The Hakata Temple and Shrine Town is located within walking distance of JR Hakata Station. Here, you can immerse yourself in the ambience of traditional Japanese culture. The area’s history dates back to the 7th century, when Japan dispatched cultural and political missions to China. It later prospered as the heart of Hakata, which was Japan’s largest trading port city at the time.   This historic district features numerous cultural treasures, including Tochoji Temple, Kushida Shrine, Jotenji Temple, Shofukuji Temple, and Engakuji Temple. Notably, Shofukuji is Japan’s first Zen temple, and Tochoji is the first Shingon temple. Surprisingly, Hakata is also the birthplace of many Japanese culinary staples, such as Udon and Soba noodles, Manju (steamed buns), Uiro (steamed rice cakes), and even green tea—a fact that remains relatively unknown to many. .        

Hakata Temple and Shrine town…の続きを読む

  The major railway station in Fukuoka. It is the largest and busiest station in Kyushu, and serves as a gateway to other cities in Kyushu for travelers from Honshu.          Hakata-gucbi Side       Chikushi-guchi Side      Lobby of the Station   The station building and its surroundings feature numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. This area is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Fukuoka.        Chikushi-guch Side     Japanese Restaurant               Yodobashi Camera     Tourist Information Center   at Hakata Station       Hakata-guchi Side       Halata-guchi Side  

JR Hakata Station…の続きを読む

  Canal City Hakata is a massive commercial complex located in the heart of Fukuoka’s business district. Situated adjacent to the Nakasu entertainment district, it sits perfectly between Tenjin, Kyushu’s largest commercial area, and the bustling business hub surrounding JR Hakata Station.     Canal City features an artificial canal as its main attraction. It houses two hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka and the Washington Hotel. Other highlights include the Fukuoka City Theater, an entertainment zone, a cinema complex, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. On the 5th floor, you will find the Ramen Stadium, a popular food court featuring eight famous ramen restaurants from all over Japan. Which ramen shop would you like to try?     Around Canal City Hakata    

Canal City Hakata…の続きを読む

  The biggest shopping district in Kyushu island. It offers department stores, fashion boutiques and an extensive variety of cuisine and  fantastic restaurants and a street food stall Yatai.     If you change your perspective even slightly while walking through Tenjin, you will discover places that offer a glimpse into Fukuoka’s history, peaceful parks to take a break, and other surprising sights that leave a lasting impression.       Tenjin underground arcade   The cobblestone walks leading to the Tenjin Subway Station add a quaint atmosphere to this underground arcade. Shops in the arcade bring the fashion of Tokyo, Paris, Milan, London and New York to  Fukuoka.    

Tenjin…の続きを読む

  The Shrine of Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival.  Located in Hakata nearby Canal City Hakata and was built in 757 as a guardian deity of Hakata. The most exciting summer festival in Kyushu, Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held in the shrine in July. The tall Kazari Yamakasa, a luxuriously decorated float, is always displayed.     The float was constructed without using even a single nail. The Oi Yamakasa, in which floats weighing over a ton race through the streets of Hakata carried on the shoulders of 26 people, presents a dynamic spectacle of bravery and strength that attracts many spectators. The shrine is also famous for its annual Setsubun (bean-throwing) ceremony, which takes place every year on February 3rd.    

Kushida Shrine…の続きを読む

  Home to the largest seated wooden Buddha in Japan, Tochoji Temple was founded in 806 by Kobo-daishi Kukai, making it the oldest Shingon sect temple in the country. Also known as “Tocho-mitsuji Temple,” it is said that Kobo-daishi founded it upon his return to Hakata after his Buddhist training in Tang China. He built the temple to pray for the eastward dissemination and perpetuation of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.   Completed in 1993, the Fukuoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Fukuoka) stands 10.8 meters tall and is the largest seated wooden Buddha in Japan. On the 28th of each month, the doors of the Rokkakudo temple on the premises are opened, allowing visitors to view its six Buddhist statues. The main hall houses a wooden statue of the Thousand-armed Kannon (Avalokiteshvara), which is designated as an Important Cultural Property.    

Tochoji temple…の続きを読む

  This folk museum vividly depicts the traditional life and culture of Hakata. It is conveniently located near Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, and Canal City Hakata.   Exhibition hall, you can find the many faces and facets of the Hakata way of life, Machiya hall, is a superb example of traditional architecture and has been moved here and restored to provide a glimpse into the past.   In the Souvenir Hall, you can find unique traditional crafts that make perfect gifts and souvenirs.    

Hakata Machiya Furusatokan…の続きを読む