< Previous90 Text by Natasha P Fukuoka is armed with diverse attractions that appeal to every interest whether pristine nature or history, temples or culture, shopping and children-friendly spaces, not to forget the irresistible food culture! Visitors to Fukuoka should pay a visit to Miyajidake Shrine which is home to three sacred objects, each the largest of its kind in Japan, that are referred to by locals as “Japan’s Best Three”. One is a shimenawa (Shinto weaving rope) with a diameter of 2.5 metres, length of 13.5 metre and weight of 5 tonnes. Its taiko drum is also the largest one in Japan with a diameter of 2.2 metres, the drum made out of local Hinoki wood and the leather of a special quality. Last but not least is a copper bell weighing 450 kilogrammes, currently on display at a special bell tower. The edible delights of Fukuoka are second to none, and it is the yatai (street stands) which draw in many food lovers. The charm lies in the small wooden food stands with a simple counter bar dividing the cook and cooking equipment from diners, of which a maximum of 6-7 can be seated. Popular foods found at yatai are oden, kyoza, yakisoba, motsunabe and Hakata ramen, which is the signature dish of Fukuoka. Canal City Hakata is the shopping destination in Fukuoka for everyone in the family. Apart from its 200 high-end stores there are also cafés, a theatre, game arcade, movie theatre and hotel. The design highlight FUKUOKA NEXT DESTINATION is a canal that runs through the middle of the property, imitating a stream. Also contained in Canal City Hakata is Ramen Stadium, which combines many renowned Hakata ramen eateries under one roof. When in Fukuoka, one should also visit Dazaifu, the small ancient town half an hour by train from Fukuoka, where Dazaifu Tenmangu is to be found. This Shinto shrine that is famous amongst local students as Tenjin, the deity housed within, is revered as the deity of learning, culture and the arts. Dazaiju is also home to one of the world’s most distinguished, best-looking Starbucks designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who used the ancient Japanese technique of ki-gu-mi wooden puzzles to assemble 2,000 pieces of cedar wood without using a single nail. In addition, Fukuoka acts as a gateway to the island of Kyushu, Nagasaki, as well as Hashima Island, the former mining town turned UNESCO world heritage site symbolising Japan's industrialization that’s also said to be one of the five most haunted islands in the world! From Fukuoka it’s also possible to visit Kumamoto to say hello to Kumamon, the black bear mascot of the prefecture, and to marvel at fortified Kumamoto Castle on its hilltop, once used by samurais and one of the most famous of its kind in Japan.Next >