    A shrine in Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. This is said to be the oldest of the nearly 2000 Sumiyoshi Shrines nation wide and enshrines the three Sumiyoshi Sanjin deities, Sokotsutsu no onokami, Nakatsutsu no onokami, and Uwatsutsu no onokami. At a yearly festival held from October 12th to 14th there's a children parade, horse archery, and child sumo.

    Within walking distance from Hakata Sta. We found this shrine very peaceful and unusual in that it is an older shrine honoring the God of Sumo. We were lucky enough to see junior Sumo wrestlers...

  • Hakata Port Tower
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    4.0
    214 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Chikkouhonmachi 14-1
    This tower symbolic of Hakata Port was built in 1964. The observation deck 70 meters above ground is free for public use, and from there one has a 360-degree panoramic view of Hakata City, Hakata Port, and the boats that go to and fro across the sea. At night it is crowded with people who come to see the illuminations and the sea lit up in beautiful, bright colors.

    Unfortunately, this is not a review as we didnt get to go up the tower to catch the evening view (which we think would have been great). Reached the tower only to find it closed, with a note on the...

  • Mojiko Retro Lookout Room
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    4.0
    233 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Higashiminatomachi 1-32
    The observation deck is located on the 31st floor of a high-rise condominium designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan's leading architects. You can enjoy the view while sipping a cup of tea.

    It is an observatory in Mojiko Retro area. The elevator takes you to the top floor quite slowly, and on arrival you pay the entrance. Unlike many other places of this kind, their entrance is quite...

  • Canal City Hakata
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Sumiyoshi 1-2
    A major commercial facility standing on the banks of the Naka River. In addition to shops and restaurants, the facility is also adjoined by a movie theater and a performing arts theater. The Ramen Stadium area, filled with branch restaurants from famous ramen purveyors throughout Japan, is a popular place to check out. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a magnificent water fountain show that makes use of projection mapping in the Sun Plaza on floor B1. Free baby stroller rentals available.
  • Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
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    4.0
    185 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Shimokawabatamachi 3-1 Riverain Center Building 7F/8F
    This is the only art museum in the world dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Asia. The museum engages in initiatives befitting the city of Fukuoka, which has long served as a point of exchange in Asia, such as workshops hosted by artists invited from throughout Asia. Events and exhibitions are held as the occasion demands; accordingly, visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for current information.

    Excellent display of Asian but non Japanese art, such as Bali, the Philippines, Burma. In some instances you can see how European training affected Asian art, such as the influence of Impressionism...

  • MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY & HUMAN HISTORY
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    4.5
    191 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushiyahatahigashiku Higashida 2-chome 4
    Based on the concept of “evolution of life” this museum displays the progression of the evolution of life and the history of humans. There is much to see including a “kid’s museum” aimed at children of elementary school age and older with displays they can touch and learn about nature and history, and a Time-Travelling Room in which animatronic dinosaurs move inside a diorama. This is a museum that can be enjoyed by many generations.

    When I first visited the Museum in 2018, I was blown away by the Dinosaur exhibits. My biggest regret was that I could only spend an hour at the museum before heading to Kitakyushu Airport to catch...

  • Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden
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    4.0
    201 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Minamikouen 1-1
    A municipal botanical garden and zoo located in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City where visitors can see all kinds of plants and animals. The ZooLab, where all kinds of specimens are displayed, and the children's petting zoo are particularly popular. The facility also has a restaurant and gift shop and is frequented by families and others.

    Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden is open every day 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm) except Mondays with a few exceptions. Individual prices are 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for high schoolers...

  • FUKUOKA PayPay DOME (Fukuoka Dome)
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Jigyouhama 2-2-2
    This domed baseball stadium facing Hakata Bay boasts is the largest of its kind in Japan. The home of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, the stadium is often used for concerts when no games are scheduled. The Oh Sadaharu Baseball Museum, which houses numerous articles related to renown Japanese baseball player Sadaharu Oh, adjoins the stadium. Tours of the dome are held irregularly and can be reserved from the stadium’s official website. An approximately 15-minute walk from Tojinmachi Station.
  • Fukuoka Tower
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashisawaraku Momochihama 2-3-26
    The tallest seaside tower in Japan at 234 meters high. The tower is distinguished by the 8,000 equilateral triangle half mirror panels cladding the exterior. The observation deck is 123 meters above the ground. One floor below, there is a lounge with one wall completely paneled with glass; here visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner amidst a stunning view. Famous as a spot for romantic partners, visitors can also buy heart-shaped padlocks here which are said to tie two people together when their names are written on it and the lock is closed.

Fukuoka Areas

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The most northerly of Kyushu island’s prefectures, Fukuoka comprises castle towns, seaside parks, and Hakata ramen, one of Japan’s most famous noodle dishes. Whether due to its good location or its unique charm, the prefecture’s capital, Fukuoka city, has been voted one of the most desirable places to live in the country - a close-knit community, a thriving food scene, and accessible nature combine for irresistibly laid-back city vibes.

Fukuoka Photo Album

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