Places to visit in Fukuoka
Places to Visit in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Places to Visit
Fukuoka Castle, Kyushu National Museum, Kushida-jinja Shrine, Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, Dazaifu Tenman-gu Fukuoka, Ohori Park Fukuoka, Marine World Uminonakamichi, Fukuoka Art Museum, Fukuoka Tower and many more.To experience Japan at its best, explore the many beautiful and unique places to visit in Fukuoka. Considered as one of the largest cities in the country, Fukuoka is located in Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu and serves as a major economic, cultural as well as administrative centre. Divided by the Naka River, Fukuoka is also an important port city in Japan, and boasts of some of the most unique sightseeing attractions.
There is no dearth of Fukuoka beautiful places, which was an erstwhile fortified town. A tourism hotspot, Fukuoka has many ancient temples and shrines, such as the 17th century Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine, the Kushida Shrine or the famous Tocho-ji Temple. For art and history lovers, the city is home to numerous museums, art galleries as well as theatres. Some of the notable museums in Fukuoka include the Fukuoka City Museum, the Fukuoka Art Museum and the Ky?sh? National Museum, among others.
For lovers of food, you can visit the numerous food districts and places in Fukuoka that are known to offer some of the best local delicacies such as mochi balls, udon or ramen noodles, in addition to tonkatsu and mentaiko. Fukuoka is also famous for its shopping districts near the Canal City Hakata. From restaurants, cinemas, game arcades and shops to yatai stalls and more, there are a lot of places you can visit in this city for a memorable holiday.
Here is the list of best places to visit in Fukuoka:
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Places to visit in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Castle, also known as Maizuru Castle, is a historic 17th-century hilltop site offering panoramic views of the Naka River. Visitors can explore original gates, towers, and remnants of the lavish residences once home to Japan’s ruling elite.
Amongst the top Fukuoka beautiful places, the Sumiyoshi-jinja shrine is also one of the oldest shrines in Kyushu. Dedicated to the gods that protect the seafarers, this shrine is one which sailors, travellers and fishermen visit before heading to the sea. Surrounded by many Japanese cedar and camphor trees, the shrine also offers views of the Naka River.
One of the main attractions of the shrine is its Main Hall, which has been rebuilt in its original style of 1623. You can also find numerous important national treasures, an ancient sword as well as a copper axe, along with old documents and manuscripts that date back to the Middle Ages.
Location: 3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
One of the main attractions of the shrine is its Main Hall, which has been rebuilt in its original style of 1623. You can also find numerous important national treasures, an ancient sword as well as a copper axe, along with old documents and manuscripts that date back to the Middle Ages.
Location: 3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Looking to visit unique places in Fukuoka? Your best bet is the Kyūshū National Museum, also known as Kyūshū Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan. The museum opened its doors for the public in the year 2005, and has been awarded for its stunning architectural design. The Kyūshū National Museum is also the first new national museum to open in over 100 years in Japan.
Home to a large collection of art and historical artefacts related to the history of Kyushu, the Kyūshū National Museum also has many displays of relics from the prehistoric times. You can also enjoy trade exhibits between Japan, China and Korea here.
Location: 4 Chome-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0118
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥350 to ¥700
Home to a large collection of art and historical artefacts related to the history of Kyushu, the Kyūshū National Museum also has many displays of relics from the prehistoric times. You can also enjoy trade exhibits between Japan, China and Korea here.
Location: 4 Chome-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0118
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥350 to ¥700
Another one of the Fukuoka beautiful places and amongst the best-known Shinto shrines in Japan, the Kushida-jinja dates back to AD 757. Along with intricate carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a 1000-year-old gingko tree, the shrine also has many other unique features.
The shrine is also the place where the famous festival of Hakata Gion Yamakasa is hosted every July. People, especially travellers, fishermen and sailors often visit the shrine to pray for good health, safety and prosperity on a regular basis. The shrine also houses the tombs of the lords of the Kuroda clan.
Location: 1-41 Kamikawa Tamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026
Timings: 04:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The shrine is also the place where the famous festival of Hakata Gion Yamakasa is hosted every July. People, especially travellers, fishermen and sailors often visit the shrine to pray for good health, safety and prosperity on a regular basis. The shrine also houses the tombs of the lords of the Kuroda clan.
Location: 1-41 Kamikawa Tamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026
Timings: 04:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Located in one of the oldest surviving buildings from the Meiji eras between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is one of the best places to visit in the Hakata district of Fukuoka. From local arts and crafts to other vibrant displays, the museum also offers visitors a chance to learn about the rich cultures and traditions of Japan.
An interesting fact about the museum is that in addition to watching the skilled artisans at work, you can also join along with them and learn ancient forms of art like origami and calligraphy from them.
Location: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥200 per person
An interesting fact about the museum is that in addition to watching the skilled artisans at work, you can also join along with them and learn ancient forms of art like origami and calligraphy from them.
Location: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥200 per person
Included in the list of most famous places to visit in Fukuoka, the Dazaifu Tenman-gū is a shrine dedicated to the god of education. Sprawling across a staggering 3000 acres of land, this is also one of the largest shrines in the city. You will always find students visiting the shrine to offer their prayers before exams.
