Continuing from Part I of my Kyushu adventure (the article introducing the Hankyu Ferry), in Part II, I will introduce you to the first prefecture of the Kyushu region: Fukuoka. Fukuoka is Japan's fifth-largest prefecture, with its western and northern regions bordering the sea, and its eastern and southern areas bordered by mountains, which meet Kumamoto. Because of this, Fukuoka boasts incredibly diverse landscapes, from coastal areas and mountains to bustling cities. Today, let’s explore what you can visit in Fukuoka in just one day!
- Hakata City
Hakata is the most vibrant city in Fukuoka, with numerous shopping malls and dining spots offering views of the modern cityscape. This city serves as a hub for travelers heading to other prefectures in Fukuoka, as it is home to the international airport, domestic airport, and Shinkansen station. Therefore, starting your one-day exploration of Fukuoka here would be the most logical choice.
The place I chose to visit and take photos today is CANAL CITY HAKATA, a complex offering a variety of entertainment services, including shopping, dining, movies, and captivating water fountain shows.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bqeZxJgd1EPKV4S2A
The buildings here have a very unique and eye-catching design. The shopping mall area is shaped like a large sphere, with striking blue and red tones that add to its appeal.
This building reminds me of Namba Park, a park, shopping mall, and entertainment center in Osaka, where the buildings are designed in a beautiful arc shape.
The next location I explored is just about 20 km from Hakata, but in complete contrast to the modernity of Hakata, it's a deeply spiritual and peaceful temple – Nanzoin Temple.
2. Nanzoin Temple.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u6vuXAVUFnEJQz9G8
Just a 30-minute train ride from Hakata Station, Nanzoin is a famous Buddhist temple home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.
This temple has a history of over 1,000 years. Originally located on Mount Koyasan in Wakayama, it was moved to its current location in the late 19th century due to political reasons. (You can also read my article "Koyasan - The Buddhist Sacred Site of Japan" on my blog to learn more about the spiritual temples there).
This statue is made of bronze, about 41 meters long and 11 meters high, and is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.
Below the reclining Buddha statue are hundreds of statues of other Buddhas.
The Buddha statue is also sculpted with many extremely meticulous details.
The two lenses I used today were the GF110 and GF45 (equivalent to 85mm and 35mm on a full-frame camera system). If possible, it’s recommended to bring wider lenses to capture the entire Buddha statue.
And the final destination of my Fukuoka exploration day is an incredibly beautiful beach in western Fukuoka, about 60 km or a 1-hour drive from Nanzoin Temple.
3. Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgzD9Muue194ezve6
The Sakurai Futamigaura rocks, also known as Meoto Iwa in Sakurai, are two large rocks standing side by side in the sea, connected by a sacred Shinto rope called shimenawa.
The two rocks are considered a symbol of harmony between man and woman, representing a harmonious relationship between husband and wife. In Shinto, they are believed to hold spiritual significance, with the shimenawa rope symbolizing the boundary between the sacred and the profane.
The seawater here is also very clear and cool, with a swimming beach located about 300 meters away.
I arrived here around 3 p.m., and the intense sunlight created sparkling streaks on the surface of the sea, making it look very shimmering and magical. 😀
Despite it being the hottest time of the year, many couples still visit here to take photos and pray for blessings for their relationship.
The scene of a girl trying to take a photo of her boyfriend with the two rocks behind him was so cute! 😀
This is also my favorite scene, as it captures the best of this area: the clear blue sea, the golden sand, the two rocks, and the sacred Torii gate.
And finally, let's see the photos I took at this beach.
After exploring and taking photos here, I headed to a homestay in Kumamoto to continue my Kyushu discovery journey on the second day. On the way, I passed by an adorable milk tea shop, just about 5 km from the beach, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to stop and take photos. If you have more time, you might want to try visiting it.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2dFhpzGeUfTraZE6
And that’s my entire Fukuoka exploration itinerary for one day. I will continue my journey to Kumamoto and start the second day of exploring Kyushu in this beautiful city. Stay tuned for my next articles about the prefectures of Kyushu. Thank you for reading until the end of the article.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram ( travel.w.minh_photo ) or subscribe to receive notifications whenever I post a new article.
***************************************************************************************************************
Discover our helpful services in Japan:
- Taking photos of individuals, couples, and families in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara: See more HERE
- Plan and schedule your trip to Japan: See more HERE
- eSim data, pocket wifi travel in Japan: See more HERE
***************************************************************************************************************
*** Please read the requirements carefully Copyright & Collaboration before copying or quoting blog content and images. Thank you.