Fukuoka Attractions
Fukuoka is located in the west of Japan and is regarded as the life center of Kyushu – the third largest island in Japan. With its northern part facing the ocean, Fukuoka has places where you can appreciate the seascape, such as Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, and Nokonoshima Island. It is a city full of historical significance and shrine culture, which can be affirmed by Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Kushida Shrine. For natural beauty lovers, Fukuoka would also satisfy them with Ohori Park.
The Ohori Park on Clear Days
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Top Attractions in Fukuoka
1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one head of Japan’s Tenmangu Shrines where the god of knowledge and calligraphy are worshipped, thus being popular among students and scholars. The Shrine with myth and historical significance due to the two plum trees near the main shrine. Among them, one is said to fly here from Kyoto, and the other is donated by a Japanese empress. When the 6.000 plum trees bloom in March, the plum liqueur festival will be held, during which poets in kimonos compose poems while drinking sake.
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
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2. Ohori Park
Ohori Park is an aquatic park composed of 3 islands connected by a bridge. From November to next March, there are hundreds of winter birds coming from Siberia. You can watch them while boating on the lake. It is popular among lovers as the illumination light at night makes the park very romantic. You can often see running lovers here especially in October and December when running matches would be held. The famous Fukuoka Art Museum locates in the park and the art collections range from 5000 B.C. to A.D. 2000.|
Ohori Park
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3. Fukuoka Castle Remains & Maizuru Park
Built in the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), Fukuoka Castle is the biggest castle in Kyushu, Japan. It was once lived by one soldier of Toyotomi Hideyoshi – one famous Japanese general. Looked from the air, the Castle is like a crane. It is characterized by its remaining magnificent military buildings: Tamon Yagura Tower – the observatory tower which is the size of 16 rooms, the gate, the turret, and the observation deck from which the Fukuoka Tower can be seen. In order to protect Fukuoka Castle, Maizuru Park was built around it, a popular place for leisure and cherry blossom viewing.|
Fukuoka Castle Remains
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4. Kushida Shrine
With a history of more than 1,200 years, Kushida Shrine is the oldest one in Fukuoka. The Yamakasa – a colorful sculpture used to wish g¬ood luck, and the grand Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in mid-July – one of the three major festivals in Japan, are two symbols of the Shrine. During the 15-day-long celebration activities of the festival, men would lift the Yamakasa into the air and run for miles. You can also pray for longevity in the Shrine due to the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree and “spiritual” spring in Reisen Tsuru Well. At the same time, there are also many carvings with funny images, such as the thunder god and the wind god.
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5. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is another good place to appreciate various flowers throughout the year, such as nemophila, roses, sakura, and tulips. In the aquarium, cute sea animals like dolphins, sea otters, and more than 400 kinds of fish and animal performances would satisfy your imagination for the ocean. You can enjoy your vacation in the 6 kinds of swimming pools, the bicycles for rent, entertainment facilities specialized for young kids.
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Other Attractions to See in Fukuoka
1. Fukuoka Tower
The 234-meter-high (767 feet) Fukuoka Tower is the highest building in Fukuoka. 8,000 pieces of glass of the Tower reflect dazzling lights on clear days. At the 123-meter-high observation deck, you can see the panoramic view of Fukuoka. At night, the illumination shows will display before your eyes. Don’t miss it as it has been regarded as one of the 100 most brilliant night views in Japan.2. Nokonoshima Island
The garden in the northern part of Nokonoshima Island always attracts people as it is a world of flowers all over the year, with Sakura in spring, the sunflowers in summer, the coreopsis in autumn, and the daffodils in winter. The island is not big and you can stroll the island by bicycle while enjoying the gentle breeze. In addition, you can also taste fresh seafood, rest in the camping field or tents, have barbeque, and learn to make pottery in the ceramic studio.|
The Sunset on Nokonoshima Island
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3. Canal City Hakata
The 43,500-square meters Canal City Hakata, the size of almost 7 football fields, is a huge entertainment and shopping center. In the 150 shops, you can buy fashionable clothes and handicrafts, taste local ramen, and watch movies or operas. Besides shopping, you can also appreciate the beautiful 180-meter-long canal (195 yards), the water-spraying show, and the light show at night.
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Itinerary Recommendations to Visit Fukuoka
Two days are recommended to visit most top attractions in FukuokaDay 1：
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (1.5 – 2 hours) – Fukuoka Castle Ruins (2 hours) – Ohori Park (1 – 1.5 hours) – Kushida Shrine (1.5 – 2 hours)
Day 2:
Nokonoshima Island (half a day) – Canal City Hakata (1 – 1.5 hours) – Fukuoka Tower (30 minutes)
You can begin your journey in Fukuoka by visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine first to pray for academic achievements for yourself or your friends. Then arrive at Fukuoka Castle Ruins to explore the ancient military architecture. Later, take a train to Ohori Park. Taking a boat there or seeing artworks in the art museum inside the Park. Last, take Kushida Shrine as the last place of your first day and you can either appreciate the colorful sculpture or make a wish of longevity.
On the second day, it is recommended to go to Nokonoshima Island first where appreciating flowers, cycling around the island, and other activities may take half a day. At noon, you can go to Canal City Hakata to taste delicious local food and pick up souvenirs. In the afternoon, climb the Fukuoka Tower as the last thing of your journey in Fukuoka.