A
lasting key point of exchange between Japan and the rest of Asia since
ancient times - The cradle of culture in the Kyushu regionFukuoka is situated in the northern extremity of Kyushu, Fukuoka
facing Suho-nada (the Sea of Suho) to the northeast, Genkai-nada (the
Sea of Genkai) to the northwest and Ariake-kai (the Sea of Ariake) to
the Southwest. As the prefecture neighbors the Korean Peninsula to the
continent of China with a strait in between, it was the first place to
touch the continental culture in Japan. Ever since the
Government-General of Kyushu was set up in the place known as Dazaifu
in the 7th century, Fukuoka has grown as the hub of the Kyushu region.

At Dazaifu, the ancient capital of the Kyushu region that lasted for
500 years, is the Dazaifu Tenmangu, where about 200 kinds of red and
white Japanese apricot trees amounting to 6000, about 40 kinds of
irises as many as 30,000 pieces in total and other flowers of each
season can be enjoyed. Being a shrine sacred to the god of learning,
the Tenmangu is visited by many people, students seeking luck in their
entrance examinations mostly, all the year round. Also, the prefecture
has the Senbutsu Shonyudo, a limestone cavern with beautiful
stalagmite and stone pillars known for the discovery of fossil remains
of Naumann elements, and other places of natural beauty. In addition,
there are theme parks worth visiting, such as the Space World showing
what is envisioned as near-futuristic cities in space and on earth.

The city of Fukuoka, also known by another name Hakata, is not only
the center of administration and economy in the Kyushu region but a
terminal at which air routes and railroads converge. There, Hakata
Dontaku, a gay port festival that is staged every spring, is a
spectacle. Highlighted with a parade of children, men and women in
fancy costume and on decorated vehicles and posture-dancing people
through the streets, this event draws more than 300 groups and about
25,000 citizens, plus more than 2 million spectators.

Getting thereAn hour and 45 minutes to Fukuoka Airport from Tokyo Haneda
Airport; 1 hour and 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport . Five minutes
to Hakata Station from Fukuoka Airport by subway. Four hours and 50
minutes to Hakata Station from Tokyo Station by JR Tokaido-Sanyo
Shinkansen Line. Two hours and 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station by
JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line.

HakataImportant
points for traffic and sightseeingBusiness center of Fukuoka CityHakata is a district located in Hakata-ku of Fukuoka City, east
of the Naka-gawa River, and is one of the central areas of Fukuoka,
the largest city in Kyushu. Fukuoka City is a town which has
developed on both sides of the Naka-gawa River, since Nagamasa
Kuroda, a general of the samurai army in the17th century,
constructed the Fukuoka Castle there. The eastern side of the river
has developed as Hakata, a town of merchants, while the western side
as Fukuoka, a castle town. Recently with lots of tourists from Asian
countries coming, the city has also become an international city.

Around Hakata Station, lots of office buildings are rising, and
restaurants and hotels are standing close together. After Canal
City, a large-scale compound institution, was constructed, the city
has become vitalized as a commercial town again. That the
restaurants are clustering together, which provide most delicious
dishes at lowest price you can have only in Hakata, is a
characteristic of this area, and young and old flock here together.

In Kushida-jinja Shrine, the tall Kazari-Yamagasa, a luxiously
decorated float is always displayed. The float is constructed
without using even a single nail. It is used in the summer festival,
"Hakata-Gion-Yamagasa." The Oi-Yamagasa, in which one ton of the
float is raced through the streets of Hakata on the shoulders of 26
people, is held in July every year, and its brave dynamism attracts
lots of spectators.

Getting thereFukuoka Airport is1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport,
and 1 hour 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, by plane. Hakata
Station is 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport by the subway. Hakata
station is 4 hours 50 minutes from Tokyo station by the JR Tokaido
and Sanyo Shinkansen Line, and 2 hours 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka
Station.

Nakasu and Tenjin
Nakasu, the busiest street in Kyushu - Tenjin, the cradle of top
fashionNakasu is the busiest street in Kyushu, located in the eastern
part of Fukuoka City, and between the Nakagawa River and the Hakata
River. About 3,500 restaurants standing close together in Nakasu,
street stalls lined along the Nakagawa River, and large-scale
shopping centers such as Hakata Riverain, cooperate with each other
to produce the din and bustle of the amusement district.

Tenjin is a gorgeous area, with the office streets being in harmony
with the shopping streets. Large department stores, boutiques, and
composite multi-function buildings concentrate there. Fashionable
coffee shops, restaurants and everyday goods stores have been
opening one after another.

