Fukuoka travel guide
Kushida Shrine
Fukuoka-city is the biggest city in Kyushu and the energetic city bustling as the center of Kyushu’s
politics, economy, culture, fashion as well as tourism. Fukuoka-city has many kind of fascinating
tourist attractions and abundant tourism materials which are different from the other destinations
in Kyushu. When visiting Kyushu, Fukuoka-city is the place to be incorporate in the travel plan.
And due to its location Fukuoka-city is the great starting point for exploring Kyushu.
Welcome to Fukuoka, enjoy shopping and meals
| Tenjin area | Canal City Hakata | |
|
The largest and busiest JR train station in Kyushu |
The biggest shopping district in Kyushu |
The complex commercial facility, in the heart of Fukuoka-city |
Where to visit
Teramachi district
One of the most exciting summer festival in Kyushu, Hakata Gion Yamagasa is held in the
shrine in July. The tall Kazari Yamakasa, a luxuriously decorated float, is always displayed
which was constructed without using even a single nail.
|
Shrine main building |
Sacred Crane Well |
Hakata Gion Yamakasa decoration |
It is a folk museum depicts the life and culture of Hakata Fukuoka. Exhibition hall, many faces
and facets of the Hakata way of life can be found, Machiya hall, is a superb example of traditional
architecture and has been moved here and restored to provide a glimpse into the past.
|
The museun is located next to Kushida Shrine |
Exhibition hall |
Hakata doll |
The Temple was founded in 806 by Kobo-daishi Kukai and it is the oldest temple of the Shingon
sect in Japan that Kobo-daishi set up. The Fukuoka Daibutsu called Great Buddha of Fukuoka
completed in 1993 stands 10.8 meters tall and is the largest seated wooden image of Buddha in Japan.
|
Five-story pagodo
|
Head temple of Shingon Buddhism Kyushu sect |
Garaves of Kuroda Lord |
Japanese traditional Shopping Street where you can find a lot of Cool Japan. The entrance of the
shopping street is located next to Kushida Shrine. Approximately 130 shops built in the 400 metre
arcade. There are also souvenir shops including Hakata dolls, shops collected Hakata Gion
Yamakasa goods. Enjoy lunch, Hakata Ramen at the birth place of Nagahama Ramen.
|
Entrance of Shopping arcade |
130 shops in the 400 metre arcade including souvenir shops |
Birth place of Nagahama Ramen |
Seaside Momochi is the water-front resort area, only a 15 minute drive from Tenjin in the
centre of Fukuoka-city. The park is surrounded by Fukuoka Tower and high rise
contemporary buildings, all of which help make a modern urban landscape.
|
Japan’s highest coastal tower, |
Magnificent view from the tower |
Lover’s Sanctuary |
The complex facility for the wedding hall, shops and restaurants and is located in Seaside
Momochi Park.
 |
 |
 |
Fukuoka castle, was built in 1601. Part of stone wall and canal, and the Tamon tower are
still left intact as they were back then. There is also a nice view of the city from the former
main Parts of the castle’s former moats were used to construct nearby Ohori koen Park.
|
Remaining Tamon tower |
Stone wall of the Castle |
Magnificent view of Fukuoka-city |
Ohori-koen Park is located next to Fukuoka Castle Ruins and close to center of Fukuoka-city.
The park is complemented by a Japanese style garden and the Fukuoka City Art Museum.
Rich in greenery and encircling a lake two kilometers in circumference, the park is an oasis
for city residents, who enjoy jogging, boating, bird watching and other activities here.
|
|
 |
 |
In the middle of Hakata Bay Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable throughout the year. Rapeseed
blossom, Cherry blossom, Livingstone daisy Poppy, Rhododendro, Marigold, Hydrengea, Plumed
cockscomb, Dahlia, Sunflower, Cockspur coral tree Bougainvillea, Scarlet sage, Cosmos, Dahlia,
Autumn leaves, Scarlet sage, Japanese narcissus, Japanese camellia, Plum.
|
Breathtaking panoramic view of Hakata bay |
Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable throughout the year |
Flower garden |
The aquarium focuses on the aquatic life found around Kyushu. The main tank is a huge,
seven meter deep pool filled with all different kinds of marine life including over 120 sharks
of 20 different varieties. There are also several outdoor tanks where you can experience
feeding dolphins and sea lions.
|
Marine World Uminonakamichi facing to Hakata bay |
Dolphins and sea lions Show |
Different kinds of marine life can be enjoyed |
The sprawling, family oriented public park, located on a narrow peninsula across the bay from
central Fukuoka.The park is made up of several different areas including flower gardens, playgrounds,
an amusement park with ferris wheel, sports fields, a water park, a zoo and large open spaces and
lawns perfect for picnicking.
 |
 |
 |
The Japanese traditional Garden; it was originally built in the 1754 for Kuroda Tsugutaka
who was the lord of Fukuoka clan. You can feel Japanese traditional cultures and enjoy
Tea Ceremony.
|
The time-honored Japanese garden |
Beautiful lake, colorful carp swimming |
Traditional Japanese room, enjoy Tea Ceremony |
The urban living area where you can enjoy a resort lifestyle full of fun and entertainment.
