Attractions Nearby Fukuoka, Day Trips and Excursions

(Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan)

The surrounding area of Fukuoka is a true paradise for surfers, with stunning coastlines and beach attractions located in both Iwaya (north) and Itoshima (west). Other appealing attractions near to Fukuoka include scenic mountainous regions, where a number of superb golf courses are to be found, while for city lovers, the charms of Nagasaki are just waiting to be experienced.

Many other city attractions are located close to the city of Fukuoka and can be found within both Kumamoto and Kurume, while smaller towns include Dazaifu, Futsukaichi Onsen, and Karatsu, where Japanese temples, shrines and potteries are all to be found and worth searching out. The best attractions nearby Fukuoka are as follows.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a prominent and rather vibrant city located to the south of Fukuoka, with a population of more than 400,000 inhabitants. Whilst Nagasaki suffered a number of tragic events during WWII, the city soon bounced back and today its many attractions include excellent museums, renowned food and areas of true natural beauty, all worthy of at least a few days.

Kumamoto

Within reach of Fukuoka and a popular excursion by many visitors staying in this part of Japan, Kumamoto is famous for being home to one of the country's most magnificent castles, the Kumamoto-Jo. Other attractions in Kumamoto include the strolling garden of Suizenji-Koen, the Honmyo-ji temple of Kato Kiyomasa, a good selection of restaurants and an especially active nightclub scene. Kumamoto is a large city with a population approaching 700,000 people.

Futsukaichi Onsen

A short distance to the south-east of Fukuoka, Futsukaichi Onsen is a small and fairly unassuming town, most famous for its hot springs. The public baths in Futsukaichi Onsen are clustered along the main street, close to the JR Futsukaichi Station.

Dazaifu

A medium-sized town just a few miles south-east of Fukuoka, Dazaifu has a population of around 70,000 and a number of appealing attractions, which come in the form of temples, shrines and ruins.

To explore the main sights of Dazaifu, allow around half a day, which should be ample time.

Kurume

South-east of Fukuoka and directly south of Dazaifu you will find the bustling city of Kurume and its population of 310,000 locals. With colourful died textiles, a range of pieces made from bamboo, and pottery from many nearby towns, Kurume is especially famous for its 'jika-tabi' boots and thriving rubber industry. Of particular interest in Kurume are the attractions of the Narita-san temple and its enormous 'Goddess of Mercy' statue, and the Ishibashi Museum of Art, which is close to the Nishitetsu-Kurume train station.

Karatsu

One of the country's most highly acclaimed pottery towns, Karatsu is sited to the south-west of Fukuoka and stands on the coastline. The 'yakimono' ceramics have been produced in Karatsu for many years and vary greatly in price, while other attractions include traditional Japanese gardens, the centrally located temple of Karatsu-jinja and the Hikiyama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.