Best Pics of Fukuoka

Welcome to a pictoral look at Fukuoka City. Hopefully these digital pics and videos will show you some of the delights of Hakata (the traditional name of Fukuoka).

Why Fukuoka?

Fukuoka is a nice, medium sized city of about 1.48 million people that is the largest in Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. It is consistently rated as one of the best cities in Asia to live, its climate is less extreme than other Japanese cities, and it has its own distinct culture as well as a wide variety of international people and foods. It's big enough to see a large number of interesting and historical places, as well as have most major nation's consulates, yet small enough to quickly and easily leave for the mountains and forests nearby. It has an excellent modern public transportation system, with a subway going straight to its international airport, yet avoids the concrete jungle feeling that overwhelms many larger Japanese cities. Fukuoka's women, called "Hakata Bijin" are nationally renowned as some of Japan's most beautiful, and it still has many old shrines, temples and festivals, some going back over 1000 years. Fukuoka is known as Japan's traditional gateway to Asia, being the conduit to China and Korea and importing many things starting from before the 3rd Century and onwards, including Buddhism, agricultural advances, calendar, philosophy, weapons, bronze works, and government organization. In fact many famous items in Japan like green tea, udon and soba noodles, and manju bean jam came to Japan through Fukuoka. Its people are friendly and welcoming, and it is not overrun by tourists like Tokyo or Kyoto. The laidback atmosphere, traditional regional foods, and beautiful historical sites makes it a wonderful city to visit as well as live in.

As you will discover from everything below, there is a lot to see. Go ahead and start browsing! Or if you're short on time, see the specialized itineraries, and recommendations for day visitors. You can also get more into on getting around and where to stay below. For those more interested in:

Nature/Gardens:	Temples & Shrines:	Nightlife:	Parks (Koen):
Nokonoshima	Nanzoin	Nakasu	Ohori Park
Nishi Koen	Gion Area	Tenjin	Nishi Koen
Minami Koen	Kushida Shrine	Oyafukodori	Minami Koen
Aburayama	Atago shrine	Nishidori	Higashi Koen
Yusentei	Sumiyoshi		Odo Park
Odo Park	Gokoku		Nokonoshima
Rakusuien	Kashii-gu		Shikanoshima
Fukuoka Botanical Garden	Kurume		Kego Park
Kashii Kaien	Dazaifu		Maizuru-jo
Seinanmori no Kohan Park			Higashihirao Park
Hanahata Engei Park			Seinanmori no Kohan Park
Mitoma			Hanahata Engei Park
Akitsuki			Island City Park
Shofuen			Minato Hyakunen Park
Kurume

Shopping:	Scenery/Views:	Culture/Cuisine	Amusement
Hakata City	Aburayama	Nagahama	Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Canal City	Fukuoka Tower	Nakasu	Marine World Uminonakamichi
Tenjin	Hakata Port Tower	Yamakasa	Fukuoka Zoo
Nishi Dori	Maizuru-jo	Dontaku	Kashii Kaien
Nakasu	Atago Shrine	Yanagibashi	Marinoa
Kawabata	Nokonoshima	Maizuru-jo	Space World
Konoha Mall	Hakata City	Hiraosanso
Yanagibashi	Sarakurayama	Hot Springs
Marinoa		Mongol Wall
Hawks Town Mall		Museums

For the 1 Day Visitor

Fukuoka offers a lot to see, but for those with just a day, here is a recommended itinerary. Many of these places are near subway stations, and you can save a lot of money and time by getting a subway day pass. The following also presumes that some but not too much time is used in shopping, browsing and eating.

As a starting point, let's use Hakata Station.

For the full day visitor (aprox. 8-10 hrs):
• 1. Hakata City - Quickly browse one of Hakata's newest attractions, and enjoy the view from the roof.
• 2. Nanzoin - See one of the largest bronze statues in the world, at a place so unknown it should be called a state secret.
• 3. Gion Area - Take the Subway to Gion Stn. and see the famous temples, then walk over to Kushida Shrine.
• 4. Canal City - Just 5 minutes on foot from Kushida, enjoy this unique shopping center, and see the hourly fountain dance.
• 5. Ohori Park/Maizuru-Jo - Walk north by the river to the Nakasu station, ride the subway to Ohori Park Stn. for a stroll.
• 6. Atago Shrine - Take the subway west to Muromi Stn, and walk up to Atago to enjoy the bay and city view.
• 7. Fukuoka Tower/Dome - Take the subway back to Nishijin Stn., walk north 20 minutes to the tower, dome, and beach.
• 8. Nakasu - If near dusk, return by subway to Nakasu and enjoy the neon and ramen stalls.