In the evening, from Haruyoshi-bashi in Nakasu to Daimaru Department
store, or along Showa Street, the street stalls which are the
feature of this district, stand side by side to serve variety of
dishes such as Chinese noodles, oden, tacos, and pizzas to you in a
casual manner. Young or old, men or women, whoever sitting next to
you are your friends. Such an atmosphere is enjoyment at stalls.

Getting thereFukuoka Airport is 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport,
and 1 hour 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport, by plane. Hakata
Station is 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport by subway. Hakata Station
is 4 hours 50 minutes from Tokyo Station by the JR Tokaido and Sanyo
Shinkansen Line, and 2 hours 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station.
Gion Station is 2 minutes, and Tenjin Station is 6 minutes each from
Hakata Station by subway.

Kashii and
Shikanoshima Island
Nakamichi which extends drawing an arch, and the island at the top
of the arch The site where the golden block seal of a national
treasure was lyingShikanoshima is an island, located at the end of the spit,
Umino-Nakamichi, extending long and narrow between the Sea of Genkai
and Hakata Bay. The island is known as the spot where the golden
block seal (stamp), a national treasure, was excavated. It is about
11 kilometers around and connected with Umino-Nakamichi by a bridge.

On the hill commanding the whole view of Hakata Bay, is a spot where
two farmers found the golden seal, which is now laid out as Kin-in
(golden block seal) Park. It is said that about 2000 years ago, Kobu
Emperor of Go-kan, a country in ancient China, granted an envoy from
Japan, a golden block seal, on which words "Kanno-Wano-Nano-Kokuo",
(King of Japan, Chinese colony) were engraved. It can be seen in the
Fukuoka City Museum.

At highest spot in Shikanoshima Island, 176 meters above sea level,
is Shiomi Park, and from the observation platform there, you can get
a fine view of Hakata Bay, the Sea of Genkai, and at night of lights
and illumination of Bay Side Place at Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Dome, and
Fukuoka Tower. You can also get a view there in summer of squid
fishing boats drifting on the waves with a fire lit on it to lure
squids.

In Kashii, in the northeastern part of Fukuoka City, is Kashii-gu
Shrine, whose main shrine is marvelously colored red. In Kashii-en
Flower Garden which extends over the vast site of 100,000 square
meters, facing Hakata Bay, you can enjoy the sights of flowers in
four seasons.

Getting thereFukuoka Airport is 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport,
and 1 hour 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Hakata Station is 5
minutes from Fukuoka Airport by subway. Hakata Station is 4 hours 50
minutes from Tokyo Station by the JR Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen
Line, and 2 hours 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station. Saitozaki
Station is 25 minutes from Hakata Station by the JR Kagoshima Honsen
and Kashii Line.

Chikugo-gawa Hot Spring
Radium Spa Popular Among Spa-visitorsCormorant Fishing Masters
Wearing Black "Kazaori Eboshi" (Cap) and Straw SkirtThe Chikugo-gawa Hot Spring in a southwestern part of Fukuoka is
situated near a mid-stream section of Chikugo-gawa River which runs
through the Chikushi Plain and pours into the Ariake Sea. The spa
together with the Minou mountainous region and the primeval box tree
forests of Mt. Kosho belongs to Chikugo-gawa River Prefectural
Nature Park.

The Chikugo-gawa Hot Spring opened in 1955 is a new hot spring
resort. Its hot water containing radium, a rarity in Japan, is
reportedly helpful in curing neuralgia and rheumatoid diseases and
attracts many spa-visitors - some of them from far away off.

Many inns at this spa resort own Japanese-style houseboats available
for reservation for a cruise on Chikugo-gawa River. From spring to
autumn, the traditional cormorant fishing which dates 1,200 years
back is performed on this river. Masters wearing a traditional black
fold-back cap called "Kazaori Eboshi" and a straw skirt aboard a
boat lit with torches keep a few fish-catching cormorants under
their skillful control. People on hired houseboats watch cormorants
catch a sweetfish under the light of torches, which is reflected in
the water. The cormorant fishing is performed in those parts of the
river near the Harazuru Hot Spring and the Yoshii Hot Spring.
Another spectacle is the grand Chikugo-gawa River Fireworks Display
held in August every year.

Getting thereAn hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport.
An hour 15 Minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Five minutes by subway
from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station. Four hours 50 minutes from
Tokyo Station to Hakata Station by train on the JR Tokaido and Sanyo
Shinkansen Line. Two hours 20 minutes from Shin Osaka Station.
Thirty minutes from Hakata Station to Kurume Station by a Limited
Express on the JR Honsen Kagoshima Line. An hour 20 minutes by bus
from Kurume Station to Chikugo-gawa Eigyosyo bus stop.

