Fukuoka Prefecture Unmissables

Fukuoka Prefecture features a diverse range of historical and cultural landmarks. It is home to Sumiyoshi and Kushida Shrines, among the oldest in Japan, and the UNESCO-listed Munakata Taisha. Historical sites include the 17th-century Kokura Castle and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. Modern attractions include the massive Canal City shopping complex and Marine World Uminonakamichi's 70 aquariums. Natural highlights range from the seasonal wisteria tunnels of Kawachi Garden to the stone-walled Tsuzura Rice Terraces.

STA3816 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Ōhori Park

Opened in 1929, this park has quickly become a popular relaxing destination for locals and tourists alike.

kamoseiro / CC BY 3.0

B

Fukuoka Castle

Also known as Maizuru Castle, this historic sight is situated on top of Fukusaki Hill, overlooking the city.

FlyingToaster / CC BY 3.0

C

Canal City

Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, Japan.

STA3816 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Marine World Uminonakamichi

Opened in 1989, this marine world features 70 aquariums full of marine animals and plants.

z tanuki / CC BY 3.0

E

Kyushu National Museum

The Kyushu National Museum opened on October 16, 2005, in Dazaifu near Fukuoka—the first new national museum in Japan in over 100 years,…

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

Private garden featuring two 100-meter-long tunnels of varying wisteria species. The site is open to the public during the peak blooming season from late April to early May and again for autumn foliage in November.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Munakata Taisha Hetsu-gū

Munakata Taisha is a collection of three Shinto shrines located in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Pontafon / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Kushida Shrine

Founded in 757, the shrine is considered to be the oldest Shinto shrine in the city.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Visit this Shinto shrine which is considered to be the oldest one on the Kyushu island. It is dedicated to gods of safe seafaring.

Masgatotkaca / CC-BY-SA-3.0

J

Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle is a castle in Kitakyushu, Japan. It was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki starting in 1602, with construction completed in 1608.

うきは市 / CC BY 4.0

K

Tsuzura Rice Terrace

A valley containing approximately 300 stepped rice paddies supported by stone walls built over 400 years ago. These terraces are known for the red spider lilies that bloom across the landscape in late September.