For the afternoon visitor (aprox. 5-7 hrs):
• 1. Hakata City - Quickly browse one of Hakata's newest attractions, and enjoy the view from the roof.
• 2. Gion Area - Take the Subway to Gion Stn. and see the famous temples/shrines, then walk over to Kushida Shrine.
• 3. Canal City - Just 5 minutes on foot from Kushida, enjoy this unique shopping center, and see the hourly fountain dance.
• 4 Ohori Park/Maizuru-Jo - Walk north along the river to the Nakasu subway station, and take the subway to Ohori Park Stn.
• 5. Fukuoka Tower/Dome - Take the subway to Tojinmachi, walk north 20 minutes to the tower, dome, and beach.
• 6. Nakasu - If near dusk, return by subway to Nakasu and enjoy the neon and ramen stalls.

Canal City

Canal City is one of the more recent developments in Fukuoka -- it was built in 1996 and based on an American shopping mall, and while limited due to tight land restrictions it has over 350 shops, cinemas, restaurants, and things outlandish. It is also next to the Hyatt Hotel. Canal City has a great selection of restaurants including a wide area of eateries specializing in ramens popular across Japan. AMC also has a large multiplex cinema there, and some discount computer shops are also there too. Canal City is about 7 minutes on foot from either the Nakasu-Kawabata or Gion subway stops. There is also the green loop bus that stops by. There is also paid parking for up to 1300 cars. The shops are open from 10AM-9PM and restaurants until 11PM (may vary by place). Address: Hakata-ku, Sumiyoshi 1-2; Tel (092)282-2525.

Tenjin

Tenjin is the heart of Fukuoka City, and virtually every bus or train you get on is either going to or coming from there. You'll find numerous department stores (all quite expensive), a large underground shopping area called the Chikagai which runs through most of the important street, the subway station, and the hangout of the young and the ex-pats on weekends and holidays....

Another busy shopping street is the Tenjin Shintencho, beside the Nishitetsu Tenjin Station, with people pouring through all day and evening.

And if you like, take a virtual walk down the Chikagai:

Oyafuko Dori

While puny and short compared to larger cities (it's only about 400 meters or 1300 feet long), you'll find quite a selection of bars, karaoke, ex-pat hangouts, game centers, and yatai (outdoor ramen stalls, which you will immediately notice by the stench of burning pork fat) here. It is also in Tenjin.

Nishi Dori

This is actually the same physical street as Oyafukodori, except it's separated by Showa-dori and Meiji-Dori. More of the same except for having a bit more room to breathe.

Kego Park

Kego Park is right next to the Solaria building, in the heart of Tenjin. It offers very little in terms of inspiring landscape architecture, blooming flowers or gardens most of the time, but its very location is a central point of rendezvous or a place to just chill a while and enjoy a snack or drink. It is frequently crowded in the daytime but there are usually enough places for people to sit down -- a marked contrast to larger cities like Tokyo. Next to it is also a small shrine, Kego Jinja, worth a peek if you have extra time or no time to go anywhere else. It also has a free foot bath (towels available for a fee). Address: Chuo-ku, Tenjin 2 Chome.

Nakasu

Nakasu is the red-light district of the city. Here you'll find a surving Taiyo movie theater from the 1940s (the newer theaters are in nearby Canal City, Hakata City and Tenjin), exhorbitant hostess bars, the sex industry, many outdoor ramen stalls (yatai) by the river at night, and basically where middle-aged Japanese business men go at night to entertain customers and drink their problems away. This area is one that has been hit hard by the recession. In fact, since its heydey the amount of neon has gone down by about 25%, since companies aren't spending as much for advertising in the flatlined economy, not to mention getting an insanely high electric bill every month. If things get better you might see more growth, but in the future you'll probably see more energy efficient LED lights than neon.

Nearby you can go to Riverrain or "Super Brand City" for wildly high designer brand goods shops, and in the summer a few "beer gardens" where you can drink your fill on the roofs of several large buildings. They close early though-- 10PM or so. It's small by Tokyo or Osaka standards, but gives a colorful view of neon on the water...

Kawabata

Before there was Canal City or other large shopping malls, there was (and is) Kawabata, an older, roofed pedestrian street with lots of shops and stores to browse through. Located next to Nakasu, you can get off at the Nakasu-Kawabata subway station and from Exit #6 you can easily run right into it.