There is a large shopping mall, a sports equipment store, a car accessories store, an interior
design shop, a baby specialty mega store, some restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and many
amusement attractions.
 |
 |
 |
Fukuoka Chuo Wholesale fish Market
Well known as the Kitchen of Hakata dealing with fresh sea food. The Wholesale Market
is open to the public on the second Saturday of every month as Citizens Appreciation day.
Time is from 9h to 12h. The Special event is the Tuna Cooking Show, don’t miss it.
|
Tuna Cooking show |
Enjoy Tuna sashimi |
Wholesale Market is open to the public |
One of the largest entertainment districts in western Japan, bustling at night with young people
and business men and women. Around 2000 eating and drinking establishments including Yatai
is crammed in this area, Neon light reflect alluringly on the Naka River.
 |
 |
 |
Hakata-za is the theater for Kabuki plays and is located in the Hakata Riverain in Nakasu
It was originally constructed in 1996.
 |
 |
 |
Fukuoka Open Top Bus / Sightseeing bus in Fukuoka-city
The Open-air deck bus with 3.2m high show you main tourist destinations in Fukuoka-city.
The tour is started from Fukuoka City Hall.
 |
 |
 |
Local cuisines and featured restaurants
Food stalls “Yatai”is one thing to enjoy in Fukuoka. Despite a decline in recent year,
there are said to be more than 160. The food stalls have all kind of food, but you have
to try Hakata ramen, usually made with white soup from pork bone and thin noodles.
 |
 |
 |
Ramen Stadium
Ramen Stadium isn’t really a stadium as the name suggests, but a food court on the fifth floor
of Canal City’s Cinema Building. It carries not one, but eight famous ramen stalls that serves
different ramen styles from across Japan. Ramen Stadium has eight ramen stalls with ramen
from Hakata, Kurume, and as far as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo.
|
|
 |
 |
Mizutaki
It is a local cuisine in Fukuoka. izutaki (boil in water) describes, this is a hot pot dish made
with chopped chickens, negi, and a variety of vegetables put in a pot of water and boiled,
then dipped in ponzu sauce.
 |
 |
 |
Local restaurants
There are many restaurants for lunch and dinner where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisines and
local specialties.
 |
 |
 |
Location of Fukuoka-city
General information
| Address |
City hall : 1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka-prefecture Cabinet designate city |
| Access |
To main destinations in Kyushu by a vehicle Ibusuki : 4 hours and 20 minutes, Kagoshima : 3 hours and 30 minutes Miyazaki : 3 hours and 40 minutes , Aso : 2 hours and 20 minutes Kumamoto : 1 hour and 50 minutes , Beppu : 1 hour and 50 minutes Yufuin : 1 hour and 40 minutes, Nagasaki : 2 hours and 10 minutes Saga : 1 hour and 10 minutes , Kitakyushu : 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Transportation |
Airport Fukuoka International Airport Fukuoka domestic Airport JR main station : Hakata Station Ferry to Busan, Korea to Iki and Tsushima, Nagasaki-prefecture to Goto, Nagasaki-prefecture to Okinawa to Nigata and Hokkaido City transportation Fukuoka City Subway Nishitetsu Bus Nishitetsu train |
| Population | 1,570,000 population density : 4,570 / km2 |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address . AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
Tour results
We are offering various types of tours, and the tour results up to now are shown links below.
Tailor-made tour Study tour Golf tour
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions
Nagasaki Pilgrimage 3 days tour
Where to visit : Pilgrimage sites in Sotome, Nagasaki-city, Shimabara and Unzen
Christian history in Japan was started when St. Francis Xavier came to Japan as a first Christian
missionary in 1549. Then Christianity was spread in Nagasaki region. However, unparalleled
hidden Cristian history was started from when Toyotomi Hideyoshi Shogunate proclaimed Christian
ban in 1587. During ban on Christianity, people secretly continued to faith while surviving in the
midst of the conventional society and Japanese religions.
Since ban on the Christianity was lifted in 1873, new Christian history in Japan has begun.
Shitsu Church
Overall itinerary
Day 1 : depart Fukuoka → Sotome & Nagasaki, stay Nagasaki
Day 2 : Nagasaki & Unzen, stay Unzen
Day 3 : Shimabara, stay Fukuoka
Location of Nagasaki-prefecture
Tour conditions
The tour is the private tour exclusively for your group.
