How to spend your time in Fukuoka

A visit to Fukuoka can be enjoyed at any time of year with plenty to do and a friendly welcome is guaranteed. Many visitors enjoy the traditional seaside attractions of the beach or a trip to Marine World close to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park but there are many other fascinating places to see. In a large city, there could be problems getting around but fortunately the underground system makes all areas easily accessible. The underground also has a terminal at the airport but visitors arriving at the international terminal building should note that the underground station is beneath terminal 2, requiring a short 10 minute bus transfer. Just a few of the "must see" attractions are:

Fukuoka Tower

The 234 metre Fukuoka tower is an iconic landmark which immediately identifies the city as surely as does the Eiffel Tower in Paris but is a rather more recent structure having been being built in 1989 to celebrate the centenary of the official founding of the city. To the casual observer, this futuristic mirror-glass clad structure could easily be mistaken for an office building but it is in fact a mainly hollow latticework of structural steel and, like its Parisian counterpart, its primary function is as a communications tower. The tower is open to the public with a lift service to the viewing areas and restaurants.

Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome

The dome was the first in Japan to feature a retractable roof and is home to the popular SoftBank Hawks baseball team. It is also a multi-function entertainment venue and has hosted many events such as concerts by international artists including Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones. As a matter of interest, Yafuoku! means Yahoo Auctions in Japanese.

Canal City

Although this is often described as a large shopping mall, the description hardly does it justice and 'city' seems more apt. This immense shopping district is built around an artificial canal featuring 250 boutiques, bars, bistros, hotels, a playhouse and a multiplex cinema so, for those in need of a little retail therapy, this is a place to shop 'til you drop!

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

For those wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the perfect solution. This family-orientated park leads away from the city along a long narrow peninsula running out across the bay. As it is almost 4 km long, many visitors choose to take advantages of the cycle hire service and bus services are also available. The park is famous for its cherry trees which form tunnels of cherry blossom in spring and many types of flowers are planted. There are also playgrounds and an amusement park.

Tocho-ji Temple

With its city centre location, the Tocho-ji temple offers an unexpected retreat and has a five storey pagoda and a large wooden seated Buddha. At 11 metres high, this is the largest Buddha in Japan and a favourite visitor attraction but due reverence must be shown to this religious site and no photos are permitted inside.