Fukuoka Tower & Yahoo Dome

This is Fukuoka Tower, which is one of the biggest landmarks of the city. Completed in 1989, the 32 story, 234 metre (767.7 feet) tower offers a great view (for 800 yen to go up) and serves as the TV/radio tower for almost all the broadcasts in the city (one always wonders why they didn't put the tower on a mountain if they were going to do that). Next to it is another landmark, the Yahoo Dome, which is used for the Softbank Hawks baseball team as well as some big concerts and special events. Newer to the area is The Hard Rock Cafe, as well as the Hawks Town Mall with shops, 10 theater cineplex, art museum, toy store, and more. The tower is about 20 minutes on foot from the Nishijin subway station, or there are direct buses from Hakata Station and Tenjin. It is open 9:30AM- 10PM April-Sept and until 9PM Oct-Mar (entrance closes 30 minutes before closing time). The tower gives a very nice view of the area provided the weather is good but you needn't pay money to get much of the same; you can always go to the top of the nearby 35 story Seahawk Hotel next to the Dome, or the Hakata Port Tower (not nearly as good a view, but free; see below). If you still want to go up the tower, you can get a free 20% off discount card Fukuoka Welcome Card, available at the JR Hakata Station information desk, Fukuoka Convention & Visitor Bureau (1-10-1 Tenjin, across the street from City Hall) or Rainbow Plaza which is in the IMS Building (8th floor) in Tenjin. To get there, if going by subway you need to get off at the Tojinmachi or Nishijin station and walk north about 20 minutes toward the ocean, or catch a 9 minute bus ride from Nishijin Palace. Alternatively, catch a bus from Tenjin (Tenjin Bus Center Mae 1A bus stop; Nishitetsu Bus Nos. 300’s, 14, 44, 151, 152 or 200), Hakata Station (the 1st floor Kotsu Center No. 5 bus stop; Nishitetsu Bus No. 300’s or 39), or the airport (Nishitetsu Bus No. 39). The green loop bus also stops there. At any rate, these are the de facto landmarks of the city--and you can't help but notice them when you fly into Fukuoka on a plane.... Address: Tower: Sawara-ku, Momochi-hama 2-3-26; Tel (092)823-0234 - Dome: Chuo-ku, Jigyohama 2-2-2; Tel (092)847-1006

Hakata Port Tower & Bayside Place

Ohori Park

Ohori Park is arguably the most beautiful park in the whole city. It was actually a reclaimed area modeled after the West Lake in China, and was opened in 1929. It offers a large pond, a 2km jogging track around it, a beautifully sculpted island in the middle, and lots of space to breathe. Both daytime and nighttime offer a wonderful, open atmosphere. There is also an annual fireworks festival there every August--expect a tsunami of people to come in for it.

Maizuru-Jo and Park

If there is one thing that Fukuoka City doesn't have, it's a beautiful historic castle. It did long ago, built in 1601 by Nagamasa Kuroda, but now all you can see are its remains. Even so, you can walk by the castle moat, and into what used to be inside the castle (Jo-nai) to get a pretty good idea of what existed, and its strategy of keeping invading armies out (it was never needed for that though, as history turned out). You'll also find VERY few people who go inside, surprisingly, and is a nice place for a picnic or afternoon snooze. It's next to Ohori Park, and closest to either the Ohori-Koen or Akasaka subway station, about 8 minutes on foot. Tel.(092)781-2153

Nishi Koen

Abura Yama has the best night view of the whole city -- and if you have the chance to see it, then it's well worth the trip. The Katae Tenbodai observatory by the top is 597m high and on a clear day you have a 120 degree view of most of the city and bay. There is no direct way to get there except by car or motorbike though, and on weekends especially you'll find so many other cars there that parking will be tough if not impossible (no charge though). Along the way up the mountain you'll find a whole row of cars parked along the road with couples inside [actually they all say they're there for the view but I never see any of them actually looking out at the city ;-) ] as well as the most expensive "love hotel", Shiro, there too. The area also offers a 70.7 hectare hiking park called Shimin no Mori as well as a ranch called Moo-Moo Land, with cows and the freshest ice cream you can eat. You can reach it by taking Route 557 starting from Tojinmachi station (or Route 202 which will merge with it) and head south all the way up the mountain until the end of the road. For those without a car, you can take express bus No. 13 from Tenjin or No. 113 from Hakata Station to Aburayama Danchiguchi. From there you can walk up an hour to the Shimin no Mori or take a taxi. On weekends there are infrequent buses leaving ever 90 minutes or so. See the schedule for leaving from the Aburayama Danchiguchi (?????) here. For the Shimin no Mori: address: Minami-ku, Hibaru 855-5; Tel (092)871-6969 Open daily 9AM-6PM, admission free.

