Travel to Japan

Atago Shrine

The Atago shrine is dedicated to the patron god of matchmaking, hope and intimacy. As you can imagine, the lovers frequent the grounds, some on official business with the shrine's priests; those with marriage plans may seek blessings. Others however, go because of its location. Not only are relationships blessed here, but they are also sometimes started, as the views provided from its perch on a steep hill in the west side of the city are magnificent and quite romantic at night. There are coin-operated telescopes around the perimeter too but don't peep the couples :P

Nokonoshima

Nokonoshima is a peacefgul and a very beautiful island that rises up from Hakata Bay, habitated mainly by fisherman. Most of the population lives along the seaside or port area, where there are a number of delicious shops specializing in seafood. Most of the island is basically untouched nature. Cyclists will find the roads scenic a bit challenging. The island's park has rolling gardens with seasonal flowers and amazing views of the city and bay below. The range of colors can be quite breathtaking. Restaurants and shops selling traditional wares abound. Admission to the park is JPY1,000 for adults and JPY500 for children. You can access by bus, bike, or a long, long walk.

Hakozaki Shrine

One of the three great Japanese shrines dedicated to the Emperor-divinity Hachiman, and a place where Japanese have come to pray for success ever since the shrine's dedication in 921. A  wide display of important cultural treasures are housed within the shrine's precincts and they are worhty of your attention.

Tochoji Temple

Although founded in 806 by the scholar-priest Taishi Kobo, giving it the longest history of any temple in Fukuoka, the Tochoji Temple is housed in mostly modern buildings and gives the impression of being a place of active worship. Inside the main hall, you will find an impressive 11mtrs, 30-ton daibutsu (Buddha statue). Other interesting objects are the tombstones of the lords of the Kuroda clan, examples of calligraphy by the artist-priest Sendai, a thousand-handed statue of the goddess of mercy , and the calligraphy of the temple's founder, Taishi Kobo.