Source: Takeshi KOUNO
Situated in between Osaka and Hiroshima, Fukuyama is a renowned vacationer destination known for its roses, shoes and Ponyo. The city is extremely reasonable, being honored with a warm atmosphere and numerous crisp mornings. Fukuyama Castle is the most famous tourist spot located on the northern side of JR Fukuyama Station, and it is viewed as the door to Fukuyama. Located in the southern part of Fukuyama Station, there is a port town called as Tomonoura, a beautiful spot of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The numerous islands spread out over the quiet waters of the Seto Inland Sea makes a very beautiful scene. Furthermore, in May and October about a large portion of a million roses start to sprout in Fukuyama, this is when the rose festival is celebrated here which is visited by millions of people from all over Japan. Below are some best things to do in Fukuyama.
1. Visit the Fukuyama Castle
Source: 663highland
Fukuyama Castle was one of the greatest castle from Edo Period, built in 1619 by Katsunari Mizuno the feudal lord of the Bingo District. The two structure of the castle called as Fushimi-yagura and Sujigane-gomon are assigned as important properties of the culture of Japan. There is a small museum located inside the castle , where one can see the belongings and different things of medieval masters, alongside archeological and historical artifacts. Most of the structures of the castle were destroyed during world war II and was rebuilt in 1966.
Information
- Name: Fukuyama Castle
- Address : 1-8 Marunouchi, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima-pref. 720-0061
- Timings: 9:30 – 17:00
- Fees: 200 yen
- Parking : Yes
- Closed: Mondays
- Access: 5 Mintue walk from JR Fukuyama station
2. Attend the Fukuyama Rose Festival
Source: Sky Wing Sky
Fukuyama City is one of the most famous place in Japan known for its roses. Otherwise called the City of Roses, it holds a yearly two day Rose Festival every 2nd Saturday and Sunday of the month of May. During the month of May in Fukuyama, roses start to sprout with rich fragrances, different events like a cut rose challenge, rose parade and so forth are held around the Rose Park and Midori-machi Park. This celebration is cherished as an occasion that transforms the town into one immense rose greenhouse. There’s also a rose parade and some children attractions as well. No big surprise the celebration attracts 800,000 tourists per year.
Information
- Name: Fukuyama Rose Festival
- Month : From May 14 (Saturday) to 15
- Venue: Rose Park, Midori-machi Park and central city, shopping streets
3. Visit Historic Town of Kusado Sengen
Source: carpkazu
A historical medieval town, Kusado Sengen once was located on the bank of the Ashida River. That is to say, a town which had about thousands of houses and buildings at Kuasdo. The presence of the town had been overlooked for quite a while. It was just recorded as a fabulous town in a local history book amid the Edo Period. The site of Kusado Sengen had been uncovered following 1961. Subsequently, a considerable measure of finds was discovered at the site. These discover let us know what sorts of instruments the general population in Kusado Sengen used and how they live. All the consequence of investigations into Kusado Sengen shed another light on the investigation of medieval history in Japan.
4. Pay a Visit to Myoo-in Temple
Source: Commons Wikimedia
The Myooin Temple is said to have been established in 807 by Kobo Daishi. The significant diety of this temple is the statue of Eleven Faced Kannon.The fundamental corridor showcases a diverse vocabulary that comprises of the Japanese style generally and Chinese points of interest. It is one of the oldest types of such temple. The 5 story pagoda which is a delightful tower located inside the temple is the 5th oldest structure among the national fortune towers of Japan and is assigned as an essential social property alongside the main hall.
Information
- Name: Myoo-in Temple
- Address: 1473 Kusadocho, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima-pref. 720-0831
- Fees: Free
- Parking: Yes
- Access: 10 Mintue walk from Kusado-kamino-cho Station.
5. Explore the Area of Tomonoura Port
Source: Lisa Pinehill
With the Seto Inland Sea at its backdrop, Tomonoura Port is a pleasant port town which highlights a charming historical fishing town, with a quiet and old fashioned vibe. Tomonoura port is also included in the Setonaikai National Park. Tomonoura flourished in a long time past days of sailing boats, when trader ships going along the Seto Inland Sea would dock at its port while sitting tight for a positive tide. The old town focal point of Tomonoura has numerous photogenic streets lined by rural old houses with wooden exteriors. There are a couple shops offering homeishu, the local alcohol. There are a number of spots of interest like Joyato Lighthouse, Ota Residence, Irohamaru Museum, Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore, Fukuzenji Temple, Enpukuji Temple.
6. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History
Source: 663highland
This museum features the exhibits various antiques and other artifacts that are related to the culture of the Seto Inland citizens, which were exhumed through the excavation endeavors in river Ashida in Fukuyama. While strolling around the rehabilitated old town, you can explore the lifestyle of the people who used to live in Kusado Sengen.This is the historical center where you can take in the history and the way of life of Seto Inland people. It has a specific center upon the medieval settlement of Kusado Sengen.
Information
- Name: Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History
- Address: 2-4-1 Nishimachi, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima
- Timings: 9:00 – 17:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Entry Fees: 290 yen
- Parking : Yes
- Access: 5 minute walk from JR Fukuyama Station
7. Visit the Only Japan Footwear Museum
Source: lamdogjunki
This is the most unique and country’s only footwear museum located in Fukuyama city, which showcases different exhibits of Japanese and outside footwear from old to present day times. There are about 2,266 pieces of footwear collections that are assigned as an important cultural folk artifacts by the government of Japan. There is also a Japan Folk Toy & Doll Museum located adjacent to Footwear museum that exhibits various local dolls and other artifacts.
Information
- Name: Japan Footwear Museum
- Address: 4-16-27 Matsunagacho, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima
- Timings: 9:00 – 17:00
- Closed: Dec. 28 to Jan. 1
- Fees: 1000 yen
- Parking: Yes
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Matsunaga station
8. Cruise to Sensui Jima Island
Source: Lisa Pinehill
This little island Sensuijima island highlights two Japanese style inns with hot springs and campgrounds for adventure lovers. A recently revamped stone walkway along the ocean is awesome for a comfortable 20 to 30-minute walk. Toward the end of the island, you’ll discover a shoreline. The is also a small hiking trail on the island which can be completed in 4-5 hours. A flawless spot where you can make the most of your day unwinding in the midst of the wonderful nature.
Information
- Name:Sensui Jima Island
- Address:Sensui Island, Tomochoushiroji, Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture 720-0202, Japan
9. Visit Taichoro at Fukuzen-ji Temple
Source: Lisa Pinehill
A must visit place in Fukuyama, Taicho-ro is actually a gathering hall that appends Fukuzen-ji Temple. The Fukuzen-ji Temple is believed to have been built during 950 and Taicho-ro itself was fabricated later in 1690. The reception hall of the Taichoro overlooks the nearby islands and the sea which forms a beautiful scene, and the hall has been assigned as a Japan historic site. This room was utilized as a part of the past as a spot for Korean emissaries to stay, and even the agents adulated the excellent perspective from Taicho-ro. To this date, numerous vacationers still come to visit Taicho-ro to take photos of the fabulous perspective.
Information
- Name: Taichoro
- Address:2 Tomo, Tomocho, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima-pref. 720-0201
- TImings: 8:00~17:00
- Fees: 200 Yen
- Access: 5 Mintue walk from Tomonoura bus stop
10. Visit Susanoo Temple
Source: Carpkazu
One of the must visit holy place in Fukuyama, Susanoo Temple is generally alluded to as Tenno-san, which cherishes Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its god who is the Shinto god of the sea and storms. The Gion Festival celebrated here is believed to have begun in the mid-Heian period. The principle yearly celebrations incorporate the Gion Festival, which is acclaimed for Mikoshi-awase, and the Chinowa-kuguri service. There are a number of Susanoo sanctuaries situated at different spots in Japan.
Information
- Name: Susanoo Temple
- Address: 1-1Todetenno, Shinichicho, Fukuyama-city, Hiroshima
- Timings: 24 hours a day
- Fees: Free
- Parking: Yes
- Access: 3 Minute walk from JR Kamitote station
Fukuyama is a great tourist destination and serves as a great getaway from cities like Hiroshima, Osaka and Fukuoka. With so many historical sites, shrines and beautiful gardens, Fukuyama is sure to give tourists great options to keep coming back to this beautiful town.
Have a good trip and travel!
