History / Culture / Tour Spots in Fukuoka Area

  • Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    2086 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Dazaifushi Saifu 4-7-1
    The head shrine of 12,000 Shinto shrines across the country dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of scholarship. The shrine’s origin lies in the deification of when Michizane, who passed away in this area in 903, was later deified and the main shrine building dedicated to him was erected in 919. The shrine’s charms, said to bring success in academic affairs, and paper talismans themed after the famous Tobiume plum tree said to have flown to the shrine in yearning for Michizane, are popular purchases among visitors. The best time to see the 6,000 Chinese plum trees on the shrine’s grounds is from the end of January to the beginning of March. A five-minute walk from Dazaifu Station.

    Major attraction when visiting Fukuoka. It is a big area with a bit of climbing up the hill, beyond the garden and the major shrine at the base where most of the crowds are.

  • Kushida-jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    1639 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Kamikawabatamachi 1-41
    A Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu (left shrine), Ohatanushi (central shrine), and Susanoo (right shrine); and the oldest patron shrine of Hakata. Famous for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held in July, the stunning yamakasa floats used in the festival are on permanent display on the shrine’s grounds. The waters of the Well of the Crane of the Miraculous Spring which well up from beneath the main shrine building are said to grant health and long life and are quite the attraction for tourists and locals alike.

    This is an interesting one right between commercial and residential blocks. Small compound with enough things to see while taking a break from the walking.

  • Fukuoka City Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    361 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashisawaraku Momochihama 3-1-1
    This public City Museum is near both Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome. On display are historical materials that are closely related to both Fukuoka and Hakata. The King of Na gold seal, a National Treasure of Japan, made from real gold, is continuously on display inside of a case. There are numerous masterpieces on display that were donated by the Kuroda Family, former Lords of Fukuoka Domain, including a famous spear, the Nippon-Go, and numerous legendary swords.

    Fukuoka City Museum is located near Fukuoka Tower. If you take Subway, the nearest station is Nishijin. The main attraction of this museum is “gold seal” that was given to a Japanese ruler by Chinese...

  • Hakozaki-gu Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    322 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihigashiku Hakozaki 1-22-1
    Also known as “Hakozaki Hachiman-gu Shrine,” alongside Usa Hachiman-gu Shrine and Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine this is one of the three great Hachiman-gu Shrines of Japan. Emperor Ojin is the main enshrined deity, along with Empress Jingu and Tamayori-hime. In Nishioku there is the “Ajisai Garden” and “Shinen Flower Park,” with spring being the best time to see peonies, and the early summer best for hydrangeas. The “Tamaseseri Festival” that takes place each January 3 is a famous festival in which there are two wooden balls that represent yin and yang and bring good fortune and the contestants vie over the “yang” ball.

    Hakozakigu is truly a beautiful shrine. The shrine-complex includes several buildings and the shrine-ground is vast. I can imagine that it would also be a very peaceful place on a normal day if not...

  • Miyajidake-jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    223 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukutsushi Miyajimotomachi 7-1
    This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Empress Jingu, Katsumura-no-Okami and Katsuyori-no-Okami. A large number of visitors come to pay homage to the gods of business success, road safety and family security. The special shimenawa rope hung at the inner shrine is 11 meters long and weighs 3 tons, making it Japan’s largest. The Okunomiya Fudo Jinja Shrine at the back of the shrine is located inside a large stone chamber belonging to the Maruzuka Kofun ancient tomb. Twice a year, the sun setting into the sea shines a light on the torii gate and road up to the shrine, creating a “road of light” leading to the shrine. This appears in February and October, so be sure to visit after checking the schedule.

    I just loved this shrine, was so peaceful, the chill of the air was just right so walking around the shrines was at ease. for those who cant walk the steps there is a few cars paces at the top, some...

  • Chikuzen Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    374 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku Sumiyoshi 3-1-51
    A shrine in Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. This is said to be the oldest of the nearly 2000 Sumiyoshi Shrines nation wide and enshrines the three Sumiyoshi Sanjin deities, Sokotsutsu no onokami, Nakatsutsu no onokami, and Uwatsutsu no onokami. At a yearly festival held from October 12th to 14th there's a children parade, horse archery, and child sumo.

