Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fukuoka

One of Japan's largest cities, Fukuoka is the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the southern-most island of Kyushu and is one of the country's most progressive cities. Located in Hakata Bay, Fukuoka is divided in two by the River Naka, with Hakata, the older eastern part of the city, serving as an important port and commercial center. The once fortified town of Fukuoka grew in importance during the 17th century, and after amalgamation with Hakata in 1889 became an important cultural center. These days, Fukuoka is home to numerous fine museums, art galleries, and theaters, as well as sporting events and festivals, most notably the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a two-week long, 700-year-old celebration held each July that involves colorful parades, traditional races and costumes, along with musical offerings. Fukuoka also offers many interesting shopping opportunities, in particular in Canal City Hakata, a city-within-a-city complete with a waterway running through a complex of hotels, restaurants, arcades, cinemas, and a theater.

Fukuoka Castle

Sometimes also known as Maizuru Castle, Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka-jō) is a fine example of the type of lavish 17th-century hilltop home once preferred by the country's ruling elite. While the large remaining structure is only a small fraction of the original castle's once massive complex - it's believed to have covered an area of some 47,000 square meters - it remains an impressive site, perched high atop a tall stone foundation overlooking the Naka River. Highlights of a visit include a number of the original castle gates, turrets, and towers within the extensive castle grounds (much of it now part of Maizuru Park), as well as the ruins of an even older guesthouse once used for visiting diplomats, the only one of its kind in Japan.

Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine

One of the oldest such sites on Kyushu, the Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine is, like its counterpart in Osaka, dedicated to the protective divinities of seafarers, the last of a series of such shrines sailors would visit before heading out to sea. Particularly impressive is the Main Hall, rebuilt in its current classical style in 1623, along with a number of important national treasures, most notably an ancient sword and a copper axe, along with old manuscripts and documents dating back to the Middle Ages. From the shrine, which is surrounded by a large grove of Japanese cedars and camphor trees, are fine views over the River Naka. Hot Tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the shrine's traditional theater performances. Also of interest is a festival held in October that includes displays of sumo wrestling.

Kyūshū National Museum

Opened in 2005, Kyūshū National Museum (Kyūshū Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) made headlines not only for its award-winning architectural design, but also as Japan's first new national museum in more than 100 years. Built to house a large publicly-owned collection of art and historically important artifacts related to the island's rich history, this state-of-the-art facility can easily occupy visitors for the best part of a day. Highlights include displays of prehistoric relics found in numerous archaeological digs, as well as exhibits tracing the long history of the island's importance as a trading link between Japan and nearby China and Korea. Also on display are a number of important national treasures, including 15th-century art by leading Japanese artist Masanobu Kano, along with many historically significant documents and manuscripts. The museum also hosts a café, restaurant, and a well-stocked shop.