Fukuoka City Museum

Opened in 1990, the Fukuoka City Museum is the gateway through which the city has historically forged relationships with the outside world for centuries. People traveling through Fukuoka on their way in and out of Japan helped to introduce a variety of foreign ideas and goods, such as, notably, Zen Buddhism, soba and udon noodles.

As the largest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka remains a hub for cultural and economic interactions with other global actors. Explore this museum to discover more about the city’s local and transnational history and its future.

Fukuoka City Museum

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

The museum’s permanent collection spans over 2,000 square meters and is divided into eleven sections. Visitors progressing through the collection will learn about the history of the Golden Seal, an artifact dating back approximately 2,000 years that documents the existence of an established state and a powerful leader in the Fukuoka area.

From there, see the earliest evidence of human settlement in Fukuoka, the origins of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival and more. With a variety of objects on display, including pottery, textiles, clothing and artwork, you’ll have plenty to investigate as you learn more about the city and its history.

On the first floor, the museum has a unique room that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Here, you can learn about and hold various objects, including toys and musical instruments. Snap a picture of your little ones holding replicas of historical artifacts for a memorable keepsake.

Exhibitions

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Many have showcased deeper explorations of the city’s history. Such exhibits cover the American aerial bombardment of Fukuoka, the material culture of wealthy elites in Fukuoka’s merchant class and archeological artifacts unearthed over the years.

Exhibitions have also brought the broader world to Fukuoka, covering topics including Ancient Egyptian mummies, a selection of Van Gogh paintings and the world of Alice in Wonderland. Check the museum’s website to see what’s on during your visit.