Shikanoshima & Uminonakamichi

How many other places can you go and have a beach BOTH on your right and your left? Shikanoshima, or "Island of Shika" is an "island" connected by an 8km isthmus or sandbar (Uminonakamichi) that together outline Hakata Bay. As you go down the 8km (5 mile) Uminonakamichi you'll find it has a lot to offer, including a few small amusement parks, scenic parks, swimming, and Chili Joe (Nata 1-11-10, tel 092-608-2828), the best Tex-Mex restaurant that Fukuoka has to offer (go 1 km west past the railroad crossing, til you find a Lawson's; there is one other Mexican restaurant near Tenjin, El Boracho, at 2-3-2 Daimyo, 092-720-5252). Shikanoshima has Mokozuka, a small grave site of some 120 Mongolian invaders from 1274 (they were captured and beheaded), as well as Kin-In Park where a gold seal from a Chinese Emperor was lost and re-discovered. Yet if you only go down Uminonakamichi you'll also miss one of the best sites - an observation deck in Shiomi Park in the middle of the hills with a grand view of the whole bay and ocean. The island also offers a nice shrine called Shikaumi Jinja, a hot spring hotel, and a small museum of Mongol and other artifacts. You can catch a 30 minute ferry there from the Hakata Wharf, or take a train that goes around the city and onto the sandbar up to Saitozaki, or a one hour bus ride from Tenjin. There is also a 20 minute daytime boat ride from Momochihama (near Fukuoka Tower) for about 1000 yen each way to Uminonakamichi, departing once an hour or so weekends and every 2 hours or so on weekdays. There is a bus that goes around Shikanoshima, but runs only once per hour or so. By car is the most convenient way to see the area.

Nokonoshima

If you have the time and want to do a bit of hiking and see some gardens, then Nokonoshima awaits. It's in Hakata Bay and about a 10 minute ferry ride (about 5km, or 3 miles), or less by speedboat from the Meinohama Port. The island also offers some camping. The return boats shut down service before 11PM though, so be sure to find out when the last boat leaves and don't be late! You can walk there from the Meinohama subway station about 20 minutes, or you can get a bus from there, or from the Tenjin Bus Center. Here are some guides on the islands and ferry schedules (in .pdf):

Guide 1 - Guide 2 - Guide 3 - Noko Flowers - Noko Park Map

Minami Koen

Minami Koen (literally "South Park") is a hilly area in the middle of Fukuoka City that is most known for the city zoo and botanical garden. But it has a lot of hills to explore, has a spectacular observation point to see the city and is one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in the spring. The botanical garden has over 2,600 kinds of plants and flowers, and the zoo has over 160 animal species. Open 9AM-5PM. Access: By bus: From Tenjin or Hakata Station take Nishitetsu Bus #56, 57, or 58 and exit at the Dobutsuenmae or the Taisei Kokomae bus stop. On foot: Closest from the Yakuinodori subway station, then walk southwest down Josui Dori about 850m (about half a mile) into the park.

Or, if more interested in the observatory, then from the Sakurazaka subway station walk south past the 7-11 and up the hill to the observatory. When the weather is clear it offers a great view both during the day and at night. For those unable to make it to Aburayama this place is a good substitute. There is also a paid parking lot but only open during the day.

Yamakasa

Every July 15 in Hakata is the 750 year old Yamakasa festival, held just after the crack of dawn. But if you think no one would go to see it at such an ungodly hour you'd be in for a big surprise. There is always a huge crowd of up to 1 million spectators, as several of the 1 ton floats you see here are carried by a large group of men calling eachother and racing to see who can carry their float fastest. Whether you choose to stay up all night or get up way early in the morning, it's well worth a look and is a uniquely Fukuoka event.

If you wish to see the effort and ceremony in making one of these floats, see this:

Kushida Shrine

While not the largest and most impressive of shrines, Kushida is one of the most famous shrines in Fukuoka, and is the starting point of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. According to tradition it was built in 757 A.D. and Hakata's two major annual festivals, the Yamakasa as well as Dontaku Festival are both dedicated to Kushida Shrine. Inside the shrine you can also see on the roof a picture of the Chinese zodiac as well as an old ginkgo tree, which is a national monument. The main hall is open from 4AM-10PM. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Gion subway stop. Address: Hakata-ku, Kamikawabata-machi 1-41.

Tochoji & Gion Area

One of Japan's most famous items is its great Buddha statues, particularly the Todai-ji in Nara and also Kotoku-in in Kamakura -- and not to be missed. But did you know Fukuoka City has its own great Buddha statue? That's OK, almost nobody in Japan or even Fukuoka knows either. The great Buddha is in the Tocho-ji temple, and in contrast to bronze, is made of wood. It stands 10.8 meters (35.4 feet) tall, weighs 30 tons and well worth a visit - which unlike the other statues is free. It took four years to carve and was completed in 1992. The temple was established in 806 A.D. and is the oldest Shingon sect temple in Kyushu. It is in the Gion area -- along with several other temples and shrines in the area to see, including Shofuku temple nearby, which is Japan's oldest Zen Buddhist temple. Another famous shrine in the Gion area is Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Rakusuien Garden right next to it. All are a few minutes walk from the Gion subway stop. Address: Hakata-ku, Gokusho-machi 2-4.

