Fukuoka’s vibrant culture and stunning shrines and temples might leave you at a loss of words. But here are a few: Beautiful. Mystical. Peaceful. Majestic. Modern. Contemporary. You could certainly use all these words to describe the paradise of Fukuoka. This Japanese city is definitely worthy of that title. Fukuoka is not so modern as to risk losing its rich heritage, nor is it extremely ancient and outdated. The city is one of the largest in Japan and boasts of having abundant modern attractions similar to other popular cities in the country. Moreover, the city is close to other popular tourist hotspots, making it easily accessible for those who like multi-city traveling. For instance, a flight from Hong Kong to Fukuoka via Taipei would take you approximately seven hours, which is quite manageable even on a tight schedule.
Fukuoka is also famous for being a major cultural center in Japan. You can experience Its rich heritage, dating back thousands of years, portrayed in a number of ways throughout the city. From historic buildings and museums to colorful festivals and tantalizing cuisine, there are many ways you can infuse yourself with Fukuoka’s vibrant culture. The city hosts countless art galleries, museums, theaters, and eateries, making it an ideal location for a vacation. Let me show you the best of it!
Fukuoka’s Vibrant Culture in Festivals
The people of Fukuoka have remained true to their culture over the years, maintaining festivals and celebrations that are paramount to them. These provide a great avenue for tourists to experience and learn about Fukuoka’s cultural heritage. Here are some of the most popular and exciting festivals that take place in this marvelous land:
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
This festival is held in the first two weeks of July each year and attracts more than a million spectators from around the world. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is believed to have been in existence for close to a millennium. The main focus of the festival is praying for good health and prosperity. The festival also features races of teams carrying heavy floats around the city.
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Fukuoka city hosts this festival every year on the 3rd and 4th of May. More than two million people come to witness and be a part of the festivities each year. During the two-day celebration, there are more than 30 stages erected, and parades are held all over the city. In addition, on the first night of the festival, Miss Fukuoka will be selected and crowned in front of the whole city.
Fukuoka’s Religious Sites
The city’s rich religious background is intertwined with Fukuoka’s vibrant culture. Some of the earliest records of religion have been kept to this day. Shrines, temples, and statues of deities are part and parcel of the city’s MO. Visiting these religious sites will give you a great overview of the moral compass that guides the people of Fukuoka. Here are some of the more prominent religious sites that are worth a visit:
Kushida-Jinja Shrine
This is the oldest and perhaps the most famous Shinto shrines in the whole of Japan. It is best known as the shrine that hosts the Hakata Gion Yamasaka festival every year. The iconic shrine was constructed in 757 AD and contains many unique aspects including amazing sculptures of the Chinese zodiac.
THE Nanzoin Temple
Nanzoin Temple is one of the most important and most visited temples in the city. It’s located a few kilometers east of Fukuoka and receives more than a million pilgrims and visitors each year. The highlight of the temple is the giant reclining Buddha in its compound. The giant statue is longer than Statue of Liberty is tall!
Dazaifu Tenman-gu
More than seven million people make their way to this shrine every year. Dedicated to the god of learning, Tenjin, people come from far and wide to seek divine intervention on their academics. The shrine sits on a 3,000-acre piece of land and was originally constructed in 903 AD. Since then, it has undergone reconstruction multiple times, the most recent one in 1591.
These are just a few of the things that can connect you to Fukuoka’s vibrant culture. However, these are also the ones most likely to get you up close and personal with the people behind the scenes. Moreover, this beautiful city has a magnificent and infectious vibe that is sure to have you yearning for a second or even third visit.
Japan is such a great place to visit!