1. Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Fukuoka Castle is known as Maizuru Castle was completed in the early Edo period for Kuroda Nagamasa, the lord of Fukuoka. The castle used to be the largest in Kyushu. However, it was almost completely torn down after the Meiji Restoration.
In the past, the castle had around 50 observatory towers of various sizes. Most of the castle grounds have been converted to Maizuru Park which is a great place for cherry blossom in spring.
Entrance Fee: Free
Getting There
Subway: Ōhorikōen Station- Kuko Orange Line. Exit 5
2. Kushida Shrine
Kushida-jinja (櫛田神社) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo. The shrine is the main centre of the yearly Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in July.
The shrine was founded in 757 when Hakata was the point of arrival and departure for trade and diplomatic missions between Japan, China and Korea.
A big Otafuku-men (moon-shaped face of a woman) will be placed in the front door during winter for Setsubun (the traditional end of winter).
Kazariyama – Festival Float
Opening Hours: Daily 0400 to 1700
Entrance Fee: Free
Getting There
Subway: Hakata Station- Kuko Orange Line. 5 mins walk from the station.
3. Nanzoin Reclining Buddha
The Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple is 41 meters in length, 11 meters in height, and weighs around 300 tons. It is said to be the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
In Japan, the most common post of Buddha is the sitting pose which represents meditating while the least common is the reclining pose which represents Buddha in Nirvana state.
The reason for the reclining Buddha post which is common in South-East Asia due to the link with Myanmar. The statue was built to house the sacred ashes of Gautama Buddha donated by Myanmar Buddhist Council as gratitude for Nanzoin’s medical supplies aid for many years.
The reclining Buddha is reached by walking through the Shichifukujin Tunnel, which is dedicated to Japan’s seven gods of fortune. A chief priest of Nanzo-in temple once won the lottery after laying his ticket next to a statue of Daikoku.
Climb the stairs and turn right to reach the reclining Buddha
Note: The temple does not favour visitors hence it is advisable to head directly to the reclining buddha. Make sure to wear proper clothing when visiting.
Opening Hours: Daily 0800 to 1700
Entrance Fee: Free. 500 yen to visit the prayer room in the statue.
Getting There
Train: Take the train from Hakata Station to Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. 8 mins walk from the station.
4. Tenjin Shopping District
Tenjin is Fukuoka’s main commercial hub that houses thousands of bars, restaurants and shops. It is also well known for its namesake underground shopping mall and Fukuoka Growth Next, an ultramodern tech hub where workers take breaks at stylish bars and cafes.
Getting There
Subway: Tenjin Station – Kuko Orange Line
5. Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan at a height of 234-metre. There are three observation decks: one at 116 metres, a café/lounge deck at 120 metres, and the highest at 123 metres above the ground.
The tower uses 8,000 half mirrors and the surface is covered with lights that allow it to put on impressive evening light shows.
Skip the Queue, Book Online: 23% OFF Fukuoka Tower E-Tickets
Opening Hour: Daily 0930 – 2130
Getting There
Bus: Bus 306 from Hakata Station or Bus 302 from Tenjin Station
Subway: Nishijin Station – Kuko Orange Line. 20 mins walk from the station.
6. Nakasu Red Light District
Nakasu was named after a popular entertainment quarter of Edo, which existed in the late 18th century. It is the largest red-light district in the western Japan area after Osaka with over 3,500 restaurants, shops and adult entertainment stores.
Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge & Kihinkan Hall
Getting There
Subway: Nakasukawabata Station – Kuko Orange and Hakozaki Blue Line
7. Yatai
Yatai (屋台) are temporary tiny street restaurants stalls which normally accommodate 8-10 seats around a counter. Typical dishes served at Yatai are Hakata Ramen, grilled chicken skewers (yakitori) and oden.
There are dozens of Yatai scattered across Fukuoka, however, most are concentrated on the southern end of Nakasu.
Opening Hour: Mon-Sat 1800-0100
Getting There
Subway: Nakasukawabata Station – Kuko Orange and Hakozaki Blue Line
8. Tochoji Temple
Tōchō-ji (東長寺) is a Shingon temple founded by Kūkai upon returning from China in 806, making it the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu.
The temple was originally situated at the seaside area. It was relocated to the present site after it burned down at the end of the 16th century.
Opening Hours: Daily 0900-1630
Getting There
Subway: Gion Station – Kuko Orange Line
9. Sumiyoshi Shrine
Sumiyoshi-jinja (住吉神社) is a Japanese Shinto shrine located at Hakata. The temple is dedicated to the three Sea Faring Gods, Sokotsutsunoo, Nakatsutsunoo and Uhatsutsunoowas hence it was mainly worshipped by sailors in the past.
Getting There
Subway: Hakata Station – Kuko Orange Line. 10 mins walk from the station.
10. Minatoonsen Namiha Onsen
Minatoonsen Namiha is a natural underground hot spring which features an indoor and open-air onsen.
The tourist-friendly onsen is the perfect place to enjoy before or after a long journey. It also offers family private onsen room.
Reminder: No tatoo allowed. Bath properly before entering the hot spring. You are not allowed to wear anything or cover with a towel in the hot spring.
Opening Hours:
Entrance Fee: Approx 1,000 JPY
Getting There
Bus: Bus 99 from Gion Station or Bus 90 from Tenjin Station.
Subway: Nakasukawabata Station – Kuko Orange and Hakozaki Blue Line. 20 mins walk
Theme & Seasonal Attractions
1. Kimono Rental
Enjoy walking around Fukuoka Gion district in a kimono for a unique photographic experience.
Skip the Queue, Book Online: Fukuoka Kimono Rental
2. Kawachi Wisteria Garden 河内藤園
Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a private garden in Kitakyushu (an hour away from Fukuoka) famous for its spectacular wisteria flowers. The garden is opened to the public during the wisteria season around late April to early May and during the maple leaf season in autumn.
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