Fukuoka Attractions

Fukuoka is rapidly growing in popularity with tourists as it is an exciting and cosmopolitan city which is making an effort to attract and entertain visitors. The attractions of the city tend to be modern rather than traditional or historical and it is known for its contemporary architecture, its fun nightlife, its great cuisine and restaurant scene, and its love of baseball. That is not to say that there are no traditional sites of interest: Fukuoka has its share of traditional shrines and temples and two of the best are the ancient Kushida Shrine and the Shofukuji Temple, the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. Tourists can therefore enjoy the fine dining, partying, sports events and modern amenities of the city with some worthwhile sightseeing thrown in. The best areas to seek out some nighttime fun are Nakasu, Daimyo and Tenjin. For culture vultures there are also some good museums and galleries in Fukuoka, including the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. If you want to enjoy some peace and natural beauty in the city head to Ohori Park or Maizuru Park for some fresh air.

Fukuoka is also a great base for excursions and daytrips. The ruins of the ancient city of Dazaifu, and the sprawl of the modern city of the same name, are nearby, and the active volcano of Mount Aso attracts many visitors to its lush slopes. The lovely port city of Nagasaki is also within easy reach. Nokonoshima Island, a beautiful scenic area where visitors can camp, hike and swim, is one of the region's most popular attractions.

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…

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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…

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Shofukuji Temple

The Shofukuji Temple was the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. It was founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai who introduced…

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