・Minimum number : 2 person
・Maxum number : 30 person
・Tour date : please specify the date
・Accommodations is selected as per your required grade, room conditions and budget
and the location is considered sightseeing, dinner and nightlife as well.
・English speaking tour attendant escorts your journey to produce a pleasant trip.
・Chartered vehicle is utilized as per number of person.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sotome & Nagasaki
Depart Fukuoka-city
Transfer to Nagasaki-city
Sotome is a rural, coastal area on the peninsula north of central Nagasaki
On an elevation commanding a view over the Sea of Goto, Father Marc Marie de Rotz
established a church at his own expense
I want to save people in the Sotome from poor life. Former Shitsu Aid Centeris indispensable
in talking about the history and culture of the region
The peaceful Sotome, the setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence
Lunch at Nagasaki Wharf or China Town
Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan were a group of Catholics who were executed by
crucifixion
The Cathedral is one of the significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan
Located on Minami-Yamate hill in Nagasaki-city, Glover Garden has nine Western style
buildings including the Glover’s Residence
Enjoy the magnificent views of Nagasaki
Stay at Nagasaki–city
Where to visit
Sotome Pilgrimage site / UNESCO World Heritage
Sotome is a rural, coastal area on the peninsula north of central Nagasaki. During the ban on
Christianity, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians”, many of whom emigrated
there from other parts of Nagasaki as the remote region allowed them to practice their religion in
secret.
On an elevation commanding a view over the Sea of Goto, Father Marc Marie de Rotz established
a church at his own expense 1882. The building was extended and renovated again and again.
A statue of Mary that he ordered from France is standing in the bell tower.
 |
 |
 |
I want to save people in the Sotome from poor life. Former Shitsu Aid Centeris indispensable in
talking about the history and culture of the region.
 |
 |
 |
The setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence. Sotome is blessed with a unique history and
culture of Christianity. In particular, the area in which the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum
stands is known as the site of a Christian village, one of Endo’s most notable work, Silence.
 |
 |
 |
Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
were a group of Catholics who were executed by rucifixion on February 5, 1597.Their martyrdom
is especially significant in the history of the Catholic Church in Japan. In 1637, St. Lorenzo Luiz
from Philippines martyred here at Nishizaka hill.
|
|
|
|
The museum behind the Monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in
Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for
atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan,
including old documents, statues and jewelry.
|
|
|
|
Lunch at Nagaaski Wharf or China Town
Elegant international & domestic tourist harbour. Made up of around 20 unique shops and
restaurants lined up at the water front, offering various choices such Japanese, Western,
and Italian cuisine, to beauty salons, outdoor shops and more.
 |
 |
 |
Nagasaki China town at shinchi is one of the big three china town in Japan. There are about 50
Chinese restaurants and many Chinese sundries shops in there.
 |
 |
|
Oura Cathedral / UNESCO World Heritage
The Cathedral is one of the significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan. Established 1865, this
church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the Church of 26 Martyrs.” It was built by the French
priest Bernard Petitjean of Fier who had been dispatched by the Foreign Missionary Church of
Paris to dedicate prayers to the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka hill.
|
|
|
|
Glover Garden / UNESCO World Heritage
The garden takes its name from Thomas Glover, his arms-importing operations played an important
part in the Meiji Restoration, he built the first train line in Japan and he even helped establish the
first modern Mitsubishi ship yard.
|
|
|
|
It is a 333 meter high mountain in close distance to JR Nagasaki Station. The summit can
be reached by ropeway or car and offers great views over the city. And also, the magnificent
night views from Mount Inasa are ranked among Japan’s three best night views.
|
|
|
|
Stay
Nagasaki
Most Hotels are located close to the main street and walking distance from Nagasaki tram
stations. And you can find many restaurants around the Hotels.
|
|
|
|
Dinner at Nagasaki-city
Local restaurants
 |
 |
 |
Sushi restaurant
 |
 |
 |
Beef restaurant
 |
 |
 |
Visiting Peace Park
Exhibits a number of photograph that depict the devastation caused by Atomic Bomb
The plutonium atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument
Reminds us of the tragic scene unfolded shortly after dropped the Atomic Bomb
The Peace Statue was completed ten years after the atomic bombing for World Peace
One of the best scenic spot in Unzen. At any time of the year the natural scenery
is magnificent
The Pilgrimage site, the number one attraction of Unzen with a peculiar smell of
sulfur emitted from the springs
Stay at Unzen
Option
The Japan’s longest foot bath in Obama
The length of foot bath is 105m which is same number of the hot spring
source temperature of 105 degree Celsius
Established in 1955 near the Ground Zero where the Atomic Bomb was droppedat 11:02 am
on Aug. 09, 1945. Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue on August 9 every
yearand the Mayor of Nagasaki makes the “Nagasaki peace declaration” for the whole world.
