Fukuoka Tower is Japan's tallest seaside tower, 234 meters high, in the Seaside Momochi district on Hakata Bay. A fast elevator takes you to the observation deck at 123 meters. From there you see the city, the bay with its islands and, in the other direction, the Sefuri Mountains. The triangular tower is covered in 8,000 half-mirrors, which gave it the nickname Mirror Sail. Sunset and the hours after dark are the busiest, when the city lights come on and the tower carries seasonal illuminations. Momochi Seaside Park lies right in front of it.
Built for the 1989 Asia Pacific Expo
Fukuoka Tower was completed in 1989 as the symbol of the Asia Pacific Exposition, known as Yokatopia '89, and to mark the city's 100th anniversary. It is 234 meters tall, and it is the tallest seaside tower in Japan.
The tower is a triangular prism. Its surface is made of about 8,000 half-mirrors, or one-way mirrors, which reflect the sky and the sea. This is why people call it the Mirror Sail. The tower was renewed in 2019, for its 30th anniversary.
It is also built for earthquakes. The attendant on the ride up mentions that the structure is designed to withstand magnitude 7.
The ride and the three levels
The elevator takes about 70 seconds to reach the main observation deck at 123 meters. During the ride, commentary explains the history of the tower. Large windows give a 360-degree view, and telescopes are available.
On a clear day you can see Hakata Bay and its islands on one side and the Sefuri Mountains on the other. The deck has maps that mark the sights of the city, and guides are available in English, Korean and Chinese.
Two other levels also have night views. The sky lounge sits at 120 meters, on the 4th floor, and serves food and drinks. The Lover's Sanctuary is on the 3rd floor. Couples can buy a lock to leave there, and there is a heart-shaped photo spot with the city behind it.
Sunset, night and seasonal lights
Because the tower stands by the sea, you can watch the sun go down over the water and then wait for the city lights. After dark the mirrored surface becomes a screen for illuminations that follow the calendar, with themes for Halloween and Christmas. During the cherry blossom season the tower shows a special illumination, even though there are no real blossoms at the site. The trees around the base are lit as well.
The official website has the illumination schedule and a map of good viewing spots. Evening is the busiest time for couples and photographers.
Around Seaside Momochi
The tower is in the Momochihama area, in Seaside Momochi. It is reached from Tenjin Station but is not in the Tenjin district. The area is a waterfront district of high-rise buildings with artworks placed along the streets. Besides the tower, it holds the Fukuoka City Museum, the public library, a shopping mall and the PayPay Dome, the home ground of the Softbank Hawks.
Momochi Seaside Park and its beach are directly in front of the tower and suit an evening walk. The Hawks Town complex is about a kilometer away. Inside the tower, the souvenir corner on the first floor sells Hakata confectionery and mentaiko, spicy cod roe.
FAQ
How much does it cost to go up Fukuoka Tower?
The observation deck fare is ¥800. E-tickets can be bought online, and buying in advance is recommended.
What time does Fukuoka Tower close?
The tower is open until 22:00, and the last entry is at 21:30. The opening hours are shown on the page.
How high is the observation deck?
The main observation deck is at 123 meters, and the tower is 234 meters tall. The elevator ride takes about 70 seconds.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunset and the evening are the most popular times. You can see the sunset over the bay and then the city lights and the tower's illuminations. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Is Fukuoka Tower wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Parking is paid.
Are guides available in English?
Yes. Guides are available in English, Korean and Chinese.
