What Are the Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Fukuoka, Japan?
Fukuoka, the capital and most populous city of the Fukuoka Prefecture, is a bustling city known for its culture, history, and as a major education hub in Japan. It also serves as an important gateway to the rest of Japan, offering numerous buses and bullet trains to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. With such easy access to the rest of the country and a vast selection of attractions within its own borders, Fukuoka is a great place for any tourist looking to explore Japan. If you’re planning to visit Fukuoka, here are ten of the top attractions that will help ensure you have an incredible experience.
1. Hakata Gion Yamakasa
As one of the city’s most important cultural events, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held every year from July 1 to 15. During the festival, seven teams clad in bright colors launch miniature shrines called “Kazariyama” on a parade through the city. This centuries-old event is a spectacle not to be missed.
2. Ohori Park
Located just outside of downtown, Ohori Park is a peaceful oasis that features 150 hectares of lush greenery and a large pond where visitors can rent boats in warmer months. The park also features lovely gardens including Fukuoka’s oldest Tea Ceremony Pavilion, as well as a vast walking path that circles the pond.
3. Kushida Shrine
As one of Fukuoka’s oldest and most important shrines, Kushida Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Ojin and was founded by Emperor Tenmu in 657 AD. Every year on January 15th, the shrine is decorated with bright decorations during the “Kawadoshi” festival, where over 100 portable shrines are carried around in a parade.
4. Dazaifu Tenmangu
Fukuoka is also home to Dazaifu Tenmangu – a Shinto shrine that was founded 1185 AD in honor of the god of academia, Sugawara no Michizane. Tourists will find a tranquil ambiance all throughout the 134,000-square-meter grounds and may even spot some of the famously lucky “ume” or plum blossom trees. There is also an impressive 700-year-old camphor tree at the entrance to the shrine.
5. Momochi Beach
When it comes to sunny days, locals and visitors flock to seaside destination Momochi Beach for lounging on white sands, swimming in the shallow waters of Hakata Bay, and enjoying open-air concerts and activities during the summer months. In addition, this popular spot at Fukuoka Tower & Port building complex also houses some of the city’s top restaurants and shopping spots.
6. Canal City Hakata
For shopping, dining, and entertainment, head to Canal City Hakata; a large shopping complex that features more than 250 shops throughout its network of streetscapes and canals. Visitors can choose between well-known brands such as Uniqlo and Puma or browse through long-standing traditional shops on the Nakasu side of Canal City.
7. Fukuoka International Open Air Architecture Museum
The Open Air Architecture Museum focuses on restoring and preserving old structures that were originally built as part of World War II-era defensive fortifications but also draws documents on architectural landmarks of modern times as well. This museum features around 70 structures ranging from shrines to family homes to industrial spaces and foundry warehouses which has been restored around the seaside.
8. Fukuoka Tower
Located in Hotel New Otani’s thirty-acre grounds in Momochi Beach Park, Fukuoka Tower is a 234-meter tall observation tower that offers spectacular views over the bay and city. At night, you can enjoy its dynamic light show which cycles through a variety of colors and patterns. Visitors can also dine at the Observation Restaurant located at the top floor or enjoy some refreshments at their Café Lounge located on its second floor.
9. Fukuoka Art Museum
Fukuoka Art Museum boasts an impressive collection from both Japan and other countries featuring painting, sculptures, prints, photographs, ceramics, textiles and more along with special exhibits organized frequently by the museum staff throughout the year. The Museum also offers an interactive museum educational workshop where visitors can learn more about various forms of arts for kids and adults alike.
10. Nanzoin Temple
Nanzoin Temple stands out from other Buddhist temples in Japan due to its famous giant bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is designated as one of Japan’s Special Places of Scenic Beauty. This 41-meter-tall iconic figure of Amida Buddha stands over 120 tons and is said to be one of the “five great images” in Japan alongside two others found near Tokyo and two found near Osaka. As you can see, there are plenty of attractions waiting to be explored in Fukuoka that will make sure you have an unforgettable experience while visiting this amazing city. From cultural festivals to modern shopping malls and centuries-old shrines, Fukuoka offers something for everyone looking to explore all the different parts of what makes this city so unique. With its excellent access to other parts of Japan via its reliable railway system, it is definitely worth adding Fukuoka to your Japanese vacation plans! References:
- Japan-Guide: Hakata Gion Yamakasa
- Tripadvisor: Ohori Park
- Japan-Guide: Kushida Shrine
- Japan Hoppers: Dazaifu Tenmangu
- Momochi Beach – Fukuoka Twin Hotel & Spa
- Canal City Hakata
- Fukuoka International Open Air Architecture Museum
- Fukuoka Tower Official Website
- Fukuoka Art Museum Official Website
- Nanzoin Temple Official Website
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