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. Highlights of a visit include exploring a number of the original castle gates, turrets, and towers within the extensive castle grounds, as well as 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, famous across the country for its displays of more than 1,000 cherry blossoms.
Kyūshū National Museum
Opened in 2005, Kyūshū National Museum 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.
Kushida-jinja Shrine
One of Japan's best known Shinto shrines, Kushida-jinja was founded in AD 757 and contains many unique features, including exquisite carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a gingko tree said to be more than 1,000 years old. The shrine is also famous for hosting the Hakata Gion Yamakasa each July, a spectacular two-week festival focusing on prayers for good health and prosperity that includes an elaborate race involving teams carrying heavy wooden floats from the temple to various locations around the city.
Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
The Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is a fun diversion found in Fukuoka's Hakata district. In addition to watching these artisans at work, visitors can join in, gaining first-hand experience of such ancient art forms as calligraphy and origami. Also fun, especially for kids, is the chance to dress in traditional Japanese outfits and masks and participate in a variety of ceremonies such as serving tea. The museum also houses a number of displays relating to Hakata's many important festivals, as well as a mock-up of the home of a typical merchant family.
Ōhori Park
Ōhori Park (Ōhori-kōen) is a designated place of scenic beauty just a few minutes' walk from the city center. This magnificent water park was established in 1929 and is a delight to explore. Highlights include a trail that circles the lake, lovely traditional Japanese gardens, beautiful cherry blossoms each spring, along with a number of bridges and promenades leading over the water to quaint islands, a particular treat at night when these walkways and the park's many pagodas and pavilions are lit up.
Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha
Just 15 kilometers east of Fukuoka is the Nanzoin Temple, one of the prefecture's most visited Buddhist shrines, attracting more than a million pilgrims and visitors annually. The big draw here is undoubtedly the massive bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha, erected in 1995 and said to be the largest bronze statue in the world. As interesting as the temple and statue is the pleasant walk to the site along a shady hillside trail from the quaint village of Sasaguri, as well as its picturesque streams, bridges, and gardens.
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Housed in a large, sea-shell-shaped modern building near the waterfront of Hakata Bay, Marine World Uminonakamichi is an excellent way to learn more about Kyushu's abundant marine life. Containing some 70 tanks, the largest of which houses more than 20,000 creatures, the aquarium boasts numerous species of local warm water fish, as well as more than 100 sharks swimming freely in its large panoramic water tank. Other species include a large collection of marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, as well as a number of playful sea otters. Be sure to stay for one of the animal shows in the on-site Marine Theater, including the fun dolphin and sea lion show.
Fukuoka's Food Markets
A great way to experience any tourist destination is to explore the places where the locals shop. Fukuoka is no exception and offers a variety of great food markets worth experiencing. The most popular is Yanagibashi Market, known locally as "Hakata's Kitchen" for its many great food vendors and fresh produce stalls. Also worth a visit is the Nagahama Seafood Market.