Travel to Japan

shofukuji temple

Five minutes' walk from Hakata Station, Shofukuji Temple offers a retreat from the world. Although still a working temple, the secluded walks and shaded gardens give one the impression of having traveled back in time. This Rinzai-sect temple was founded in the 12th century by the priest Eisai-Myoan, and is the oldest Zen temple in Japan. Its buildings house a number of important artifacts including personal effects of the priest and noted sumi-e artist Sengai.

Fukuoka asian art museum

This unique museum is anything but dull and stuffy; it is a living proof of the most brilliant contemporary artists in Asia, who deserve as much attention as Euro-American greats. Featuring a wide variety of works from photography to painting to sculpture, the museum also has interactive and media-related exhibits. Many of the pieces on display reflect the social realities of poorer Asian countries with tremendous impact. During certain times, you can even observe the artists at work in the open studio.

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.

Canal City

Canal City  revolutionized the shopping and entertainment industry in Fukuoka. This multi-level complex basically has everything: dozens of brand-name stores and tiny shops, lots of restaurants, a multi-screen movie theatre, a Sega amusement theme park, two hotels, banking facilities, an art theatre, business offices, showrooms, and even regular street performers. In the Sun Plaza, situated in the center, some of the performances are by extremely talented professionals and may include acrobats...I wouldn't miss this ride if I were you, you will absolutly love it!

Fukuoka

Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest and one of Japan's then most populated cities. Because of it closeness to the Asian Mainland, the city has been an important harbor for many centuries now and it was the chosen one by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 12th century.

But that's the past, in the present Fukuoka is the final result of the fusion of two cities in 1889 when Hakata and the former castle town of fukuoka were united into one city.The central district and the main railway station are still called Hakata.