Fukuoka Tower

See the expanse of Fukuoka City fading into the rolling mountains of Kyushu and the Sea of Japan coast from the dizzying upper floors of Fukuoka Tower. Since its construction in 1989, this 768-foot (234-meter) tower has become an icon of Fukuoka City. Spy the tower’s glimmering mirrored windows by day and check out mesmerizing light projections on its surface by night.

While the Fukuoka Tower is visible from many points around the city, be sure to make a closer inspection to appreciate the tower’s architectural beauty and sleek reflective surface. From Fukuoka City’s Seaside Momochi area, you can see the tower’s 8,000 half-mirrors reflecting the sunlight and passing clouds. Gaze upwards into the tower’s skeletal interior from the ground floor of the building to see magnificent geometric patterns in the structural framework.

Take the elevator journey to the main observation deck, located 404 feet (123 meters) up on the tower’s 5th floor. As you step out of the elevator, you’ll see panoramic views stretching over the Fukuoka prefecture and the stunning Sea of Japan. Use the informative maps and coin-operated binoculars to spot different landmarks through the windows. See Hakata Bay, Mount Sefuri and the nearby Fukuoka Dome, as well as far-away people strolling along the sands of the Seaside Momochi Beach Park far below.

Grab a drink or snack at the lounge and café located on the floor below. You can enjoy hot drinks, light meals and alcoholic beverages while admiring the stunning views. Visit the building’s 3rd floor to see the Lover’s Sanctuary, a romantic destination that features a floral heart-shaped arch for snapping photographs with a loved one. You can also fasten a heart-shaped padlock amid hundreds of others on the Lovers’ Sanctuary handrails.

Fukuoka Tower is located in Fukuoka’s Seaside Momochi area and can easily be reached via subway or bus. The nearest station is Nishijin, an approximate 20-minute walk away. Admission to the observation decks is inexpensive and a discount is given to foreign visitors. The tower and its café are open daily until late in the evening, when you can see a sea of glittering city lights.