Fukuoka Sightseeing Model Course

This relaxing shrine nestled in the woods is within a five minute walking distance of Hakata Station. It is the first one among many other Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan. The shrine is believed to bring good luck and safe voyage, and drive away bad luck. The shrine god is also worshipped as a god of sumo wrestling. There is also a Japan’s top class Noh theatre on the shrine premises.

This is a Japanese garden located on the north side of Sumiyoshi shrine. You can enjoy Maccha green tea prepared in an authentic manner with seasonal Japanese confection while viewing the seasonal flowers, waterfall and pond in the garden (one tea break: 300 yen).

Canal City Hakata is a very popular tourist spot in Fukuoka. It is a commercial complex consisting of a hotel, a theatre, a movie theater, shops, restaurants and a showroom that are all housed in one building around the canal. Especially worth checking out among them is the Ramen Stadium gathering popular ramen noodle shops from all over Japan and the 1st basement floor of Canal City OPA, where popular character goods are available.

Fukuoka citizens love this shrine. You can see a decorated float of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival exhibited on the shrine premises throughout the year. Sacred water springing near the main hall is said to have an effect in preserving youth. Its amazing taste is surely worth trying!

Located within walking distance of Kushida Shrine, this facility introduces the life and culture of Hakata in good old days. Here you can visit Hakata’s traditional craft workshops such as Hakata dolls and Hakata Goma (tops) and try your hand at weaving Hakata-ori textiles for free. You can also purchase traditional handicrafts and Japanese confection that make perfect souvenirs.

This was the first temple which Kukai (Kobo-Daishi), a Japanese monk, founded in 806. Japan’s largest wooden Buddhist statue named Fukuoka Daibutsu is sitting in the main hall. Beside the statue is an entrance to the tour of “hell and heaven.” After looking at the chilling images of the hell, you walk through a passage way in sheer darkness and come across the image of heaven. Admission free.