History of Fukuoka 福岡の歴史
Fukuoka is one of Japan’s oldest cities. In 500 BC, rice farming was introduced to Kyushu, while the earliest agricultural evidence was found in Yayoi-era village of Itazuke in Fukuoka. When Japan was under the control of the Nara and Heian era, Fukuoka remain to be an important spot for trade and travel. Famous historical sightseeing spots includes Shofukuji Temple, Fukuoka castle ruins, Dazaifu and Fukuoka castle ruins.
Dazaifu Tenmangu 大宰府天満宮
Dazaifu Tenmangu , one of the main shrines dedicated to Tenjin. Tenmangu shrines are dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, who was a scholar and political during the Heian Period. Michizane passed away in Dazaifu in 903, while the Dazaifu Tenmangu was built in the site of his grave.
Access information: A 5 minute walk from Dazaifu Station which is a terminal station of the Dazaifu line off the Nishitetsu's main line.
A 25-40 minutes ride from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station to Dazaifu (390 yen)
Opening time:
Main hall: 6:00-19:00
6:00- 20:00 (June to August)
6:30 to 19:00(Winter)
Fees: Free
Link to homepage: http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en
More information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4851.html
Kokura Castle 小倉城
The history of Kokura Castle could be traced back to the Mori family, who built the castle in 1569 though the actual date in which the castle was built is still unknown. The Castle was later burned down in 1865 in a war between the Kokura and Choshu clans. The castle was rebuilt in 1959, while the burnt down portion of the castle was never rebuilt. Stone castle walls as well as 8 gates could still be seen today.
Access information : 15 minute walk from Kokura Station
10 minute walk from Nishi Kokura Station
Opening hours: 8:45-21:00 everyday
Vehicle entrance: 200 yen for the first hour and 150 for each 30 minutes
Link to homepage:http://www.kid.ne.jp/kokurajou/html/e_index.html
Fukuoka's culture
There are over 80 festivals held in Fukuoka each year. These festivals include the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, the liveliest festival in Japan, the 700 year old Hakata Gion Yamakasa, and the Asian Month. Also, in the city, open air food stands called the Yatai(屋台）could been seen as 150 of them scatter around the city.
Link to calender of all festivals(お祭り） held in Fukuoka:
http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/shicho/koho/charm/festival.html#2
Fukuoka Panorama:
http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/promo/photo/book7.html
Hakata Gion Yamakasa 博多祇園山笠
This festival is held in Hakata city by Kushida Shrine from July 1st to 15th. It is a Japanese festival that has been celebrated for more than 750 years. On these days, men will be carrying Yamakasa, a 1-ton float decorated for this festival and race through the city at full speed. Carrying of the Yamakasa begin on July 10th, which the excitement of the citizens reaches its peak on the 15th.
For more information please visit:
http://www.hakatayamakasa.com/index.php
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/hakatagionyamakasa.html
Yatai(屋台）
Yatais' are a opening air food stand that serves as Fukuoka's symbol. Yatai can usually serve 7-8 guests while foreigners can experience local and simple Japanese food. Typical dishes includes the famous Hakata Noodles( 博多ラーメン）, grilled chicken skewers , hot pot and many others. There are more than 150 Yatais' around Fukuoka, and the best place to find them is on Nakasu Island.
Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum
博多町家ふるさと館
The museum emcompasses aspects that includes the life and culture of people who lived in the Meji and Taisho eras. Traditional arts and craft are displayed, traditional architecture.
Access Information: A 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Hakata city.
Opening hours:
10:00am-6:00pm (doors close at 5:30pm)
Admission Fee: 200 yen
Link to homepage: http://www.hakatamachiya.com/english/
Fukuoka Castle Ruins 福岡城
During the Edo period, Fukuoka castle is the largest castle in Kyushu, however, it was almost completely destroyed after the Meji Restoration. Nowadays, visitors are able to walk around the castle walls while cherry blossoms occur between late march and early April.
Access information: A 10 to 15 minute walk from Ohori Koen Subway station
Opening time: Always
Fees:Free
More information:http://www.japanese-castle-explorer.com/castle_profile.html?name=Fukuoka
Mojiko 門司港
Mojiko is the oldest railway station in Kyushu. Most of the buildings near the statation are built during the Meji Era and the Taisho Era. Historical museums and art galleries can also be found near the station.When visitng Mojiko, visitors can also look over the Kanmon Strait, where many important historical events had occured.
Link to homepage: http://www.en.mojiko.info/
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is held annually on May 3rd and 4th to celebrate New Year. It dates back to 1176 where merchants organized parades to honor their lords. On this particular day, citizens would dress up in traditional clothes while children sing the festival chant"iitate".
For more information please visit:
http://fukuoka-now.com/feature/hakata-dontaku-port-festival-2/
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/hakatadontaku.html
