Explore the History and National Treasures of Fukuoka at the "Fukuoka City Museum"
The Fukuoka City Museum is a facility where you can learn about the history and folklore of Fukuoka. Located at the westernmost point of Japan's islands, Fukuoka has developed a rich culture through overseas trade, shaping its unique history.

The museum features permanent exhibits and several special exhibition rooms, showcasing a wide range of historical periods from ancient to modern times, as well as changes in people's lives and the beauty of life. in the permanent exhibition, visitors can view up close samurai armor passed down through the Kuroda family, the feudal lords of Fukuoka.
A Diverse Collection Tracing the Development of Fukuoka and its People
Main entrance Hall. To the left on the second floor is the permanent exhibit room, ahead is the special exhibition room, and to the right is the temporary exhibition room.
The "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" festival's "Kaki Yamakasa" floats, a traditional festival in Fukuoka, welcome visitors in the lobby as part of the permanent exhibit.
In the permanent exhibition, you can see a wide variety of materials, from excavated relics to swords and ancient documents from the Edo period, and automobiles from the Meiji period.
The first corner of the permanent exhibition displays the national treasure "Gold Seal". This seal, made of gold and found on Shikanoshima Island in Fukuoka City, dates back to the Edo period. It is engraved with the words "Kanno Wano Nanokokuoin" (King of the Country of Wa) and serves as a rare artifact that provides insight into Japan's ancient diplomacy.
The permanent exhibit is divided into 11 sections, making it easy for visitors to trace Fukuoka's history along with the changes throught different periods. As you move through each section, you can see the changes in people's lives, trade with other countries, and the development of the city.
Visitors from abroad often find it fascinating to compare the history of their own country's vessels with those of Japan.
There are two special exhibition rooms that hold 5-6 exhibitions per year on themes related to Japan and world cultures.
In the four temporary exhibition rooms, materials from the museum's collection as well as cultural properties from outside are on display. In the "Kuroda Memorial Room", located in Exhibition Room 2, you can find materials related to the Kuroda family, the feudal lords of Fukuoka, as well as famous swords, popular with wide range of generations.
Experience and Have Fun at the "Mitaiken Lab" hands-On Learning Room!
"Mitaiken Lab" has costumes, musical instruments, and toys from Asian countries
At "Mitaiken Lab" on the first floor of the museum, you can actually wear costumes from Asian countries and take photos. It also offers opportunities to play with instruments and toys, providing a fun way to experience and learn about different cultures.
The room features mainly a variety of Asian percussion instruments. You can play and enjoy hearing different sounds.
Museum Shop Offers Exclusive Souvenirs!
The "Gold Seal" is featured in Japanese history textbooks and is a highlight of the Fukuoka City Museum. You can purchase intricate replicas of this treasure at the museum shop.
The shop also offers other exclusive items, such as goods related to the National Treasure Sword "Heshikiri Hasebe" and the National treasure Katana "Nikko Ichimonji", as well as books on the history of Fukuoka.
Staff Recommendations on How to Tour the Museum
Ms. Yanagi (left) and Ms. Park (right) are part of the museum's operations team.
"At the Fukuoka City Museum, you can explore the history of Fukuoka and the flow of exchange with East Asia. The exhibitions change every 2-3 months, offering fresh perspectives on history from various angles. I think you can fully experience the fun of History and folklore just by walking around the museum." (Ms. Yanagi)
"Since there is a lot to see, it's a good idea to take a break in the free space or garden after exploring one exhibit. Once you've taken a break, be sure to check out other exhibits you might not have planned to see." (Ms. Park)
Ms. Yanagi recommends enjoying the view from the second-floor free space.
The Fukuoka City Museum is a fun place to learn about the history and traditions of Fukuoka. Why not visit and delve deeper into the charm of Kyushu's largest city?
Fukuoka Art Museum Information
Address: 3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Last admission is until 5:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the following weekday)
*Please check the website for opening hours and closing days during the summer and New Year holidays.
Admission Fee:
General: 200 yen
High School & University Students: 150 yen
*Junior High School Students & Younger: Free
*Special exhibitions are charged separately
Online tickets purchase here: https://www.e-tix.jp/museum.city.fukuoka/
TEL: 092-845-5011
Website: https://www.museum.city.fukuoka.jp
Social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fukuoka_city_museum/
X: https://x.com/fukuokaC_museum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FukuokaCityMuseum
Visitor Guidelines
・Photography is restricted in certain exhibition areas. Please be aware of signs prohibiting photography.
* Even if photography is permitted, the use of strobes is prohibited.
*Please obtain permission in advance if you wish to use specialized equipment for interviews, academic research, etc.
・Please set mobile phones to silent mode and refrain from making calls in the exhibition rooms.
・Writing tools are limited to pencils in the exhibition rooms.
Access to Fukuoka City Museum
Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line
15-minute walk from "Nishijin Station"
Nishitetsu Bus
Get off at "Museum South Entrance", "Fukuoka Tower (TNC Broadcasting Center)," or "Fukuoka Tower South Entrance" bus stops and walk for 5 minutes.