Fukuoka: Hakozaki Shrine, War Monument, & Tower Walk Tour

Begin your tour at Hakozaki Hachiman Shrine, home to the largest shrine bell in Japan. At 4 meters high, 3.4 meters wide, and weighing 5 tons, it's an impressive sight that demands to be rung. It's reportedly the best shrine in Japan to make a wish for luck or height. Look out for the posts to measure how tall you are.

Admire beautiful statues of cranes, a reminder of Izumi's importance as a migratory ground, flanking the path to the torii gate and throughout the grounds. There is also a line of torii gates in rich vermillion, similar to the famous torii gate tunnels of Kyoto.

Next, visit a silver replica of the gold bell. Inside it are ancient face masks and Japan's smallest shrine bell, which measures only 2mm across. Pick up the magnifying glass to help you spot it.

Then, move to the Fukuoka War Damage Reconstruction Monument, which commemorates the reconstruction of Fukuoka after the devastating air raids of World War II, specifically the 1945 attacks. The monument was erected in 1982, marking the 20th anniversary of the reconstruction efforts. It stands as a symbol of the city's resilience and its recovery from the destruction of the war.

Finally, head to Fukuoka Tower, a 234-meter-tall tower located in the Momochihama area of Fukuoka, Japan. It is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. The highest observation deck at 123 meters has a 360° view of the surrounding area, being most visited at sunset. and back again.