Atago Shrine

Another wonderful site that many people should see is Atago Shrine, which offers from the top of the 68m Mt. Atago a spectacular view of the western area of the city, as well as Hakata Bay and Fukuoka Tower. You can also get an excellent view of Nokonoshima and Shikanoshima when the weather is good. This shrine is said to be the oldest in Fukuoka City, going back to the year 72 A.D., and until 1901 was known as Washio Shrine. While there are over 900 Atago Shrines across Japan, this one is the 3rd most important after the ones in Kyoto and Tokyo. Unfortunately, this wonderul site is nearly completely overlooked or ignored by the most popular travel and tourism books and guides. Entrance is free and if you have the time is definitely worth a visit. There are also many smaller shrines nearby on the way up. Some of the best times to visit are usually late March to early April during cherry blossom season, with over 2000 cherry trees that are also illuminated after the sun goes down, as well as usually from late November when the autumn leaves change color. The first week of the year is also very active with over 700,000 people visiting the shrine. It's also a popular place for couples on dates looking to get away from the crowds. From 1928 to 1943 there was a popular cable car going up to the top, but was closed to use the metal in Japan's war effort.

Just get off the subway at Muromi Station (Exit #1 or 6), walk west 4 minutes across the bridge and take the stairs going up on your right when you see the stone torii gate. By bus it's a 5 minute walk from the Atago-Shita bus stop. If you want, there is a winding road which you can take instead of the stairs. Address: Nishi-ku, Atago 2-7-1; Tel. (092)881-0103

Odo Park

Way off in the western area of Fukuoka City, about 25 minutes on foot (5 min by taxi) northwest of Meinohama Station lies Odo Park by the water, and offers a great view of the water and lots of room to walk around. It was establishes in 1942, and there is some paid parking there (charge 100 yen/hour; max 500 yen) but on weekends may be full; there is also a yacht harbor next to it with paid parking (100 yen per hour). It's especially good for kids to run around, take a few short hikes, enjoy the ocean view, see the Odo Shrine, and watch the sunset over the water. If going on foot from the station you can also stop by Kotoku-ji, another famous Rinzai Zen temple. The park also offers a large grass field, baseball diamond, BBQ area (charge 100 yen/person), and play gym for younger children. Open 9AM-5PM Oct-Mar; 9AM-7PM Apr-Sep. Address: Nishi-ku, Odo 2-1855-1; Tel. (092)883-3510.

Nagahama

Just past Oyafukodori towards the ocean, you might notice a pungent combination of butane gas and burning pork fat. Most likely that is coming from Nagahama, a street with a huge collection of Hakata ramen stalls and small restaurants. Hakata people take great pride in their ramen, which is based on a pork soup broth and noodles, and often not much more. Along the Naka River in Nakasu at night you will also see a long series of stalls called yatai, but Nagahama is more where the action is at (though they can't compete with the river and bright lights).

Here's a look at the Nakasu Yatai:

Seinanmori no Kohan Koen

Up to now you may have noticed that most interesting sites are around the northern part of the city. But the southern area has a few great places too, hardly mentioned elsewhere. One of them is a relatively new park officially opened in 2008 and is a stone's throw from Fukuoka University's main campus. At Seinanmori no Kohan Koen there are sports fields, a bamboo grove, large ponds, playgrounds, open fields, cherry blossoms in spring, and a habitat for at least 12 kinds of wild birds. Its carefully scupted landscape and flowers also make it a beautiful sight. Unlike some other parks though there are more rules; the park is open Oct-Mar from 9AM-5PM, and Apr-Sep 9AM-7PM. Bicycling through the park is not permitted, nor BBQs or fireworks. Access is easiest by either the Nanakuma Subway Line, 5 minutes on foot (about 450m) from the Umebayashi Subway Station (use Exit #1), or 7 minutes on foot (600m) from the Nanakuma Subway Station (take Exit #2). Address: Nanakuma 6-Chome, Jonan-ku; Tel. (092)863-7929.

Hanahata Engei Koen

Sitting on what used to be a prefectural government agricultural research site, Hanahata Engei Koen (Park) was officially established in 1984 and proves again that while not famous like a lot of older places in the northern half of the city, it has a beautiful natural character unique to itself. It is called a park of flowers and fruit trees, 14.7 hectares large, with over 1300 fruit trees that in season you can pick yourself to buy. It even has a hothouse with 70 kinds of tropical fruit. In addition, it has a wide open lawn, a rest house, a flower field, fountain area and observation area of Fukuoka City. Access: One of the easiest ways is by Nishitetsu Bus #59, from the Tenjin Core or Yakuin Station bus stop (buses run every 40-60 minutes depending on the day). Or from Hakata Station get on the bus bound for Kashibara Eigyosho, and exit at the Hanahata Engei Koen Iriguchi (about 55 minutes). Parking is available. Entrance free, open 9AM-5PM, closed Mondays. Address: Kashibara 7-571-1 Minani-ku; Tel. (092)565-5114.

