Fukuoka

One of the best places to visit in Fukuoka, the Fukuoka Castle is also sometimes known as the Seki castle or Maizuru Castle. This 17th century hilltop castle is one of the only remaining examples of the lavish housings of the ruling elite of Japan from those eras. While the castle today retains only a small portion of its original structure, it is said to have covered an area of almost 47,000 square metres once. From the castle, you can enjoy impressive views of the Naka River. You can also explore many original castle gates, towers and turrets within the castle grounds today. Location: 1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, FukuokaEntry Fee: ¥300 onwards

Amongst the top Fukuoka beautiful places, the Sumiyoshi-jinja shrine is also one of the oldest shrines in Kyushu. Dedicated to the gods that protect the seafarers, this shrine is one which sailors, travellers and fishermen visit before heading to the sea. Surrounded by many Japanese cedar and camphor trees, the shrine also offers views of the Naka River.One of the main attractions of the shrine is its Main Hall, which has been rebuilt in its original style of 1623. You can also find numerous important national treasures, an ancient sword as well as a copper axe, along with old documents and manuscripts that date back to the Middle Ages.Location: 3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, FukuokaTimings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Looking to visit unique places in Fukuoka? Your best bet is the Kyūshū National Museum, also known as Kyūshū Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan. The museum opened its doors for the public in the year 2005, and has been awarded for its stunning architectural design. The Kyūshū National Museum is also the first new national museum to open in over 100 years in Japan.Home to a large collection of art and historical artefacts related to the history of Kyushu, the Kyūshū National Museum also has many displays of relics from the prehistoric times. You can also enjoy trade exhibits between Japan, China and Korea here.Location: 4 Chome-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0118Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.Entry fee: ¥350 to ¥700

Another one of the Fukuoka beautiful places and amongst the best-known Shinto shrines in Japan, the Kushida-jinja dates back to AD 757. Along with intricate carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a 1000-year-old gingko tree, the shrine also has many other unique features.The shrine is also the place where the famous festival of Hakata Gion Yamakasa is hosted every July. People, especially travellers, fishermen and sailors often visit the shrine to pray for good health, safety and prosperity on a regular basis. The shrine also houses the tombs of the lords of the Kuroda clan.Location: 1-41 Kamikawa Tamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026Timings: 04:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Located in one of the oldest surviving buildings from the Meiji eras between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is one of the best places to visit in the Hakata district of Fukuoka. From local arts and crafts to other vibrant displays, the museum also offers visitors a chance to learn about the rich cultures and traditions of Japan. An interesting fact about the museum is that in addition to watching the skilled artisans at work, you can also join along with them and learn ancient forms of art like origami and calligraphy from them.Location: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Entry fee: ¥200 per person

Included in the list of most famous places to visit in Fukuoka, the Dazaifu Tenman-gū is a shrine dedicated to the god of education. Sprawling across a staggering 3000 acres of land, this is also one of the largest shrines in the city. You will always find students visiting the shrine to offer their prayers before exams.The Honden, or the main shrine is the most important structure in Dazaifu Tenman-gū. Dating back to AD 905, the current structure of the shrine was last replaced in the year 1591. Dazaifu Tenman-gū is also home to many other smaller shrines and a treasury.Location: 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.

One of the best Fukuoka beautiful places and public parks is the scenic Ōhori Park. Located a few minutes from the heart of Fukuoka, the Ōhori Park gets its name from the large man made lake which it is located nearby.Some of the main attractions of the Ōhori Park include a beautiful trail that surrounds the lake, along with traditional Japanese gardens, stunning cherry blossom trees and a wide array of bridges scattered throughout the park. The Ōhori Park also has several quaint islands where you can spend a day relaxing, taking romantic strolls or enjoying picnics with your near and dear ones.Location: 1 Ohori Koen, Chuo Ward, FukuokaTimings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Entry fee: ¥150 to ¥250 per person

Located towards the east of the city of Fukuoka is the unique Nanzoin Temple and the statue of the reclining Buddha. Considered to be one of the most visited Buddhist shrines in Asia, the temple attracts over a million pilgrims and visitors every year.The reclining Buddha, also known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan is the major attraction here, which is built entirely out of bronze and dates back to 1995. Said to be the largest bronze statue in the world, even longer than New York’s Statue of Liberty, the statue of Buddha here is a sight to marvel at.Location: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, FukuokaTimings: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.Entry fee: ¥500 per person (for prayer)