The Honden, or the main shrine is the most important structure in Dazaifu Tenman-gū. Dating back to AD 905, the current structure of the shrine was last replaced in the year 1591. Dazaifu Tenman-gū is also home to many other smaller shrines and a treasury.
Location: 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117
Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
The Honden, or the main shrine is the most important structure in Dazaifu Tenman-gū. Dating back to AD 905, the current structure of the shrine was last replaced in the year 1591. Dazaifu Tenman-gū is also home to many other smaller shrines and a treasury.
Location: 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117
Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
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Let’s explore Fukuoka
The word Ohori in Ohori park translates to Moat in Japanese. This is a park that oversees a pond near Fukuoka Castle. This park was built in the mid 1920s and is a prominent choice of attraction for tourists visiting Fukuoka. When in the park, make sure you explore the simply unwind in the premises for a relaxing time.
Located towards the east of the city of Fukuoka is the unique Nanzoin Temple and the statue of the reclining Buddha. Considered to be one of the most visited Buddhist shrines in Asia, the temple attracts over a million pilgrims and visitors every year.
The reclining Buddha, also known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan is the major attraction here, which is built entirely out of bronze and dates back to 1995. Said to be the largest bronze statue in the world, even longer than New York’s Statue of Liberty, the statue of Buddha here is a sight to marvel at.
Location: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka
Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥500 per person (for prayer)
The reclining Buddha, also known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan is the major attraction here, which is built entirely out of bronze and dates back to 1995. Said to be the largest bronze statue in the world, even longer than New York’s Statue of Liberty, the statue of Buddha here is a sight to marvel at.
Location: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka
Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥500 per person (for prayer)
One of the best Fukuoka beautiful places, the Marine World in Uminonakamichi has an interesting structure. Located in a huge sea-shell-shaped building near the Hakata Bay, this attraction offers you the chance to explore and learn about the abundant and vibrant marine life of Kyushu.
Known as the Fukuoka-shi Bijutsukan in Japanese, the Fukuoka Art Museum houses a large collection of artworks, crafts and paintings of Japan. You can also find numerous pre-modern Korean art and crafts here, along with western artworks and prints.
On your visit to the museum, you can also explore the galleries that contain collections of ancient Persian glassware, in addition to Korean, Chinese and Japanese applied arts. Some of the most important works displayed in the Fukuoka Art Museum is The Madonna of Port Lligat by Salvador Dali, along with works of Andy Warhol and modern Japanese artists like Fujino Kazutomo.
Location: 1-6 Ohori Koen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0051
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥200 per person
On your visit to the museum, you can also explore the galleries that contain collections of ancient Persian glassware, in addition to Korean, Chinese and Japanese applied arts. Some of the most important works displayed in the Fukuoka Art Museum is The Madonna of Port Lligat by Salvador Dali, along with works of Andy Warhol and modern Japanese artists like Fujino Kazutomo.
Location: 1-6 Ohori Koen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0051
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.
Entry fee: ¥200 per person
Fukuoka Market is a bustling place in Japan where you can find lots of yummy food, fresh fruits, and colourful flowers. It's not just about shopping; it's an experience! As you walk through the market, you'll meet friendly locals and feel the lively atmosphere.
Known as the erstwhile home of the 6th lord of Fukuoka, Yusentei Park tops the list of ancient places to visit in Fukuoka. Dating back to the 18th century, the park is home to a stunning garden that has been built in the traditional Japanese style of architecture. The park also consists of a great pond near which you can sit back, relax and rejuvenate, away from the bustling streets of the city.
One of the most important shrines and places in Fukuoka, the Hakozaki Shrine was built in the AD 927. While the original shrine was destroyed in a fire in the year 1274, it was quickly rebuilt and has, to this day, been standing in the same spot as the original. One of the major attractions of this Shinto shrine is a stone anchor that was used by Mongolian ships, along with a statue of the prominent Buddhist scholar Nichiren.
Considered to be one of the highest-ranking shrines in Japan, the Hakozaki Shrine has been praised far and wide for its stunning architectural structure. The shrine also acts as host to the annual festival of Tamaseseri every year.
Location: 1 Chome-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka 812-0053, Japan
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Considered to be one of the highest-ranking shrines in Japan, the Hakozaki Shrine has been praised far and wide for its stunning architectural structure. The shrine also acts as host to the annual festival of Tamaseseri every year.
Location: 1 Chome-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka 812-0053, Japan
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Amongst the more interesting places to visit in Fukuoka is the ACROS building. Located in the Tenjin Chuo Park, the building opened in the year 1995 in the heart of the city of Fukuoka as a centre of international, cultural and informational exchange. ACROS stands for “Asian Cross Road Over the Sea,” and aims to promote cultural exchanges between Japan and the other Asian countries.
One of the main attractions of this building is its roof garden. The roof garden in the ACROS Building offers scenic vistas of the city of Fukuoka, and boasts of over 35,000 different plants of 76 different species of flora.
