Main Attractions

Fukuoka Castle
Fukuoka’s castle is in ruins, but it is still a favourite spot for tourists to congregate (mainly for the view). Built by the feudal lord in days of old, it was composed of 47 turrets of various sizes. Today the Otemon gate, Tamon turret and a few walls remain.

Transport: Bus to Otemon or Heiwada stops, or subway to Ohorikoen Station

Opening time: Open daily

Shofukuji Temple
The Shofukuji Temple was the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. It was founded by the father of Japanese Zen, Eisai, in 1195. In the temple grounds are the remains of two other ancient temples, Jotenji and Tochoji.

Address: 6-1 Gokuso-machi, Higashi-ku

Telephone: (0)92 291 0775

Transport: Subway to Gion station

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Fukuoka’s Asian Art Museum is housed in a new complex in the Shimokawabata district of Hakata Ward, in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of more than 1,000 works including paintings, sculptures, prints and handcrafts. It also serves as a centre for art education.

Address: Riverain Complex, 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku

Telephone: (0)92 771 8600

Transport: Subway to Nakasu-kawabata station

Opening time: Daily 10am to 8pm; closed Wednesdays

Admission: ¥200 (adults), ¥100 (children)

Kushida Shrine
One of Fukuoka’s best-known shrines is Kushida, founded in 757. It is situated in the heart of ancient Hakata with a huge gingko tree, said to be 1,000 years old, shading its forecourt. The shrine honours the grand deity, Ohata Nushina-mikoto, and was built during the Heian Period for the common people. Today it is very much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike during the summer’s major event, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. On the last day of the festival the Kushida Shrine becomes the starting point for the Oiyama fun run when hundreds of young men clad only in loin cloths carry heavy wooden shrines through the streets along a set route, vying to clock the fastest times. The shrine itself contains several items of interest, particularly the Eto Arrow plate bearing carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a brace of anchor stones, recovered from the harbour, that were once attached to ships of the Mongolian invasion fleets.

Address: 1-41, Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku

Telephone: (0)92 291 2951

Transport: Subway to Nakasu or Gion station

Canal City Hakata
A recent futuristic development containing a huge multi-screen cinema, hotels, bars, restaurants and shops in its multi-colored precincts. Canal City was American architect Jon Jerde’s first Japan project and completed in 1996. The overall design was inspired by the cliffs of Arizona and the building is Fukuoka’s most interesting shopping experience. Canyon-like in construction, the complex features cafes and stores that appear as you wander by the twisty-turny curves of the canal. Access from Nakasu-Kawabata subway station or a ten-minute walk from Hakata Station.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival
Hakata's most famous festival dates back to 1241 AD and is held every year from July 1-15. This festival honors Kushida Shrine, the guardian shrine of Hakata. The colorful festival owes its origins to Priest Shoichi, the founder of Jotenji Temple, who was carried around the city on a portable shrine spreading holy water, to ward off an epidemic. Kushida shrine is located where Canal City north joins Kawabata shopping arcade.