Dazaifu
City Famous for Shrine Dedicated to Great ScholarSeat of Regional
Government Approximately 1,300 Years AgoApproximately 1,300 years ago, Dazaifu, the regional government
for entire Kyushu, was situated in present-day Dazaifu positioned in
a central part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Dazaifu, together with Mt.
Homan and Mt. Sangun behind the city belongs to Dazaifu Prefectural
Natural Park. The city abounds in historical sites reminiscent of
the prosperity of Dazaifu in the old days. It is now a tourist spot
representative of Fukuoka.

The Dazaifu-tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to a great scholar in the
olden days, Sugawara Michizane(845-903). When the entrance
examination season comes around, applicants for entrance
examinations and students wishing for a good academic achievement
from all parts of Japan visit the shrine and pray before the altar.
The approach to the shrine is lined with teahouses offering
Umegaemochi, a local-specialty rice-cake which is believed to keep
away illness. The shrine is famous for its "ume" (plum) trees. "Tobiume"
trees which, according to a legend, followed Michizane Sugawara to
Dazaifu from Kyoto, come into bloom before the other plum trees
every year. Homotsu-den, a treasure house containing cultural
properties of national treasure rank is located on the premises.

One hundred ceremonies are conducted at the shrine each year. These
ceremonies include "Onisube", "Usokae" and "Jinkoshiki Taisai",
which is the most important ceremony at this shrine. The "Onobori"
ceremony was designated as a National Intangible Properties.

Getting thereAn hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport.
An hour 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Five minutes by subway
from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station. Four hours 50 minutes from
Tokyo Station to Hakata Station on the JR Tokaido and Sanyo
Shinkansen Line. Two hours 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station.
Thirty minutes from Hakata Station to Tenjin Station on a subway and
from Nishitetsu-Fukuoka Station to Dazaifu Station.

Kita-kyushu
Retrospective District of Moji Port With Old Grand BuildingsA
simulated adventurous space trip of NASAKita-kyushu, located in a northern part of Fukuoka, is the
doorway to Kyshu, opposite to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi across the
Kanmon Strait. While it has developed into the largest
heavy-industry city in Kyushu, Kita-kyushu has many scenic spots
such as the Kanmon Strait, Kanmon-kyo Bridge and Hiraodai noted for
its Sembutsu Limestone Cave, a Natural Monument.

In the early 20th century, Moji was prosperous as the doorway for
trade with Mainland China. Old Western-style buildings reminiscent
of the prosperity in those days, after repair and restoration, are
all present in the retrospective district of the city. Shops,
restaurants, art museums and others have been opened there to turn
the district into a tourist spot representative of Fukuoka. The
Space World, a theme park specializing in space, offers attractions
featuring a simulated adventurous space trip and provides
opportunities for training similar to the one given to NASA
astronauts.

In 1998, Kokura Station was renovated into a multi-purpose station.
The Kita-kyushu Media Dome with many multimedia attractions and
other new places of interest have been constructed while the
Tanka-ichiba Market and the eating places in Torimachi are still
crowded as in the past and Kokura Castle with a long history and a
distinctive character, etc. are retained. Thus things new is
coexistent with things old, making the city very attractive.

Getting thereAn hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport.
An hour15 Minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. An hour 25 minutes by
bus from Fukuoka Airport to Kokura Station. Four hours 32 minutes
from Tokyo Station to Kokura Station by train on the JR Tokaido and
Sanyo Shinkansen Line. Two hours from Shin Osaka Station.

Kurume
Castle Town With Suitengu Shrine Dedicated to God for Easy Birth -
Textiles Town Dating Back to 18th CenturyKurume, in a southwestern part of Fukuoka, lies in the Chikushi
Plain surrounded by the Minou mountain range, with Chikugo-gawa
River running through the plain. There are many old temples and
shrines including Suitengu shrine dedicated to the God of Water and
the God for Easy Birth worshiped by the public and the Bairin-ji
Temple noted for its plum trees.

Kurume is well known for its Kurume Gasuri, a fabric with splashed
patterns, which is an Important National Intangible Properties and a
Traditional Craft Product. Kurume Gasuri is a cotton fabric with
white splashed patterns on the dark blue background. It is believed
that Kurume Gasuri was originated in the latter part of the 18th
century. It was warmly accepted throughout Japan as the material for
casual working clothes for the common people. Rantai lacquer ware is
also a product indigenous to Kurume. This is traditional bamboo ware
woven from bamboo grown in the area and coated repeatedly with
lacquer. The bamboo ware is available in about 1,000 varieties
ranging from chopsticks to chairs. Tourists can inspect the
production process for each of these items.

