Kurume / Chikugo

Top Things to do

• Akizuki Castle Ruins (Prefectural Historic Site)

  4.0

  126 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Asakurashi Akidukinotori

  "Located around 20 minutes' drive from the Amagi Interchange of the Oita Expressway, Akizuki Castle was constructed during the Sengoku (Warring States) period (1467-1615) as a Hirajiro site (a castle built on flat ground, rather than on a hill) to serve as the residence of the Akizuki family. Only part of the original castle remains today; the site of the demolished castle was used to build Suiyo Shrine, dedicated to Kuroda Nagaoki, the first lord of the Akizuki-Kuroda domain. Kuromon (""Black Gate"") that served as the main gateway to the Castle was relocated to a site on the processional pathway leading up to Suiyo Shrine; the area near the gate is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. The area in front of the Nagaya-mon Gate-the only part of the castle that survives in its original position-is the venue for Akizuki Nochi no Hina event, held on the day of Chrysanthemum Festival (the 9th day of the 9th lunar month), when around 250 Hina dolls are put on display. Sugi no Baba Street, the road that leads up to the Castle site, features a 500 meter-long avenue of cherry trees."

• Wakamatsuya

  4.0

  138 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Yanagawashi Okinohatamachi 26

  Wakamatsuya is an eel specialist established in 1860. Built near the Yanagawa River, it has a rich feeling of tradition and beautiful garden. The gorgeous steamed eel and aromatic broiled eel are both wonderful. Other course meals and individual dishes are also served.

• Taiho Ramen Head Shop

  4.0

  166 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Torihokamachi 11-8

  This is the main store of Taiho Ramen, which opened in 1951. Its tonkotsu soup has stewed for half a century and the traditional “yobimodoshi soup” was created here. The chashu pork, prepared from the leg or rib depending on the menu, attest to the care taken by the cooks. It is around eight minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Kurume Station.

• Kurume City Art Museum

  4.5

  97 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Nonakamachi Within 1015 Ishibashi Cultural Center

  An art museum which collects and displays Japanese modern Western-style paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. Donated to Kurume City by Shojiro Ishibashi, a locally born businessman who founded the Bridgestone Tire company (the predecessor of the Bridgestone Group), the museum is also sometimes referred to by its old name as the Ishibashi Museum of Art. Events such as special exhibitions, gallery talks, and workshops are also held in the museum.

• Tomimatsu Unagiya (Kuroda Main Store)

  4.5

  75 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Daizenjimachi Kuroda 83-6

  An eel cuisine restaurant located in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. At this long-standing establishment, situated along the Chikugo River, customers can enjoy plump eel meat cooked seiro mushi style. Slathered in a secret recipe sauce, the eel goes great with rice. The restaurant also offers carp dishes such as koi no arai (carp sashimi washed in iced water) eaten with vinegared miso.

• Kora Taisha Shrine

  4.0

  74 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Mimachi 1

  A Shinto shrine known for its long history and high standing. The current shrine building was built in the Edo period and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. It is also said to be the largest in Kyushu. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers such benefits as protection from misfortune, long life, and happiness and prosperity. The shrine sees many visitors.

• Roppokan

  4.5

  62 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Asakurashi Hakikugumiya 1840

  "A hot spring hotel located in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The hotel's bathhouse baths are constantly replenished ""kakenagashi"" style from a simple sulfur hot spring whose waters are said to ease nerve pain and muscle soreness. In addition to a large indoor bathing area and hinoki cypress outdoor bath, the bathhouse is replete with a garden outdoor bath boasting a spectacular view. Known for its skin beautifying properties, the bathhouse is also open to non-guests."

• Ishibashi Cultural Center

  4.5

  64 Reviews

  Fukuoka Kurume-shi Nonaka Machi 1015

  A mixed-use facility along National Route 322 in Nonaka-machi, Kurume. It was donated to the city by Ishibashi Shojiro, the founder of Bridgestone. It includes cultural facilities including the Ishibashi Cultural Hall, Ishibashi Cultural Auditorium, Kurume City Art Museum, the Kurume City Central Public Library, and the Shojiro Ishibashi Memorial Museum. You can also experience the abundant nature of the four seasons in the Japanese garden, rose garden, or relaxing forested area.

• Suitengu Shrine

  4.0

  48 Reviews

  Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Senoshitamachi 265-1

  A Shinto shrine located in Kurume City. The head shrine of all Suitengu shrines nationwide, the shrine is dedicated to Amenominakanushi-no kami, Emperor Antoku, Takakura Taira no Chugu (Taira no Tokuko), and Nii no ama (Taira no Tokiko). Worshipers pray at the shrine daily for a safe childbirth, to be blessed with children, and for charm against drowning and maritime safety, in addition to bringing newborn babies to the shrine to be blessed. During the shrine's major festival, held from May 5 to 7 each year, local elementary school students perform the ritual Urayasu no Mai dance at the main shrine building.