The museum exhibits a number of photograph that depict the devastation caused by atomic
bomb showing the lead-up to this tragic day, the history of the development of nuclear arms
and our desire for peace.
|
|
|
|
The plutonium atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument at 11:02 a.m.on
August 9, 1945. The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives
were lost. And about 70,000 of Nagasaki’s 240,000 residents died instantly, and up to 60,000
were injured.
|
|
|
|
Completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing. The 9.7 meter high statue sitting on
a 4 meter tall pedestal, made by renown sculptor Kitamura Seibo. The raised arm points to the
threat of nuclear weapons and the out-stretched arm symbolizes peace.
|
|
|
|
Lunch at Obama Onsen
Obama Chanpon
It is a local cuisine in Obama Onsen resort, made of noodles, seafood, and vegetables. The feature
of the restaurant in Obama Onsen serving everything from any Japanese style including Susi and
Chanpon. Shrimp are found in abundance along the beaches near the Onsen, and a special soup
is made from them.
 |
 |
 |
Unzen is a beautiful mountain and Onsen resort, and was the first area to be designated as
a National Park in Japan. At any time of the year the natural scenery of Nita-toge Pass in Unzen
is magnificent. Azaleas, green leaves, brilliant autumnal tints of maples and silver frost
represent each season of the year.
|
|
|
|
Means Hell, is the number one attraction of Unzen with a peculiar smell of sulfur emitted from
the springs, and with white smoke rising from the ground over a wide area. Unfortunately, this
was once put into reality nearly 350 years ago during the time of religious persecution in Japan.
30 Japanese Christians, failing to renounce their faith met their death here in the scalding spring
of Jigoku.
|
|
|
|
Option
The Japan’s longest foot bath in Obama
Called “Hot foot 105” The length of foot bath is 105m which is same number of the hot spring
source temperature of 105 degree Celsius.
 |
 |
 |
Local specialities, Souvenir shop
 |
 |
 |
Stay
There are 17 Hotels and Japanese style inns around Unzen Jigoku. From every hotel, beautiful
scenery which changes by season can be enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
Day 3 Shimabara
Itinerary
Transfer to Minami Shimabara
Christian Pilgrimage site of Historic Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion
Built in 1625 by the feudal load Matsukura Shigemasa, who was regarded as a master
of castle building
Lunch at Shimabara, local cuisine Guzoni
Guzouni is a local cuisine created in the 17th century during Shimabara Rebellion
Transfer to Fukuoka-city
Arriva at Fukuoka-city
Option
The 14th lord, Harunobu (1567-1612) was a Christian daimyo and refurbished his castle into
a large scale which had gardens, a tea arbor and many rooms.
Where to visit
The Christian pilgrimage site, registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site as Hidden Christian
Sites in the Nagasaki Region. The battle field of Shimabara Rebellion which was a peasant
uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of Christians under the leadership of Amakusa Shiro in 1637.
|
|
|
|
The castle was built in 1625 by the feudal load Matsukura Shigemasa, who was regarded as
a master of Castle building. The castle, which took 7 years to complete, is also known as
“Moritake Castle”. It was an almost rectangular flatland castle built in the Renkaku-style.
|
|
|
|
Samurai Houses & Samurai street
Samurai was a term for the military nobility in pre-industrial Japan. The Samurai houses in
Shimabara along the old Samurai street nearby Shimabara Castle were built in 18th century.
|
|
|
|
Lunch at Shimabara
local delicacy food, Guzoni
Guzoni is said to created during the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637. When Cristians were fought
under the leader ship of Amakusa Shiro, they brought various ingredients such as rice cake, fishes
and vegetables, and made a stew. This is the origin of Guzoni.
 |
 |
 |
Option
During the period of the Southern and Northern Courts (1337-92), the Arima family ruling the
Shimabara Peninsula constructed a castle named Hinoe-jo. The 14th lord, Harunobu (1567-1612)
was a Christian daimyo and refurbished his castle into a large scale which had gardens, a tea
arbor and many rooms.
|
|
|
|
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
Tel : +81-93-521-8897, Fax : +81-93-521-8898
Address : AIM buiding 6th floor, 3-8-1 Asano, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
Nagasaki Pilgrimage one-day tour Nagasaki Pilgrimage 3 days tour Nagasaki Pilgrimage 6 days tour
History of Japanese Christianity
HOME About us Our Services Terms and Conditions