Konoha Mall Hashimoto

If you thought that there'd be nothing at the end of the new Nanakuma subway line and the only benefit is easier transportation for those living there, here is a surprise: a new large American style shopping mall with rows of shops for the spendthrift masses. For Japanese standards it is quite large and bright, and easy to get lost in the massive parking lot at the top. It doesn't have the personality and charm of Canal City, but even its vanilla character is a sharp contrast to the older pedestrian shopping streets that are still around. The easiest access is through the subway to the final stop at Hashimoto Station; from there it's a walk across the street.

Higashihirao Park

Higashihirao Koen (Park) or "Hakata-no-Mori" is just east of the airport with a large focus on sports. It is a large 94 hectare park that has the Level-5 Stadium holding 22,000 people and home of the Avispa Fukuoka soccer club. There is also an olympic size swimming pool, gymnasium, aerobics studios, tennis courts, ice skating facility (Nov-Apr), plus outdoor slides and gym for children. Most facilities require a small fee. In springtime there are also over 1700 cherry blossom trees in bloom. Access: By subway, take Exit#4 at the Fukuoka Airport Station; or by bus take Bus 39B to the Higashi Hirao Koen-iriguchi bus stop. Address: Hakata-ku, Higashihirao-Koen 2-1-2; Tel 092-611-1515

Nanzoin Great Buddha

While technically not in Fukuoka City itself, Nanzoin is only 20 minutes by train from Hakata Station in Sasaguri Town. This temple is so fantastic and so unknown it should be classified a state secret. Here you will find one of the largest bronze statues in the world, and few people in Fukuoka have ever heard of it. It is well worth the extra effort to see it. From Hakata Stn. take the Sasaguri Line to Kido-Nanzoinmae Station, from there it is 3 minutes on foot. Admission is free (500 yen to go inside the statue). [1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun; Tel. (092)947-7195]

Hakata City

One of the newest developments of Fukuoka is Hakata City, a large expansion of the Hakata train station into a giant shopping mall, with scenic views from the building roof, as well as lots of restaurants and stores. It opened in March, 2011 and previously was just a humdrum train station that looked like so many others in Japan. But with the bullet train line completed and going all the way to Kagoshima, there needed to be a little more reason to stop by Fukuoka City rather than just go rolling right on through. It is giving Tenjin a little more competition as a hot spot of the city and well worth looking through if you have the time.

More Places to See

While maybe not at the top of the list, for those with more time there are some other places to see according to your interests.

Yusentei

Yusentei was a villa for the 6th lord of Fukuoka, Kuroda Tsugutaka, in 1754. While normally such places were taken down after someone died, this one has survived, and offers a beautiful look at a traditional pond, garden, and home. It is between Ropponmatsu and Aburayama. Address: 1-46 Yusentei, Jonan-ku. Admission: 200 yen; closed Mondays, open 9AM-5PM. Tel:092-711-0415.

Rakusuien Garden

Just across from Sumiyoshi Shrine on the north side is another example of a traditional Japanese garden; this one belonged to a wealthy merchant family's 2nd home and was built in 1906. It also has a traditional Japanese tea room. Address: 2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku (12 min on foot from Hakata Stn., or 2 min. on foot from the TVQ-Mae Nishitetsu loop bus stop; or 7 min. on foot from the Hakataekimae 4-chome Nishitetsu bus stop or 5 min. on foot from Sumiyoshi bus stop). Addmision: 100 yen; closed Tuesdays, open 9AM-5PM. Tel:092-262-6665.

Sumiyoshi Shrine

On the south side across the street from the Rakusuien Garden is Sumiyoshi Shrine, and while you will find over 2000 Sumiyoshi Shrine across Japan, this one was the first and one of Kyushu's oldest. Its history goes back to at least the 8th century, and the architecture is noteworthy for its "Sumiyoshizukuri" style, which is older than when Buddhism was brought into Japan from Asia and influenced Japanese building techniques. Its main hall was rebuilt in 1623. Address: 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku. Directions: see above for Rakusuien. Tel: 092-291-2670.

Yanagibashi Fish Market

Ok, it's nothing even close to Tsukiji in Tokyo, but if you want to see where many restaurants get some of the freshest seafood available, here is a busy market, active since 1916. It's nearly all seafood, but there are a few places selling beef, vegetables and sweets. You can also get bento style freshly cooked food to go, or eat a few places during lunch hours. If you are really daring, you can try the fugu blowfish. Yanagibashi is about 5 minutes on foot from the Watanabedori Subway Stn (walk south and turn left onto Sumiyoshi-Dori - it's just before you reach the Naka River) or from Sumiyoshi Shrine walk south and turn right onto Sumiyoshi-Dori, cross the Naka River and look for it on your right. By bus get off at the Yanagibashi Bus Stop. Address: Haruyoshi 1-5-1, Chuo-ku. Tel:092-761-5717.

