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Exploring Fukuoka & Surrounds

#Fukuoka.

Canal City Shopping Mall, Fukuoka

Home to historic temples and shrines, trendy shopping malls, and a vibrant waterfront area, the port city of Fukuoka is a great place to spend a few days. Best still, Fukuoka has all the perks of a city yet manages to retain a chilled atmosphere. 

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  • Highlights: Sumiyoshi Jinja, Canal City Mall (pictured), Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Ohori Park Japanese Garden, Kushida Jinja, Tochoji, Shofukuji, Tookaebisu Shrine, Hakozakigu, Hakata Port Tower, Momijihachimangu, Atago Shrine, Fukuoka Tower, and Momichi Seaside Park.

  • Bonus Tip: Distances between sights can be quite long, consider purchasing a day pass for the Fukuoka Subway for ease of getting around. Pass details can be found at https://subway.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/eng/fare/one/ 

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#Day Trips from Fukuoka.

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Those with some extra time to spare may like to consider the following day trip options from Fukuoka City.

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1.Dazaifu, Ogori, and Kurume.​​​​

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Boasting many unique and beautiful temples and shrines, the cities of Dazaifu, Ogori, and Kurume lie near one another, making it relatively easy to visit all three in a day. 

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  • Journey Duration: Train travel from Yakuin Station to Dazaifu Station will take about 30 minutes (transfer at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi). From Dazaifu to Mitsusawa a train will take about 30 minutes (change at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi). Finally, a train from Mitsusawa to Kushiwara (good for Kurume City) will take around 25 minutes with no changes. 

  • Highlights - Dazaifu: Alight at Dazaifu Station for Dazaifutenmangu, Tenkaiinari Shrine, Ishianainari Shrine, Kanzeon-ji, Kaidanin, Sakamoto Hachimangu, and the remains of Dazaifu Government Office - end at Tofuro-Mae Station for direct train to Mitsusawa.

  • Highlights - Ogori: Alight at Mitsusawa Station for Nyoirinji (Frog Temple - pictured) and Yokogumahayataka Shrine.

  • Highlights - Kurume: Alight at Kushiwara Station for Kurume Hyakunen Park, Kushiharatenmangu, Kurume Castle Ruins, Bairinji, and Suitengu - end at Kurume Station for a Shinkansen back to Hakata (JR Rail Pass can be used for this journey). 

  • Bonus Tip: Dazaifutenmangu is regarded as one of the busier shrines of Kyushu - try to avoid it on weekends and visit early in the morning if you wish to evade the crowds. Note: the shrine is open from 6 am daily. 

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2. Kitakyushu. 

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Also located in the Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu is an easy day trip from Fukuoka City and offers plenty of attractions.

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  • Journey Duration: The Shinkansen can reach Kokura Station in under 20 minutes from Hakata Station. From Kokura Station, local trains take around 15 minutes to Mojiko Station. 

  • Highlights - JR Kokura Station: Yasaka Shrine, Tanga Market, Kokura Castle & Garden, Katsuyama Park.

  • Highlights - JR Minami-Kokura Station: Kokura Factory Railway Land, Itōzu Hachiman Shrine, Shinozaki Hachiman Shrine,  Itôzu no Mori Park. 

  • Highlights - JR Mojiko Station: Kanmon Strait Museum, Kyushu Railway History Museum, Mojiko Retro. 

  • Highlights - Kanmonkaikyō Mekari Station: Mekari Park, Kanmon Bridge, Mekari Shrine, Kanmon Tunnel for Pedestrians (walkway to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi). 

  • Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Hakata and the stations mentioned, except Kanmonkaikyō Mekari Station. 

  • Bonus Tip: Consider allowing a second day to comfortably explore all the places mentioned. 

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