In Fukuoka there are several observations decks located throughout the city that afford breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. In this article we will be introducing some of best views that Hakata Port and Fukuoka City have to offer!

Katae Observatory

Located on the 597 meter tall Mount Aburayama, this observation platform features a 120 degree panoramic view of the city below. As there are no lights near the deck on at night, this makes it the perfect option for nighttime viewing. With vending machines and other stores nearby, it’s good for those who want to relax and take their time enjoying the scenery after the sun sets.

A 30-minute car ride from Tenjin and Nakasu make it easy to get to, and it is frequented by a wide variety of people, including families and couples. 

Katae Observatory
Adress: Katae, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City
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Minami Park West Observation Deck

（Photo Credit: Kyushu Visual Arts）

Located near the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden, knowledge of the Minami Park West Observation Deck is limited mostly to “view connoisseurs”. Upon ascending to the top of the platform, a 360-degree view of the city awaits you. Looking out you will be able to see Nokonoshima and Uminonakamichi in the distance, the sprawling Fukuoka downtown, and an expanse of quiet residential neighborhoods unfolding before you.

For those heading to the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we highly recommend checking the view from here when you’re done!

Minami Park West Observation Deck
Adress: 1-1-77, Terukuni, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

Nishi Park Central Scenic Plaza

Over 1,000 years ago, the scenic Nishi Park was referred to by the name Aratsuyama. From the observation deck here one can see the busy streets of Fukuoka, Hakata Port and Uminonakamichi, and Shikanoshima Island with vivid clarity. The park is home to 1,300 cherry blossoms as well, and in early spring throngs of tourists flock to the park to see their beautiful blooms.  

Nishi Park Central Scenic Plaza
Address: Nishi Koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
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Kounosuyama Observation Deck・Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck

▲The Kounosuyama Observation Deck

Kounosuyama is a 100-meter tall mountain located in between Minami-ku ward’s Nagaoka and Chuo-ku ward’s Ozasa area. As a verdant retreat from the urban landscape, Kounosuyama features a lovely promenade and is well-loved by locals. From the Nagaoka Middle School entrance it takes roughly 5 minutes to arrive at the Kounosuyama Observation Deck. The deck is thronged with groves of trees, making it the perfect place to “forest bathe”, a term for the therapeutic practice of taking a peaceful walk through the woods. 

A slight distance away from the Kounosuyama Observation Deck you will find the Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck as well. Here the trees are not tall enough to obstruct some truly spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck (Photo credit: Kyushu Visual Arts)

The view from the Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck (Photo credit: Kyushu Visual Arts)

Kounosuyama Observation Deck・Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck
Address:
【Kounosuyama Observation Deck】1-23, Ozasa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
【Heiwa Minami Ryokuchi Observation Deck】1-17-19 Heiwa, Minami Ku, Fukuoka City

Tsubame-no-Mori Plaza

The Tsubame-no-Mori Plaza can be found on the roof of JR Hakata City (right next to Hakata Station) and at 60 meters above ground has a great panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. The nighttime scenery is something to behold, and the observation deck itself offers a romantic atmosphere. 

▲The Dream Tsubame train

This spot is particularly popular with train lovers, as its proximity to Hakata Station allows one to watch the shinkansen (bullet train) cars as they pass by below. Renowned designer Mitooka Eiji additionally designed both the Tsubame Train and Kuro Train that operate in the Plaza in the Sky nearby on the same roof. 

The Tsubame Train and Kuro Train
[Hours] Weekdays: 11:00~18:00 (Break from 14:30~15:30)
       Weekends: 10:00 ~ 18:00 (No breaks)
*Only open until 17:00 from January 4 to the end of February.
*Opening hours are subject to change due to weather and events. 

JR Hakata City
Address: 1-1, Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
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ACROS Fukuoka

Affectionately referred to as “ACROS Mountain” by locals, this building is complex facility located in the middle of the city that seamlessly integrates greenery into its architectural design. As of now, the storied roof of the building is home to about 50,000 trees of about 200 different species. Climbing the lushly vegetated stairs while listening to the sound of the waterfall, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the rooftop observation deck (open only on weekends and holidays).

From atop ACROS Fukuoka you can take in a view of the bustling city center. The building was conceived as a place where Fukuoka’s residents and guests could go to refresh themselves, a kind of urban oasis. In 2015 it was selected as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful sky gardens. 

Step Garden
[Open hours] March~October: 9:00~18:00
             November~February: 9:00~17:00
[Entry fee] None
[Note]
- The rooftop observation deck is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays (10:00-16:00).
- Smoking is prohibited in the park (including the rooftop observation deck).
- No pets are allowed in the park.

ACROS Fukuoka
Address: 1-1-1, Tenjin ,Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
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Komenoyama Obsevatory

For our final spot we will be recommending this mountain that is slightly removed from the city proper. Called Komenoyama, this mountain stands at roughly 594 meters tall and features stellar views of Hakata Port and Fukuoka Tower. Here the panoramic daytime view comes particularly recommended, even in comparison to the terrific night view. At the summit of the mountain there is a paraglider base, and on holidays and weekends one can gaze out at the vivid colors of the paragliders as they hang in the air. 

Note: The road to the summit is a narrow forest road with no guardrails, so please stick together and make sure of your footing when climbing.

Komenoyama Obsevatory
Address: 209 Oaza Wakasugi, Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture