Things to Do in

Ohori Park 810-0051 , Fukuoka Phone: +81 92-741-2004 Hours: Art Museum 9:30am-5:30pm, Closed Sun; Japanese Garden 9am-5pm daily Admission: Art Museum – 200 yen; Japanese Garden – 240 yen

Ōhori Park (大濠公園 Ōhori-kōen) is a pleasant city park in central Fukuoka with a large pond at its center. There is a walking path around the circumference of the pond that is just a little over two kilometers long and is popular for jogging and leisurely strolls by the water. Ohori is Japanese for moat, and the pond at the center of the park once served as part of the moat system of the neighboring Fukuoka Castle. The park was constructed between 1926 and 1929 and designed after the classical garden style of the West Lake in China. There are three islands in the middle of the pond that are connected to the mainland and each other by elegant stone bridges.

Fukuoka Castle Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Phone: +81 92-711-4666 Hours: Always Open Admission: Free

The ruins of Fukuoka Castle (福岡城跡, Fukuokajoato) are located in the middle of the city in Maizuru Park, named after the castle's alias, Maizuru Castle. During the (1603-1867), Fukuoka Castle used to be the largest castle on Kyushu, but it was almost completely torn down after the Restoration as an unwanted symbol of the feudal past. Nowadays only ruined walls and a few turrets remain, and the park attracts visitors with walking trails and a few lookout points. Fukuoka Castle was built in the beginning of the 17th century by , who was appointed lord of the surrounding Chikuzen feudal domain (part of today's Fukuoka Prefecture) for his support of during the . The Kuroda clan ruled from the castle for more than two centuries until the abolition of the feudal system in 1870. Among the few surviving or constructed castle building are some gates and guard towards, scattered across the castle grounds. Part of the moat system also remain, most noticeably on Maizuru Park’s northern border and in form of the large lake at the center of the neighboring Ohori Park.

Fukuoka Ancient Art Museum 7th & 8th Fl., Riverain Centre Bldg., 3-1 Shimo-Kawabata-machi, Tokyo Phone: 81-92-263-1100 Hours: Thur-Tue 10:00am-8:00pm Admission: adult/child/student ¥200/free/¥150 Getting There: train to Nakasu-Kawabata http://faam.city.fukuoka.lg.jp

The Museum is near Fukuoka Castle. On the upper floors of the large Hakata Riverain Centre (博多リバ レイン), this large museum houses the world-renowned Asia Gallery and additional galleries for special exhibits (admission fee varies) and artists in residence. Changing exhibits cover contemporary works from 23 countries, from East Asia to Pakistan.

More information can be found at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com and http://www.japan-guide.com Things to Do in Fukuoka, page 2 of 3 Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan 6-10 Reisen-machi Phone: 81-92-281-7761 Hours: Daily 10:00am-6:00pm Admission: ¥200 www.hakatamachiya.com Spread over three machiya (traditional townhouses), this folk museum recreates a Hakata nagare (neighbourhood unit) from the late Meiji era. The replica buildings house historical photos and displays of traditional Hakata culture, festivals, crafts and performing arts, as well as recordings of impenetrable Hakata-ben (dialect). Artisans are frequently on hand offering demonstrations.

Shokuku-ji Temple 6-1 Gokusho-machi Getting There: train to Gion Shōfuku-ji is a Zen temple founded in 1195 by Eisai, who introduced Zen and tea to Japan; the nation's first tea plants are said to have been planted here. Note: its buildings are closed to the public, but tree-lined stone paths make a nice ramble.

Tocho-ji Temple 2-4 Gokusho-machi Getting There: train to Gion Hours: 4pm-10pm

Tōchō-ji has Japan's largest wooden Buddha (10.8m high, 30 tonnes, created in 1992) and some impressively carved Kannon (goddess of mercy) statues. The temple is said to date from AD 806 and to have been founded by Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism.

Seaside Momochi Seaside Momochi (シーサイドももち, Shisaido Momochi) is Fukuoka's modern waterfront located on reclaimed land along . The area was originally developed as the site of the 1989 Asia Pacific Expo and was designed with attractive, modern features such as wide, tree lined streets, futuristic buildings, public parks and no phone or electricity lines above ground. Seaside Momochi is home to several attractive amusements including beaches, museums and a variety of shopping and dining options. The main attractions are centered around Fukuoka Tower and the Hawks Town entertainment complex, which are located about one kilometer apart.

Fukuoka Tower 2-3-26 Momochi-hama Hours: Daily 9:30am-10:00pm Admission: adult/child/student & senior ¥800/200/500 www.fukuokatower.co.jp Standing above the Momochi district is the 234m-tall Fukuoka Tower, a symbol of the city and mostly hollow (its main purpose is as a broadcast tower). There's an observation deck at 123m and a cafe for soaking up the views, especially at dusk. Ask for the foreigner discount. While you're in the area, drop into Robosquare nearby.

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Things to Do in Fukuoka, page 3 of 3 Canal City Hakata 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka Phone: +81 92-282-2525 Hours: Daily 10am-9pm www.canalcity.co.jp

Canal City shopping center is Fukuoka's biggest mall, boasting an eponymous artificial canal with illuminated fountain symphony, hotels, a multiplex cinema, playhouse and about 250 boutiques, bars and bistros. It was designed by Jon Jerde, who later created Tokyo's Roppongi Hills.

Food Stalls (Yatai) Located throughout the city center Fukuoka's open air food stands (屋台, Yatai) are possibly the city's best known symbol. Yatai can generally seat about seven or eight people and provide an atmospheric outdoor environment to enjoy various foods that are generally simple and filling. There are over 150 yatai scattered across Fukuoka but the best place to find them is on the southern end of Nakasu Island. Located in the middle of the city, Nakasu Island has a long row of around 20 yatai that are attractively situated along the water. Typical dishes enjoyed at yatai are grilled chicken skewers (yakitori), hot pot (oden) and most famously Hakata Ramen, a local noodle dish featuring relatively thin ramen noodles in a pork bone based soup (tonkotsu). Various alcoholic drinks are also available, and help make the yatai a great place to get in touch with the locals, although many of the "locals" happen to be Japanese tourists visiting Fukuoka from other parts of Japan. Yatai are typically open from around 6pm to around 2am, except when the weather is very bad. Many stands close one day of the week. The closure day varies from stand to stand, but is often Sunday. There can be waiting times for popular stands, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

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