Fukuoka Things to Do

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I don't normally care much for going up towers for the view, but it was a bright, clear day when I happened to be in the area, so I thought, why not?

At 234 metres, the Fukuoka Tower is billed as the tallest seaside tower in Japan (though I'm not sure how many other seaside towers there are as competition) and is the symbol of Fukuoka. The Tower was completed in 1989, having taken 14 months to build at a cost of 6 billion yen, and is supposed to be designed to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes (the strongest earthquake recorded to date in Fukuoka is magnitude 6).

Entrance costs 800 yen, but we got a 20% discount and free postcard by showing the voucher on my 'Fukuoka Now' map (so it cost us the equivalent of about 5 GB pounds each, which is not too bad).

At ground level, you can look up and see the hollow central shaft above. The lift to the 5th floor observation deck (123m above ground) takes about 70 seconds. There is an excellent view from this deck, and plenty of information boards to identify landmarks.

On leaving the observation deck, you go down one level of stairs to the 4th floor lounge, where you can buy drinks. On the third floor level is the ' lovers' sanctuary', where you can hang a 'love key' (purchased from the ticket counter' to ensure that your love will last forever. We skipped this bit and went back down in the lift for a celebratory ice-cream!

Note: You can buy ice cream in Seven-Eleven shop on the ground floor, but there is a Kita Kitsune Ice Cream shop just outside in the Square, as we discovered too late.

If you arrive in Fukuoka by train, visit the Tourist Information desk on your way out of the station and pick up a free Fukuoka Now map. This street map shows the location of hotels, things to do and subway routes, and includes some vouchers (e.g. 20% off admission to the Fukuoka Tower)

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According to legend, this temple was founded in 806 by Kukai on his return from T'ang (China). The principal object of worship in the temple is a statue of a thousand-armed Kannon. In 1992 the 'Fukuoka Giant Buddha' was installed here.

In the temple grounds are the graves of the Fukuoka feudal lords, including Tadayaki, the second lord, from the Kuroda family (Edo period).

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Canal City is a retail and leisure complex in the Hakata part of the city. As well as a large shopping mall with 200 shops (I even spotted a Laura Ashley), there is also a theatre and cinema and 50 restaurants and cafes, including 'Ramen Stadium' where you can try the local noodles.

There are supposed to be spectacular fountain displays, but I think we visited too early in the day to see them.

Shops are open 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. and restaurants 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Whilst exploring the complex, we encountered a friendly robot.

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The ruins of Fukuoka Castle can be found in Maizuru Park, next to Ohori Park. Only ruined walls remain. There is no charge for admission. There are lots of cherry trees in the park, though we were a little late for the best of the cherry blossom.

Information boards in four languages (including English) explain each part of the ruins. The board in the picture (picture 2) describes the ruins of Matsunokizaka-Gomon Gate in Sannomaru (the third ring of fortifications). The Sannomaru area housed residences of the chief retainers of the feudal lord.

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I always like to spend some time in a park in any city I visit.

Ohori Park in Fukuoka is very attractive. The park opened in 1929, and is largely occupied by a large lake, with paths round the edge and a series of islands in the middle linked by bridges. You can hire a swan boat to take out on the lake if you wish.

For refreshments there is a Starbucks (if you really must), a vending machine area, and a cafe where you can get a light lunch.

To the south is the Japanese Garden. Unfortunately I was not able to visit this, or the adjacent City Art Museum as they were closed on Mondays (in common with many museums and attractions in Japan).

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Momichi is a modern man-made beach area with a boardwalk and artificial beach. The Italian-styled Marizon complex contains cafes, shops and the terminal for the ferry to Marine World Uminonakamichi (15 minute ferry ride) as well as a wedding venue. It reminded me slightly of Portmeirion in Wales, with the artificial Italian architecture.

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At the Momochi seaside park there are three wind turbines. Inside the nearby beach house (a building with toilets and a range of refreshment vending machines) you can use the power generated by the turbine to charge up your mobile, including iPhones.