Fukuoka Regions Guide - attractions

Castle
Fukuoka's castle is in ruins, but it is still a favourite spot for tourists to congregate (mainly for the view). Built by the feudal lord in days of old, it was composed of 47 turrets of various sizes. Today the Otemon gate, Tamon turret and a few walls remain.
Telephone:
Website:
Transport: Bus to Otemon or Heiwada stops, or subway to Ohorikoen Station
Opening times: Daily

Shofukuji Temple
The Shofukuji Temple was the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. It was founded by the father of Japanese Zen, Eisai, in 1195. In the temple grounds are the remains of two other ancient temples, Jotenji and Tochoji.
Telephone: (0)92 291 0775
Website:
Transport: Subway to Gion station
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Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Fukuoka's Asian Art Museum is housed in a new complex in the Shimokawabata district of Hakata Ward, in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of more than 1,000 works including paintings, sculptures, prints and handcrafts. It also serves as a centre for art education.
Telephone: (0)92 263 1100
Website:
Transport: Subway to Nakasu-kawabata station
Opening times: Daily 10am to 8pm; closed Wednesdays, and from 26 December to 1 January

Kushida Shrine
One of Fukuoka's best-known shrines is Kushida, founded in 757. It is situated in the heart of ancient Hakata with a huge gingko tree, said to be 1,000 years old, shading its forecourt. The shrine honours the grand deity, Ohata Nushina-mikoto, and was built during the Heian Period for the common people. Today it is very much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike during the summer's major event, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. On the last day of the festival the Kushida Shrine becomes the starting point for the Oiyama fun run when hundreds of young men clad only in loin cloths carry heavy wooden shrines through the streets along a set route, vying to clock the fastest times. The shrine itself contains several items of interest, particularly the Eto Arrow plate bearing carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a brace of anchor stones, recovered from the harbour, that were once attached to ships of the Mongolian invasion fleets.
Telephone: (0)92 291 2951
Website:
Transport: Subway to Nakasu or Gion station
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