Kashii Kaen

This is a smallish amusement park for younger kids but more famous for its blooming flowers, including 300,000 tulips, 15 thousand pansies, 10,000 marigolds, 9,000 azaleas, 300 cherry blossom trees, 60,000 tomato plants, and a large tunnel of roses. Entrance fee is 800 yen, closed Thu (Wed/Thu Dec-Feb) and open everyday the 2nd half of March til the end of May. Easiest access is by train to the Kashiikaen Mae station beyond the Kaizuka Subway line, thereafter 1 minute on foot. Address: Kasumigaoka 7-2-1, Higashi-ku. Tel:092-681-1602.

Hirao Sanso & Shofuen

These are 2 places that while are not overflowing with a wow factor, are worth a look if you are passing by and have the time. Lying between Minami Park and the Nishitetsu Hirao Station, they are 5 minutes on foot from eachother and have a bit of history. Hirao Sanso was the mountain villa of a local famous woman, Nomura Motoni, a poet who became a Buddhist nun after her spouse died in 1860. Afterwards, she became active in supporting restoring the Emperor to full power and overthrowing the Shogun. She ended up assisting some anti-shogunate warriors including a famous pro-emperor samurai, Shinsaku Takasugi in 1864. She later was exiled by the Shogun, only to return back home within a year. You can see a recreated tea hut there where she lived. Take a Nishitetsu bus (#54, 59, or 69) to the Sanso-Dori stop and walk 5 min. Address: Hirao 5-2-28, Chuo-ku.

Shofuen is a garden and former home of the owner of the Tamaya Department Store, built in the early 1950s and opened to the public in 2007. You can see the former residence's tea rooms and Japanese style garden. Entrance fee: 100 yen. For 300 yen more you can enjoy some traditional green tea by the garden, just as the owner once did. Address: Hirao 3-28, Chuo-ku, open 9AM-5PM, closed Tuesdays. Tel:092-524-8264. It's 15 minutes on foot from the Yakuin Odori Subway Station (exit #2), or 20 minutes from the Nishitetsu Yakuin Stn. By Nishitetsu bus it's 8 minutes on foot from the Kyuden Kinen Taiikukan-mae stop.

Island City Chuo Park

Built on an artificial island where Uminonakamichi joins Kyushu, this is a newer park that's 15 hectares big, over 4 times the size of the Fukuoka Dome and made with young kids in mind. It features 2 large playgrounds, rollar slide, suspension bridge, and a very detailed garden. Address:Shoba 4-chome, Higashi-ku. You can catch a bus from Hakata Station to the Island City Chuo Koen-Mae bus stop, or get a bus from the front of the Tenjin Post Office. By car, take the Urban Expressway and exit at Kashii-hama, turn left and go over and past the Kataosa Bridge for 5 minutes. Parking available 9AM-7PM Apr-Oct; til 6PM Nov-Mar).

Najima Castle Ruins, Najima Shrine, and Minato Hyakunen Park

In the decades before Fukuoka Castle, Najima Castle was built up, then later abandoned in 1602. You can see a few remains there, and a couple of gates were moved to Fukuoka Castle and Shofukuji temple. There is also a shrine on the same spot, and you can see a view of the eastern Hakata area and bay. Along the coast there are also 9 petrified ship masts over 1700 years old and designated a national treasure. Walking a bit further, and celebrating the operation of Hakata Harbor for 100 years, the Minato Hyakunen Park was created in July, 1999. Its large area is great for small kids to run around, and its waterfront view allows a closeup view of container ships arriving at the port. Paid parking available. To see the castle area and shrine, take the train to Najima Station, then walk northwest past Route 3 about 300m to Najima Undo Park and go to the other side of it, passing through the Expressway #1. After seeing the ruins and shrine, you can follow up the coast about 500m to Minato Hyakunen Park. Park Address: Okihamamachi 12-1, Hakata-ku. Tel:092-282-7115

Mongol Invasion Wall (Genko Borui)

Few people know this, but until D-Day in Normandy, the biggest amphibian invasion in history took place right in Hakata. Twice, the Mongolian empire in 1274 and 1281 tried to overrun Japan, and failed due to Japanese resistance and typhoons which decimated the Mongolian forces. The Japanese called these winds "divine winds", or kamikaze. Between the 2 attacks the Japanese built up 20km (12.4 miles) of walls where the Mongols would land - effectively blocking them from entering in 1281. Today there are about 5 places to see remnants of these walls, many stood about 3m tall and 3m wide at the base. Two of the best are the Iki-no-Matsubara ruins (take the JR train one stop beyond the last subway station, Meinohama, to Shimoyamato Stn, then go to the coast, turn right and walk up until you see it), and the other in Imazu (go to Imajuku Stn, beyond Shimoyamato, cross the bridge to Imazu, and find it by the beach across from Imazu Undo Park). If it's too daunting, there's a smaller section in Borui, near the Nishijin Subway Stn, on the west side of Seinan University.

