20 Museums in Fukuoka worth your time

Explore science and space at this modern museum, perfect for all ages.

What it is

• A science museum opened on October 1, 2017.
• Replaced the Fukuoka City Children's Science and Culture Center.
• Part of the Ropponmatsu 421 commercial complex.
• Astronaut Koichi Wakata is the honorary director.

What to see

• 6th floor Science Hall and Dome Theater.
• 5th floor basic exhibition room.
• 4th floor Science & Creative Workshop and laboratory.
• 3rd floor special exhibition room.

When to go

• Closed Tuesdays, except holidays and school breaks.
• Closed December 28 to January 1.

Getting there

• Immediately accessible from Ropponmatsu Station.
• Use the Nanakuma Line to Ropponmatsu Station.

Address

〒810-0044　福岡県福岡市中央区六本松4-2-1 Map

Official site

www.fukuokacity-kagakukan.jp

Read more about Fukuoka City Science Museum

Explore East Asian ceramic history, from ancient Jomon to Qing Dynasty, with free admission on special days.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to ancient ceramics from East Asia.
• Opened in April 1999.
• Exhibits history of ceramics from China, Korea, and Japan.

What to see

• Tea ceremony utensils and stationery decorations.
• Japanese garden.
• Ceramics from Japan's Jomon to Edo periods.
• Ceramics from Korea's Goryeo to Joseon dynasties.
• Ceramics from China's Painted Pottery to Qing Dynasty.

When to go

• Free admission on Fukuoka University's founding anniversary.
• Free admission on Respect for the Aged Day.
• Free admission on Culture Day.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from Nanukuma Station Exit 1.

Address

〒814-0133　福岡県福岡市城南区七隈8-7-42 Map

Official site

www.aa.alles.or.jp

Read more about Fukuoka Oriental Ceramics Museum

This museum celebrates Hakushu Kitahara's life and Yanagawa's history, offering cultural insights.

What it is

• A literary museum in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Opened in 1985, marking Hakushu Kitahara's 100th birthday.
• Part of the Yanagawa City Historical Folk Museum.
• Preserves and exhibits materials on Hakushu Kitahara.

What to see

• Exhibits on Hakushu Kitahara's life and works.
• Exhibits on Yanagawa's history, folklore, and crafts.
• A video theater with a multi-screen video system.

When to go

• Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Suiten-gu Iriguchi bus stop.

Address

福岡県柳川市沖端町55-1 Map

Official site

www.hakushu.or.jp

Read more about Hakushū Kitahara Memorial Hall

Explore Japan's coal mining history and the lives of its miners at this museum.

What it is

• Opened in 1983 as Tagawa City Coal Reference Museum.
• Renamed Tagawa City Coal Mining Historical Museum in 2005.
• A registered museum under the Museum Act.
• Houses the UNESCO-listed Sakubei Yamamoto Collection.

What to see

• Tools and machinery used in coal mining.
• Paintings and photographs of coal miners' lives.
• An electric locomotive and outdoor mining machinery.
• A replica of a standard coal miner's house.
• Two chimneys and an old mine shaft tower.
• 585 paintings and items by Sakubei Yamamoto.

Getting there

• 8-minute walk from Tagawa-Ita Station.

Address

福岡県田川市大字伊田2734-1 Map

Official site

www.joho.tagawa.fukuoka.jp

Read more about Tagawa City Coal Mining Historical Museum

Explore a historic university building, a tangible cultural property, now a museum.

What it is

• A university museum opened in May 2006.
• It is the former Seinan Gakuin main building and auditorium.
• The building was completed in 1921.
• William Merrell Vories designed the building.

What to see

• A three-story building with 980 square meters total area.
• Exterior uses red brick in English bond.
• Exterior is based on the Georgian Colonial style.
• Designated a Fukuoka City tangible cultural property in 2004.
• Designated a Fukuoka Prefecture tangible cultural property in 2015.

When to go

• The museum is temporarily closed from April 2025.

Address

福岡県福岡市早良区西新3丁目13番1号 Map

Official site

www.seinan-gu.ac.jp

Read more about Seinan Gakuin University Museum

Explore Japanese culture from an Asian perspective at this large national history museum.

What it is

• A history-focused museum.
• Opened October 16, 2005.
• Operated by National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.
• Views Japanese culture from an Asian historical perspective.

What to see

• Houses 4 National Treasures and 42 Important Cultural Properties.
• Stores 1,300 deposited items, including 2 National Treasures.
• Largest national museum in Japan by site area.
• Largest total floor area for a single building among national museums.
• Official character is Haranomushi, based on a collection work.

When to go

• Open from New Year's Day.

