Head to Ohori Koen, Fukuoka’s premiere city park, to spend a lazy—or aspiring—day at any time of year. This nationally designated place of scenic beauty dates from 1929. It combines urban and natural settings with practical artistry, winding a 2km running, cycling, and walking course around a picturesque lake.
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Not far from Tenjin (central Fukuoka City) is one of Kyushu’s most prominent cherry blossom viewing spots. It’s a central hub for anthophiles and nature lovers with a huge display of flowers and plants. The park also has an athletic field, sports facilities and is nearby Ohori Park and Fukuoka City Art Museum. The park hosts Fukuoka Castle which is an immense structure brimming with history and significance. Additionally kokoran (an ancient guest house for foreign diplomats) was found in the park in 1987 and cements Fukuoka's reputation as an important destination and port for international relations throughout the ages.
Fukuoka Tower is a 234 meter tall tower located on the shores of Hakata Bay making it the tallest seaside tower of Japan. The tower is featured in the movie "Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla" from 1994.
Sumo is the national sport of Japan and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the nation. Fukuoka Kokusai Center is to Fukuoka what the Ryogoku Kokugikan is to Tokyo. The center of Kyushu’s sumo activity with annual tournaments (November) taking place with thousands of fans packing the arena. Only 10 minutes from Hakata Station, the Fukuoka Kokusai Center can hold a whopping 10,000 people and has a total size of 10,000 m. Made up of 2 separate buildings space regularly holds concerts and has attracted artists such as Japanese superstars gyaru Koda Kumi and Ayumi Hamasaki. Domestic and international sporting events are also hosted and in 2006 held the Volleyball World Championships. One point to remember is that the Fukuoka Kokusai Center is not open to the public on non-event days but if you do happen to find yourself nearby then try out the Bayside Place Hakata shopping center and event the Minato Onsen hot spring if you fancy a plunge into healing and very hot water!