Location: 1 Chome-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
One of the main attractions of this building is its roof garden. The roof garden in the ACROS Building offers scenic vistas of the city of Fukuoka, and boasts of over 35,000 different plants of 76 different species of flora.
Location: 1 Chome-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Fukuoka FAQ's
Which are the best things to do in Fukuoka?
1. Pay a visit to Uminonakamichi: Amongst the top unique Fukuoka places of interest, Uminonakamichi is a large sandbar located on the border of the Hakata Bay. Home to the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, this sandbar has a lot of beautiful flower gardens which you can explore. You can also visit the Sunshine Pool or Marine World here.
2. Indulge in the different food of the city: Fukuoka is known for its mouth-watering local food, from ramen and udon to mochi, glass noodles and gyoza. On your trip to the city, make sure to indulge in these delicacies, especially the Nagahama ramen, which is available in a lot of street stalls here.
3. Enjoy karaoke: Japan is famous for its love of karaoke and one of the best places to try it is Fukuoka. Choose one of the many karaoke places scattered around the city and spend a few hours singing your hearts out. Some karaoke places in Fukuoka also offer food and drinks for a set price.
4. Go surfing: If you are looking to do something adventurous in the city, head over to the beautiful beaches in Futamigaura or Mitoma. In addition to being some of the best Fukuoka places to visit, these beaches are also great for surfing in the cool waters.
2. Indulge in the different food of the city: Fukuoka is known for its mouth-watering local food, from ramen and udon to mochi, glass noodles and gyoza. On your trip to the city, make sure to indulge in these delicacies, especially the Nagahama ramen, which is available in a lot of street stalls here.
3. Enjoy karaoke: Japan is famous for its love of karaoke and one of the best places to try it is Fukuoka. Choose one of the many karaoke places scattered around the city and spend a few hours singing your hearts out. Some karaoke places in Fukuoka also offer food and drinks for a set price.
4. Go surfing: If you are looking to do something adventurous in the city, head over to the beautiful beaches in Futamigaura or Mitoma. In addition to being some of the best Fukuoka places to visit, these beaches are also great for surfing in the cool waters.
Which are the best places to visit in Fukuoka for couples?
1. Nokonoshima Island: One of the most romantic Fukuoka places of interest, this island is a haven for couples visiting the city. Located just off the shore of Fukuoka, the Nokonoshima Island offers stunning views of the sea, around which you can relax and spend some alone time with your partner. In addition to hiking and swimming, you can also enjoy camping under the stars with your significant other.
2. Ohori Park: Ranking amongst the most beautiful Fukuoka places to visit, Ohori Park is a great place for romantic strolls, fun-filled picnics or even relaxation with your partner. If you are lucky, you can also see the beauty of the cherry blossoms here, in addition to spectacular displays of fireworks.
3. Fukuoka Tower: If you and your partner love adventure, visit the observation deck on the majestic Fukuoka Tower. Enjoy scintillating 360-degree views of the city, along with spectacular views of the sunset and the ever changing colours of the sky.
4. Fukuoka Castle: One of the oldest attractions of the city, the Fukuoka castle is a great place for couples to visit and learn about the times gone by. You can also enjoy great views of the city from the castle, especially during the Sakura Festival.
2. Ohori Park: Ranking amongst the most beautiful Fukuoka places to visit, Ohori Park is a great place for romantic strolls, fun-filled picnics or even relaxation with your partner. If you are lucky, you can also see the beauty of the cherry blossoms here, in addition to spectacular displays of fireworks.
3. Fukuoka Tower: If you and your partner love adventure, visit the observation deck on the majestic Fukuoka Tower. Enjoy scintillating 360-degree views of the city, along with spectacular views of the sunset and the ever changing colours of the sky.
4. Fukuoka Castle: One of the oldest attractions of the city, the Fukuoka castle is a great place for couples to visit and learn about the times gone by. You can also enjoy great views of the city from the castle, especially during the Sakura Festival.
What is Fukuoka famous for?
Fukuoka is famous for a lot of things, including its ancient temples and beaches, modern shopping malls, unique food and more. Some of the things that add to Fukuoka’s fame are the Nagahama ramen, the various vibrant festivals, hakata noodles, Fukuoka Castle ruins, Ohori Park and Fukuoka Tower.
Is Fukuoka worth visiting?
Yes, Fukuoka is definitely worth visiting. One of the largest cities of Japan, Fukuoka is known for its unique yet delicious food, temples, shrines, castle ruins, islands, festivals and more. The city also has an amazing nightlife that you can enjoy during your visit here.
What is best in Fukuoka?
In addition to great architecture with a rich culture and history, you can find some of the most stunning temples and shrines in Fukuoka. Other great things that Fukuoka boasts of include art galleries, museums, theatres and places to eat.
Is Fukuoka cheaper than Tokyo?
Yes, Fukuoka is quite cheaper as compared to Tokyo. This is due to several reasons including the smaller crowd, its proximity to Taiwan and relatively low cost of living.
How long is the train ride from Tokyo to Fukuoka?
The train ride from Tokyo to Fukuoka takes roughly around 5 to 6 hours. The two stations are connected to each other by the Tokaido/ Sanyo Shinkansen station.
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