Address

福岡県太宰府市石坂4-7-2 Map

Official site

www.kyuhaku.jp

Read more about Kyushu National Museum

Explore Japan's railway history in Kitakyushu, featuring historic trains and a mini railway.

What it is

• A railway history museum in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Opened on August 9, 2003.
• Covers an area of approximately 7,800 square meters.

What to see

• Main building: a red brick structure built in 1891.
• Main building: certified as Modern Industrial Heritage in 2007.
• Main building: registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014.
• Vehicle exhibition hall: preserves nine railway vehicles.
• Mini railway park: features 450mm gauge rails.

Getting there

• Walk from Mojiko Station.
• Drive from Mojiko Interchange.

Official site

www.k-rhm.jp

Read more about Kyushu Railway History Museum

Explore Fukuoka's history from ancient times to modern day at this comprehensive museum.

What it is

• Fukuoka Prefecture's first public historical museum.
• Opened in 1973, relocated and reopened in 2010.
• Operated by the Fukuoka Prefectural Board of Education.

What to see

• Artifacts from ancient to modern Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Four exhibition rooms with diverse displays.
• Relocated archaeological structures in the fourth room.
• Experience making Wado Kaichin, an ancient coin.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Mikunigaoka Station.
• Mikunigaoka Station is on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line.
• Parking is available at the museum.

Address

福岡県小郡市三沢5208-3 Map

Official site

www.fsg.pref.fukuoka.jp

Read more about Kyushu Historical Museum

Dazaifu Exhibition Hall tells the story of Dazaifu, Japan's ancient gateway to the outside world.

What it is

• Exhibition Hall dedicated to the story of Dazaifu.
• Dazaifu was the administrative center of Kyushu thirteen centuries ago.
• Dazaifu was Japan’s gateway to the outside world.
• Dazaifu was a political, religious, and cultural powerhouse.

What to see

• Detailed dioramas of palatial government offices.
• Explanations of Dazaifu's defensive topography.
• Displays on clothing colors and social rank.
• Information about varied cuisine enjoyed by residents.
• Photo gallery of ongoing excavation process.
• Learn about the origins of the Reiwa era name.

Address

福岡県太宰府市観世音寺四丁目6-1 Map

Official site

www.kotodazaifu.net

Read more about Dazaifu Exhibition Hall

Explore the life and works of a renowned author in his hometown literary museum.

What it is

• A literary museum in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the life and achievements of author Matsumoto Seicho.
• Opened on August 4, 1998, in Seicho's hometown.
• Received the 56th Kikuchi Kan Prize in 2008.

What to see

• Reproductions of Seicho's study, library, and reception room.
• An original documentary film about the author.
• Special exhibitions and lectures are held.
• The building has two floors above ground and one basement.

Getting there

• A 15-minute walk from Kokura Station.

Address

〒803-0813　福岡県北九州市小倉北区城内2-3 Map

Official site

www.seicho-mm.jp

Read more about Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum

A historical museum in Fukuoka preserving WWII aircraft and memories of the Tachiarai Air Raid.

What it is

• A historical museum in Chikuzen Town, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Opened in April 1987 by Muneshige Fuchigami.
• Utilizes the former Tachiarai Station building.
• Exhibits materials from World War II.

What to see

• About 1,800 materials from World War II.
• A Type 97 fighter aircraft, the only existing example.
• A Type 0 carrier-based fighter Model 32, the only existing example.
• An MH2000 preserved and exhibited outdoors.
• A life-size replica of Shinden from "Godzilla-1.0".
• Portraits of victims and B-29 bomber crew members.

Official site

tachiarai-heiwa.jp

Read more about Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum

Fukuoka Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits across nine genres, perfect for curious minds.

What it is

• A science museum in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Operated by Fukuoka Education and Culture Scholarship Foundation.
• Located within Chuo Park.

What to see

• Over ten permanent exhibits in each of nine genres.
• A discharge experiment stage.
• An 'Oekaki Robot' using an industrial robot.
• The 'Dynamic Worker' physics experiment facility.
• Periodically held special exhibitions.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays and the last Tuesday of the month.
• Children and students admitted free on Saturdays.

Address

〒830-0003　福岡県久留米市東櫛原町1713 Map

Official site

www.science.pref.fukuoka.jp

Read more about Fukuoka Science Museum

This museum commemorates the Mongol invasions of Japan with historical artifacts and art.

What it is

• Established in 1904 as Genkō Kinenkan.
• Reopened in 1986 as Genkō Historical Museum.

What to see

• Weapons captured from the Mongol Empire army.
• Artworks related to the Mongol invasions.
• A talisman from the battleship Dingyuan.

When to go

• Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Open from 10:00 to 16:00.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from JR Yoshizuka Station.
• 3-minute walk from Maidashi-Kyudai-byoin-mae Station.
• 3-minute walk from Yoshizuka-eki-mae bus stop.