The Kurume azalea, which is the flower of the city, is adored by
people in Japan and overseas. Kurume azalea in Kurume Forest
Tsutsuji Park, World Azalea Center of Kurume and other spots in the
city are in bloom from late April to mid-May.

Getting thereAn hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka
Airport. An hour and 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Five
minutes by subway from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station. Four hours
and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station by train on the
JR Tokaido- Sanyo Shinkansen and Shinkansen Line. Two hours and 20
minutes from Shin-Osaka. Thirty-five minutes from Hakata Station to
Kurume Station by a Rapid Train on the JR Main Kagoshima Line.

Waterfront
The Fukuoka tower covered with 8000 pieces of half-reflecting
mirror.A gigantic aquarium keeping some 1200 fishes.The Waterfront is located alongside Hakata Bay, extending
between the Chikkou ramp way and the Momochi ramp way of the Toshi
Expressway. The site is an amusement theme park filled with
futuristic architecture, which is divided into several zones such as
the Seaside Momochi, the Hawks Town, the Bayside Place Hakata Pier.

At the Seaside Momochi, a futuristic city space zone, the 234 m tall
Fukuoka Tower is covered with 8000 pieces of half-reflecting mirror,
illuminated in all kinds of colors depending on the season. There is
a coffee shop atop the tower overlooking the city of Fukuoka and
Hakata Bay. You can enjoy a 360 degree, panoramic view from the tea
room. The Hawks Town, centered around the swivel-roofed all-weather
ball park, is basically catering facilities for visitors'
convenience.

A variety of shops, elegant restaurants serving Japanese, European
or Chinese cuisine and cozy cafeterias are lined up side by side for
your selection. The Bayside Place Hakata Pier is the marine terminal
for the regular service ferries for Tsushima island, and also for
chartered cruise boats. Inside the fashionable terminal building are
many restaurants and boutiques and, above all, the gigantic 8 m tall
"Aquarium", which keeps some 1200 fishes, attracts the attention of
the visitors. In the evening, a bayside show takes place, using
fountains and laser beams. Visitors from every corner of the country
never miss it.

Getting thereAn hour 45 minutes flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport or 1 hour 15
minutes flight from Osaka Itami Airport to Fukuoka Airport, then 17
minutes from Fukuoka Airport to Tojinmachi Station and 19 minutes to
Nishijin Station, both by subway. Four hours 50 minutes ride from
Tokyo Station and 2 hours 20 minutes ride from Shin-Osaka Station to
Hakata Station by JR Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Line, then 11
minutes from Fukuoka Station to Tojinmachi Station, or 13 minutes to
Nishijin Station, both by subway.

Yanagawa
Riverside District Near Mouth of Chikugo-gawa River - Old Town
Scenes Viewed from "Donko" Boat on Downstream CruiseYanagawa in a southwestern part of Fukuoka lies in the riverside
district near the mouth of Chikugo-gawa River pouring into the
Ariake Sea. Cruise on a poled boat called "Donko" down the river is
the chief attraction of this old castle town. The boat goes through
the canal around the old Yanagawa Castle, in which willow trees on
its banks are reflected. As the boat slowly goes downstream, the
passengers can enjoy a view of red brick warehouses of the early
20th century and traditional Japanese-style storehouses with "Namako"
walls. The cruise takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The boatman's
masterly use of his pole is a sight to see. He addresses to the
passengers from time to time, making a brief explanation of every
notable sight on the way. The boat service is available all the year
round. Blue flags, irises, cosmoses or other flowers of the season
please the eyes of the passengers. In winter, braziers called
"hibachi" are placed on the boat. The passengers can warm their
hands over them.

Boats for clam-digging or sightseeing are put in service on the
Ariake Sea. Boats for clam-digging are in service from early spring
to early autumn. These boats go 2 to 4 km offshore. After the tide
ebbs, the passenger get down to the tideland and dig out "asari"
clams and ark shells. Sightseeing boats are in daily service, going
on a cruise for approximately 3 hours at high tide. All these rely
on the nature's resources in the Ariake Sea.

Getting thereAn hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka
Airport. An hour and 15 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Five
minutes by subway from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station. Four hours
and 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station by train on the
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line. Two hours and 20 minutes from
Shin-Osaka Station. Forty-eight minutes from Hakata Station to
Tenjin Subway Station, to Fukuoka Station of the Nishitetsu Railway
Limited Express and then to Yanagawa Station.