Mitoma

This place is also mostly unknown to the self-proclaimed experts on Fukuoka sightseeing and even many Fukuoka people themselves. Ask where you can go to the beach nearby and many will probably say at Momochi, near Fukuoka Tower. Which is kind of a swimming hole on an artificial beach, with slightly questionable water cleanliness. But there is a far better place, and you don't have to go way out west into Itoshima either. At the most northeastern edge of the city just beyond Shikanoshima is Mitoma, which has a 12km (about 7.5 mile) unspoiled stretch of beach, overlooked by real estate developers and anyone else who'd ruin it. If you want to see some real waves outside Hakata Bay, and the weather is urging you to go, it makes a nice place to kick back and relax. Don't forget the sunblock. Access: Take the subway up to Kaizuka and change to the Nishitetsu train up to Mitoma Station, then walk west to the beach.

Outside of Fukuoka City

There is far more to see in Fukuoka Prefecture. Some places to see include Kitakushu, Yanagawa, Kurume, Akitsuki, and Tachiarai.

Kitakyushu

There are many places to see, including Kokura Castle, the Space World Amusement Park, a spectacular night view of the city at Sarakurayama, and Mojiko Tower at the northern tip of Kyushu.

Yanagawa

(about 45 minutes by the limited express Nishitetsu train from Tenjin) offers its canal boats, as well as in March a beautful Doll festival.

Akitsuki

This sleepy town is famous for its cherry blossoms, but even more so from late October with its beautiful fall colors. It's often referred to as a "little Kyoto". You can also see the Akitsuki Castle Ruins, site of a skirmish of disgruntled ex-samurai who rebelled in the 1870s against the new government embracing westernized armies and technologies. (This was also a precursor to the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, the final insurrection by Saigo Takamori culminating in a crushing defeat of fuedal dead-enders.)

Tachiarai

Here was a training airfield for kamikaze fighters during WWII, and it has a museum of war items there. It is one of the few places you can see anything related to Japan's WWII activities. There is also a Kirin Beer Factory near by, with a tour and beer tasting.

Kurume

Please be aware that for some places when their closing day falls on a national holiday, the following day may be closed as a substitute.

Useful Maps and Transport Info

View Larger Map

For tourist help you will find Tourist Information Counters in 4 places in the city: in both international and domestic flight terminals in the airport, in Hakata Station, Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station, and in the marine port of Hakata.

If you have a problem while moving around, you can contact the Tourist Call Center in Japanese, English, Chinese or Korean at 092-751-6904 open daily between 10 AM and 6:30 PM.

For transportation, there are several options. One of course is a day use subway pass. Until Sept. 31, 2013 there is a also a Fukuoka Tourist City Pass which also allows you to take the subway, buses, limited use of JR trains, and discounts to several places in Fukuoka City. An optional extension also includes visiting Dazaifu. Ironically the full info for this tourist pass is in Japanese. But there is also some info you can read in English.

Another cheap option is the Fukuoka 100 yen bus, which travels between several stops in Tenjin, Canal City, and Hakata Station.

Another option is the Fukuoka City Loop bus, which travels between Hakata Station, Tenjin, Ohori, and the Momochi area which includes the Fukuoka Tower.

One tour option is the Fukuoka Open Top Bus, which has both day and night buses to see the city.

There are 3 main subway lines in Fukuoka City. Two important things to remember: first, to change lines in Tenjin, you must walk out of the Tenjin Minami terminal into the Chikagai, and from the middle of the Chikagai enter the main Tenjin subway station, or vice-versa. You can still use one ticket if your fare is paid for. Secondly you may need to change subway at the Nakasu-Kawabata Station depending on where you are going. Make sure you know the route the subway is on and change subway trains there if you need to change lines to Kaizuka or for the airport.

For fares, routes, schedules, and other info please see the Fukuoka City Subway page.

Also from the airport there is a direct Nishitetsu bus from the international terminal departing every 30 minutes going to Hakata Station and Tenjin (the subway station to the airport goes to the domestic terminal only, and you'd need to take a shuttle bus that goes from the international terminal to the domestic one to catch the subway). Choose whichever works better for you.

Here is a Fukuoka City Map showing the central city area. (850 kb)

And another Fukuoka City Subway Map as well as a Fukuoka City Area Train Map.

You can also see a good page for Fukuoka bus schedules.

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