    Within walking distance from Hakata Sta. We found this shrine very peaceful and unusual in that it is an older shrine honoring the God of Sumo. We were lucky enough to see junior Sumo wrestlers...

  • Kyushu Railway History Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    381 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Kiyotaki 2-3-29
    A museum dedicated to railway history located close to JR Mojiko Station. Inside, visitors can climb aboard actual trains used from the Meiji period onward. The museum also has interactive exhibits that give participants a taste of what travel was once like during various periods of railroad history in Japan. The realistic model railroad presenting a panorama of railways in Kyushu and the museum’s simulator, which lets users experience what it is like to drive an 811 series train, are particularly popular. The Train Exhibition Hall displays nine historic trains which operated in Kyushu. Visitors can also try driving a miniature train outside the museum.

    Small in size but has a lot to offer for a railway museum. Impressive locomotives and other trains kept in good condition... Building above also has additional items

  • Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    185 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Shimokawabatamachi 3-1 Riverain Center Building 7F/8F
    This is the only art museum in the world dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Asia. The museum engages in initiatives befitting the city of Fukuoka, which has long served as a point of exchange in Asia, such as workshops hosted by artists invited from throughout Asia. Events and exhibitions are held as the occasion demands; accordingly, visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for current information.

    Excellent display of Asian but non Japanese art, such as Bali, the Philippines, Burma. In some instances you can see how European training affected Asian art, such as the influence of Impressionism...

  • MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY & HUMAN HISTORY
    rating-image
    4.5
    191 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushiyahatahigashiku Higashida 2-chome 4
    Based on the concept of “evolution of life” this museum displays the progression of the evolution of life and the history of humans. There is much to see including a “kid’s museum” aimed at children of elementary school age and older with displays they can touch and learn about nature and history, and a Time-Travelling Room in which animatronic dinosaurs move inside a diorama. This is a museum that can be enjoyed by many generations.

    When I first visited the Museum in 2018, I was blown away by the Dinosaur exhibits. My biggest regret was that I could only spend an hour at the museum before heading to Kitakyushu Airport to catch...

  • Kego-jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    215 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Tenjin 2-2-20
    A Shinto shrine located in the heart of Fukuoka City. Believed to provide protection against disease and disaster, the shrine is visited by many seeking to improve their fortunes and ward away evil. The shrine was moved to its current location in 1608 by Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of Fukuoka Domain, due to the construction of Fukuoka Castle.

    I ventured here by accident believe it or not while I was looking for a Camera store near by. I ended up spending around an hour, went to the camera store bought a tripod came back for another half...

  • Old Movers Mitsui Club
    rating-image
    4.0
    227 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Minatomachi 7-1
    It is a half-timber style building built in 1921 as a social club for the Moji branch of Mitsui & Co. It is also famous for the Einstein Memorial Room, where Einstein stayed when he visited Japan, and is still preserved and open to the public in its original form.

    In Mojiko Retro area, there are many western buildings in Meiji time. Old Mitsui Club, which stands just in front of JR Mojiko station, is one of them, and it is maybe the most remarkable one...

  • Dazaifu Government Office Ruins
    rating-image
    4.0
    171 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Dazaifushi Kanzeonji 4-6-1
    "A designated National Special Historic Site located a 15-minute walk from Tofuromae Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line. Today the site is maintained as a historic park. Also a renowned destination for cherry blossom viewing, in the spring when the trees are in bloom they are lit up at night. In addition, the site has become a popular mystical ""power spot (spiritual place with energy vortex)"" and is frequented in particular by locals."

    Now it is just ruined, but once this place used to be the administrative center of Western Japan. It stimulates our imagination. Sakamoto Hachiman Shrine is nearby. You can also visit Kanzeonji...

  • Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    151 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Reisenmachi 6-10
    Come learn about the good-old days of life in Hakata at this tourist attraction. The exhibition hall, Machiya Hall, and souvenir shop are all connected, and the Machiya Hall was originally built in the mid-Meiji period (late 1800s) before it was moved and reconstructed in its current location. You can also see a demonstration of how Hakata fabric was traditionally woven. Under the guidance of experienced craftsmen, you can try your hand at painting ceramics (fee required) or Hakata fabric weaving yourself. It's just a five-minute walk from Gion Station.

