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Fukuoka Castle
Sometimes also known
as Maizuru Castle and Seki 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 exploring a number of the
original castle gates, turrets, and towers within the
extensive castle grounds (much of it now part of Maizuru
Park). Also fun is exploring the ruins of an even older
guesthouse once used for visiting diplomats, the only
one of its kind in Japan.
A great time to visit is the first week of April during
the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival. This event is famous
across the country for its displays of more than 1,000
cherry blossoms. And if time allows, be sure to make a
return visit to the castle and its grounds after
nightfall - the illuminations are spectacular.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Hakata Gion
Yamakasa is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The
ritual performed at Kushida Shrine to pray for the
eradication of plague and disease dates back to the
Kamakura period (1185-1333). The festival's climax is
the Oiyama on the final day, when large decorated
Yamakasa floats march through the city from early in the
morning and compete to see which can reach the goal in
the fastest time.
The energy of the men called “Kakite” who carry the
Yamakasa is really impressive. In Hakata, the festival
takes place over two weeks in the run-up to Oiyama
Festival.
Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine is
one of Fukuoka’s essential sights. Hakata Gion Yamakasa,
a traditional festival in Fukuoka listed as a UNESCO
Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a Shinto ritual
dedicated to Kushida Shrine. The large decorative
Yamakasa floats used in the festival are displayed in
the precincts of the shrine.
The shrine is located in the middle of Hakata, close to
Nakasu, with easy access to the rest of the city. Don't
miss the Chikara Ishi (power stone), which is believed
to have been used by young men and wrestlers to test
their strength, and the large tree known as Kushida no
Ichou (Ginkgo of Kushida). At the entrance, pick up some
umegae mochi (rice cakes) from the Kushida Chaya
(teahouse).
Tochoji Temple
Tochoji Temple
is an esoteric Buddhist temple known for its wooden
Fukuoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha). It’s believed that this
was the first Buddhist temple in Japan, built by Kukai
in 806, and visitors can enter beneath the Daibutsu to
experience a ”tour of hell and paradise”.
The temple is also famous for its vermilion five-storey
pagoda and Rokkakudo Hall, with its extraordinary roof
structure. In cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy
the architectural beauty of the temple against a
gorgeous pink backdrop. Many visitors also come to the
park to pray because it’s the graveyard of the Kuroda
family, the three feudal lords of Fukuoka.
Ohori Park
The nationally
renowned Ohori Park is a favorite place for the people
of Fukuoka to relax. Together with the adjacent Maizuru
Park, it's a great spot to visit for a stroll. The paved
jogging course that circles the pond is always crowded
with runners and cyclists. The park has a Starbucks,
vending kiosks, restroom facilities, and benches, so you
can easily spend the whole day here just taking a
leisurely break.
Boat rentals are another popular feature, especially
among families. There’s also a good selection of
playground equipment for children to let off some steam.
Other attractions include a Noh theater, a Japanese
garden, and Ukimido gazebo.
Nanzoin Temple
Nanzoin Temple
is the general head temple of the "Sasaguri Shikoku
Sacred Temples” Buddhist pilgrim route. The nearest
station, Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station, is about 20 minutes
from Hakata Station. It’s renowned for its 41-metre-long
statue of the Reclining Buddha, one of the world's
largest bronze statues. Other impressive attractions
include the main hall of Nanzoin Temple and the Daifudo
Myo’o (a Buddhist deity).
According to an anecdote, the priest won the prizes for
adjacent numbers in a lottery, making this place a
famous mystical spot for would-be lottery winners. The
nearby Nakamise-dori is a pleasant shopping street with
restaurants.
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower
is one of Fukuoka's leading night view spots. The
spectacular view from the observation deck, 123 meters
above the ground, has been listed as one of Japan’s top
100 night views. Visit at sunset for views of the
beautiful sparkling sea. Fukuoka’s seasonal
illuminations are another highlight.
The restaurants here also offer great views. If you want
to enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner, this is a great
option. You’ll find a wide variety of candies, including
the towering "Rainbow-coloured roll parfait" that’s a
big hit on Instagram.
Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu
National Museum opened in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, as the fourth national museum based on the
concept of “mapping the formation of Japanese culture
within an Asian historical perspective”. Its unique
glass entrance design is eye-catching, and the
building’s architectural aesthetics are also highly
acclaimed.
With a wide range of special exhibitions and permanent
exhibits, this museum is full of attractions that keep
visitors coming back for more. Its valuable collection
is unique to Kyushu, thanks to the area’s close ties to
Asian countries.
Shofukuji Temple
Founded in
1195, Shofukuji Temple is known as the first Zen temple
in Japan. The founder, Zen Master Eisai, was the person
who introduced tea to Japan from China. The temple
adopted its current layout when rebuilt in 1589, and in
1969 the entire grounds were designated as a National
Historic Site.
The temple has many attractions such as the Chokushi-mon
(imperial envoy gate), Musein-Ike Pond, Sanmon (temple
gate), Butsuden (Buddha hall), and Hojo (priest's room),
and sutra-copying and Zazen meditation sessions are also
held here. The aroma of incense and the tranquil gardens
are deeply soothing. The springtime cherry blossoms and
the fresh greenery of summer are also exceptional. The
temple is also famous for the number of cats that can be
seen in its precincts.
Momochi Seaside Park
Momochi
Seaside Park is a pleasant urban oasis with a long
stretch of artificial sandy beach. The waterfront is a
lovely, romantic place to stroll.
Local bathers fill the beach and enjoy beach sports here
in summer. Barbecues and picnics are also popular. The
beautiful sunset view is truly spectacular.