Fukuoka is situated in the northern extremity of Kyushu, facing the Sea of Suo to the northeast, the Sea of Genkai to the northwest, and the Sea of Ariake to the southwest. As the prefecture borders the Korean Peninsula to the continent of China with a strait in between, Fukuoka was the first place in Japan to be exposed to the culture of the continent. Ever since the Government-General of Kyushu, Dazaifu, was set up in the 7th century, Fukuoka has grown as the hub of the Kyushu region
Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane (845-903) as the god of academic achievement. During the entrance examination season each year, young people from all parts of Japan preparing for these examinations and their parents come to the shrine to pray for success in the examination or academic achievement. The approach to the shrine is lined with teahouses selling 'umegae-mochi,' a local specialty rice-cake that is believed to ward off illness. The shrine is famous for its plum trees. The 'Tobi-ume' (flying plum) trees, which, according to legend, flew to Dazaifu from Kyoto after Sugawara Michizane, come into bloom earlier than other plum trees every year. The Houmotsu-den, a treasure house containing cultural properties of the national treasure class, is also located on the premises.
Kita-Kyushu北九州:
Moji Port
The Moji Port flourished as the gateway of trade with the continent in the early 20th century. After being repaired and renovated, the western buildings that tell us of the prosperity of the port in those days have been gathered into one area. This area is called the Moji-ko (Moji Port) Retro Area. Nowadays, many Japanese and foreign tourists visit here to enjoy strolling around romantic streets with the port town atmosphere, listening to the sound of the waves.
Kokura Castle
In the Kokura district, with an atmosphere of an old castle town, are Kokura Castle, known as a great castle built in the 'kara-zukuri' style, and the Kokura Castle Garden. The garden was made by reproducing a feudal lord's garden, the study house of a samurai residence, etc. at the remains of 'shimo-yashiki' (entertainment residence) of the owner of the Kokura Castle. In the garden, you can experience Edo culture by learning about Ogawasawa manners and enjoying tea and sweets.
Kashii / Shikanoshima Island香椎・志賀島
Hakata Bay
At highest spot on Shika-no-shima Island, 176 meters above sea level, is Shiomi-koen Park, and from the observation platform there, you can get a fine view of Hakata Bay, the Sea of Genkai, and at night, the lights and illumination of Bay Side Place at Hakata Bay, the Fukuoka Dome, and the Fukuoka Tower. You can also get a view there in summer of squid fishing boats drifting on the waves with fires lit to lure squid.
Chikugo-gawa Hot Spring筑後川温泉
The Chikugo-gawa-onsen Hot Spring in the southwestern part of Fukuoka is situated near a mid-stream section of the Chikugo-gawa River, which runs through the Chikushi Plain and pours into the Sea of Ariake. The spa together with the Minou Mountain Range and the primeval box tree forests of Mt. Kosho-yama are part of the Chikugo-gawa River Prefectural Nature Park.