    Two story museum with a small fee that shows the history of the Fukuoka area. There are signs in English and a short film about a festival in the area where local people build floats and race them...

  • Washio Atagojinja
    rating-image
    4.0
    108 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Fukuoka-shi Nishi-ku Atago 2-7-1

    Its an uphill walk going there but when you see the view, the uphill walk is worth it. I loved the view which shows the view of the city, you can see fukuoka tower from the viewing deck. A local was...

  • Former Ito Shogun gate
    rating-image
    4.5
    99 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Idukashi Koubukuro 300
    "Ito Den'emon was a coal mining magnate in Chikuho, and the ""Former Ito Den'emon Residence"" is the home where Den'emon and his wife, the poet Yanagihara Hakuren, lived. It was also the setting for the TV drama series Hanako and Anne."

    It is an old house of Ito Denemon, who made a big fortune by running canon mines. Due to its location, it is not as touristic as Mojiko Retro, but it is absolutely worth visiting even spending one...

  • Kitakyushu Matsumoto Kiyotari Memorial Hall
    rating-image
    4.0
    120 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushikokurakitaku Jounai 2-3
    The museum is a memorial hall that introduces the life of Seicho Matsumoto, the Akutagawa Prize-winning author and master of mysteries, who is the pride of Kitakyushu City. 700 books of his works and a huge chronological table of his life are displayed in the exhibition room. The museum also has a recreation of a part of Seicho's home, including his study and storeroom, making it a must-see even if you are not a fan of his work.

    It is a museum in memorial of a famous japanese writer matsumoto seicho, the problem is all the explanation in the museum is in japanese and because of that the museum is so low in visitors. Me and...

  • Old Customs
    rating-image
    4.0
    153 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Higashiminatomachi 1-24
    Built in 1909 when Moji Customs was inaugurated, this building with its impressive red brick exterior was used as a customs office building until the early Showa period (1912-1989). It also has an observation room with a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits and Mojiko Retro.

    Brick built Western styled building (built 1912), very reminiscent of the British Georgian period architecture. Although I would personally rank it after some of the equally impressive buildings...

  • Kora Taisha Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    76 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kurumeshi Mimachi 1
    A Shinto shrine known for its long history and high standing. The current shrine building was built in the Edo period and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. It is also said to be the largest in Kyushu. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers such benefits as protection from misfortune, long life, and happiness and prosperity. The shrine sees many visitors.

    原田団長が車で案内してくれましたよ。筑後平野が一望出来て最高の絶景場所です。 駐車場からシンドイ方は、ミニケーブルが有りますので、寸志の有料で利用出来ますよ! ※昔は重要な場所だったらしい

  • Mekari Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    87 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Moji 3492
    This Shinto shrine, located in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City gets its name from the Mekari-shinji, a Shinto ritual designated an Intangible Cultural Property by the prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Hime Okami. Facing the sea, the shrine is believed to grant worshipers maritime and traffic safety and is visited by large numbers of visitors seeking these boons.

    This Shinto shrine, which is located at the north end of Kyushu, is well known for its ritual called Mekari Shinji. From this place, you can enjoy a nice view of Kanmon Strait.

  • Chikuzen Municipal Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum
    rating-image
    4.5
    53 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Pref. Asakuragunchikuzenmachi Takata 2561-1
    A history museum located in Asakura County, Fukuoka Prefecture. The museum contains some 1,800 exhibits with a focus on items from the Pacific War, and visitors can view an actual Nakajima Ki-27 used for the former Imperial Japanese Army Air Force, and a Mitsubishi A6M Zero used by the former Japanese Imperial Navy. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum also regularly holds special exhibitions and events.

    This peace memorial stands on the site of former military airbase. (Actually the premises of KIRIN beer factory were also a part of that airbase.) Since I had already visited Chiran before I came to...

Fukuoka Areas

around-area-map

The most northerly of Kyushu island’s prefectures, Fukuoka comprises castle towns, seaside parks, and Hakata ramen, one of Japan’s most famous noodle dishes. Whether due to its good location or its unique charm, the prefecture’s capital, Fukuoka city, has been voted one of the most desirable places to live in the country - a close-knit community, a thriving food scene, and accessible nature combine for irresistibly laid-back city vibes.

Fukuoka Photo Album

Browse Interests