Planning a trip to Fukuoka in 2025, Japafans? If so, you definitely need to check out some of the top tourist attractions in the area.
Fukuoka is the economic and cultural hub of Japan’s Kyushu region. Aside from Mojiko Port—operating since the Meiji and Taisho eras—the city is also home to the famous Tenmangu Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to the deified scholar Sugawara no Michizane.
Fukuoka also stands out for its mouthwatering cuisine, including Hakata ramen and spicy cod roe (mentaiko).
Today, let’s explore some of the most popular tourist attractions in Fukuoka Prefecture for 2025 to make your cultural and culinary adventure in Japan truly unforgettable!
1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is deeply connected to Japan’s Reiwa era and is well known among Japanese students.
The shrine honors Sugawara no Michizane, once regarded as one of Japan’s “Three Great Vengeful Spirits.” After being wrongfully accused and dying in misery, people deified him to calm his spirit, and he has since been worshipped at this shrine.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine among over 12,000 Tenmangu Shrines across Japan.
The shrine grounds feature around 6,000 plum trees that bloom every February. According to legend, an elderly woman planted them out of sympathy for Michizane, who loved plum rice cakes.
Location Information
- Name: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- Address: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0117, Japan
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
2. Totoro Forest in Itoshima
This mystical forest on Itoshima Island, Fukuoka Prefecture, is known for its striking resemblance to the one in My Neighbor Totoro, the beloved film by Studio Ghibli. Because of the visual similarity, the site earned the nickname “Totoro Forest.”
After walking through a tunnel of lush greenery, you’ll reach a scenic lookout point about 10 minutes in—perfect for enjoying breathtaking views of the island.
Location Information
- Name: Totoro Forest in Itoshima
- Address: Shimakeya, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1335, Japan
Read:
5 Must-Visit Okinawa Tourist Attractions in 2025!
3. Yanagawa
With narrow canals lined by willow trees, Yanagawa has earned its name and fame as a “water town.” These canals date back to the Kamakura period and were further developed during the Edo era, turning them into one of the region’s top attractions.
Besides its charming scenery, Yanagawa is also the birthplace of renowned Japanese poet Kitahara Hakushu.
You can visit a museum that offers an immersive literary experience, and don’t miss out on tasting the area’s signature dish—steamed eel, a must-try delicacy in Fukuoka!
Location Information
- Name: Yanagawa
- Address: Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
4. Miyajidake Shrine
Miyajidake Shrine is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic tourist spots, famous for two major reasons. First, during February and October, visitors can witness a breathtaking “Path of Light” that stretches from the shrine straight to the setting sun over Ainoshima Island—a dreamlike view.
Second, the shrine holds three national records: Japan’s largest bronze bell weighing 450 kg, the biggest taiko drum made from cowhide, and the largest sacred straw rope (shimenawa) with a diameter of 2.6 meters, length of 11 meters, and a weight of 3 tons. It reportedly takes 1,500 people every year just to hang the rope!
Location Information
- Name: Miyajidake Shrine
- Address: 7-1 Miyaji Motomachi, Fukutsu, Fukuoka 811-3309, Japan
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5. Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Spanning around 3,000 tsubo (approximately 10,000 square meters), Kawachi Wisteria Garden features over a million wisteria blossoms from 22 varieties, creating a breathtaking floral landscape.
From April to May each year, visitors flock to see the enchanting wisteria tunnels, which bathe Kitakyushu in shades of purple and white.
Besides the spring blooms, the garden also showcases vibrant autumn foliage from November to December, offering a completely different but equally magical experience.
Location Information
Name: Kawachi Wisteria Garden
- Address: 2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Those are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Fukuoka Prefecture for 2025. Which one do you want to visit first, Japafans?
