Fukuoka |
The Tenjin underground shopping arcade brings the wares of the world to Fukuoka, while a sandbank in the bay has been turned into the largest entertainment district in western Japan with more than 2,000 eating and drinking establishments congregated under the neon lights. The Naka River promenade and riverfront park make for pleasant strolls, while top class theatres, theme parks and art establishments abound. There are some sightseeing attractions in the city itself, and the surrounding area in Kyushu Island has plenty to offer within easy reach of the city.
Attractions
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: Daily
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)92 263 1100; Transport: Subway to Nakasu-kawabata station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 8pm; closed Wednesdays, and from 26 December to 1 January; Admission: ¥200 (adults), ¥100 (children). Admission for special exhibitions varies
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
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
Excursions