Tucked away in this predominantly urban part of town there exists a small oasis of water and verdure. 

As it turns out, this is not only an excellent place for a small natural reprieve, but also an area with plenty of artistic discoveries for visitors to make!

Since being renovated in 2016, a new restaurant facility was built in Suijo park, making it perfect for a small break or rendezvous. The stylish and open area has made it popular since its reopening. 

Suijo Park
Address: 13-1 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
http://suijo-park.jp/

“Fukuoka Asian Art Museum” the only museum dedicated solely to Asian modern art

Facing onto the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, the Hakata Riverain Building hosts the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum on its 7th and 8th floors. It was built in 1999 as part of a project to strengthen Fukuoka’s ties to the rest of Asia. 

As the only museum of its kind that displays art curated primarily from modern working artists from Fukuoka and Asia, many visitors flock to see the unique art pieces and exhibits on display. 

The museum has assembled over 5000 pieces made in various genres over the years from over 23 Asian countries and territories. 

Inside the museum you will find plenty to marvel or even giggle at. The unique sensibilities of artists from various countries and their often vivid choices of color help lend a flair to the collection hard to find elsewhere. Far from being a stodgy and silent place of “art appreciation”, the museum has a vivacity, no doubt the result of featuring the work of many young up and coming artists. We also recommend checking their website to see who the artist(s) in residence is (are), and to see if they have any art workshops on offer. 

In the Museum Shop “Longhua” there are then plenty of original goods and publications modelled off the artwork in the museum. One can also purchase plenty of trinkets based on the themes of art, design, and Asia available. 

Furthermore, for those interested in enjoying a cup of coffee while reading or enjoying the art, Museum Café by Iena Coffee offers light refreshments and drinks to museum visitors. There is also a Kid’s corner in designed by a Vietnam-born artist, making it possible to enjoy the art here even while spending a moment relaxing. 

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Address: 7-8F, Riverain Center Building, 3-1 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-263-1104
Hours: 9:30-19:30 (*Friday and Saturday: until 20:00)
Closed: Wednesdays (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a holiday) and year-end and New Year holidays (December 26 - January 1)
Admission: Free for building (Admission to the Asian Gallery: 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger)
*Admission to special exhibitions is not included.
https://faam.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/

Lose yourself in the retro vibe of a designated cultural property
[Kihinkan Hall]

Roughly ten minutes away from the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum on foot, this building was designated by the national government as an important cultural property for its past as the former Fukuoka Prefecture Town Hall Guest House. The Kihinkan (meaning distinguished guest house) was built in 1910 in the Meiji era to help accommodate important dignitaries visiting the city. In 1984 the building was added to the national registry of important cultural properties as an example of the French Renaissance wooden building architecture that had become prominent in Japan during the Meiji era

The interior of the lavish guest room

In spite of its illustrious status the building is open to all to visit, with guests able to come and see the spacious saloon, guest room, and dining rooms for themselves. By doing this one can get a feeling for what the old days were like when the building was new and still used for its original purpose. 

The steeply sloped roof, dormer window, and cylindrical tower in one corner are all distinct features of the French Renaissance style. The roof, windows, handrails, and even ornamentation all exhibit fine craftsmanship and radiate a retro-modern style. Even those without an express interest in architecture can find something to enjoy in the artistic touches that grace the structure both inside and out. 

There is also a café on the first floor where guests can partake of light refreshments, coffee, and tea. 

Then, for guests who really want to feel the past for themselves, one can even try on dresses and tuxedo suits from the era. 

Wearing clothes from the era while wandering about the guest hall turns a simple stroll into a form of time travel, making for a truly unique experience. 

The Former Fukuoka Prefecture Town Hall Guest House (Kihinkan)
Address: 6-29 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-751-4416
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:50)
Closed: Mondays (closed the following day if Monday is a holiday) and December 29 through January 3
Admission: Adults 200 yen, Children 100 yen
Groups (30 or more people): Adults 160 yen, children 80 yen
Admission is free for children under 6 years old and over 65 years old.
https://www.fukuokaken-kihinkan.jp/