Read more about Genkō Historical Museum

Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art: explore local art and crafts, a 10-minute walk from Tenjin Station.

What it is

• A prefectural art museum in Fukuoka City.
• Opened on November 3, 1964, as Fukuoka Prefectural Cultural Hall.
• Became Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art on November 3, 1985.
• Collects works by artists associated with Fukuoka Prefecture.

What to see

• Artworks by Fukuoka Prefecture artists.
• Painting materials of the Ogata family.
• Kurume絣 textiles.
• Old Kyushu ceramics.

Getting there

• 10 minutes walk from Tenjin Station.
• 15 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

Official site

fukuoka-kenbi.jp

Read more about Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art

Explore manga history and creativity at this museum, a must for fans and curious visitors.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to manga, opened in 2012.
• It is on the 5th and 6th floors of Aruaru City.
• It has three themes: 'see', 'read', and 'draw'.

What to see

• Approximately 100,000 manga original drawings.
• About 70,000 manga materials.
• A 'Reading Zone' for free browsing of books.

When to go

• Open 11:00 to 19:00.
• Closed on Tuesdays and New Year holidays.
• Manga experience and school held twice monthly.

Getting there

• A 2-minute walk from Kokura Station.

Address

福岡県北九州市小倉北区浅野2-14-5 Map

Official site

www.ktqmm.jp

Read more about Kitakyushu Manga Museum

Explore Japan's coal mining history and energy science at this interactive museum.

What it is

• A science museum focused on coal and energy resources.
• Dedicated to the history of coal industry in Japan.

What to see

• Dynamic tunnel with audio guides.
• Eight types of energy-related experience corners.
• Outdoor exhibits of coal and worker transport vehicles.
• Some outdoor exhibits are currently closed for maintenance.

When to go

• Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Closed on Mondays and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Omuta Station.

Official site

www.sekitan-omuta.jp

Read more about Ōmuta Coal Industry and Science Museum

Modern science museum with a planetarium and unique exhibits, great for families.

What it is

• A science museum in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Opened on April 28, 2022.
• Replaced the Kitakyushu City Children's Culture and Science Museum.
• Its nickname is Space LABO.

What to see

• A three-story building.
• A corner honoring meteorologist Tetsuya Fujita.
• A large, 10-meter-high tornado generator.
• A planetarium.
• Space LABO ANNEX for lectures and workshops.
• World Heritage guidance center in Space LABO ANNEX.

Getting there

• Located in THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU.

Address

〒805-0071　福岡県北九州市八幡東区東田４丁目1-1 Map

Official site

kitakyushuspacelabo.jp

Read more about Kitakyushu City Science Museum

Explore a full-size kofun burial chamber model and learn about ancient history, all for free.

What it is

• An exhibition facility in Chikushino City.
• Introduces the Gorōyama Kofun national historic site.
• A branch of the Chikushino City History Museum.
• Constructed in 2001.

What to see

• Full-size model of a horizontal stone chamber.
• Enter the model with a flashlight.
• Model accommodates disabled and elderly visitors.

When to go

• Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Closed on Mondays and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 8-minute walk from JR Harada Station.

Address

〒818-0024　福岡県筑紫野市原田3-9-5 Map

Official site

www.city.chikushino.fukuoka.jp

Read more about Gorōyama Kofunkan

Nakoku-no-oka Historical Park preserves and displays Yayoi-period burial remains and artifacts.

What it is

• A historical park in Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Centered on the Sugu Okamoto Site, a National Historic Site.
• Developed from 1992 to 1997.
• Contains Yayoi period burial remains.

What to see

• Two buildings preserve the Sugu Okamoto Site excavation state.
• A small bronze bell mold excavated from the site.
• An iron sword from a wooden coffin tomb.
• A weight called 'ken' excavated in 2020.
• The King's Tomb Capstone, a large stone.
• Nakoku-no-oka Historical Museum, opened in 1998.

Official site

www.city.kasuga.fukuoka.jp

Read more about Nakoku-no-oka Historical Park

Explore a historic building showcasing the evolution of Japanese telecommunications, free of charge.

What it is

• A corporate museum exhibiting NTT telephones.
• Built in 1924, designed by Mamoru Yamada.
• Originally the Moji Telegraph and Telephone Office.
• Certified as Modern Industrial Heritage in 2009.

What to see

• Exhibits on changes in telephones and switchboards.
• Telegraph and telephone equipment from three eras.
• Corner displaying public and mobile phone history.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Mojiko Station.
• 4-minute walk from Idemitsu Museum of Art Station.

Official site

www.ntt-west.co.jp

Read more about Moji Telecommunication Museum