If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in January in Fukuoka for those who are interested in such things.
*The schedule of the events introduced here is subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility for the schedule.
Fukuoka in January
![Fukuoka Sightseeing] Check here in January 2021! Cover image of](https://assets.hldycdn.com/articles/4eeb57_efecf49e3da64961880979ef174b2b26~mv2.webp)
Weather
January is the coldest month of the winter season in Fukuoka, with average temperatures ranging from about 3 to 10 degrees Celsius. Cold waves occasionally bring temperatures below freezing, but snowfall is rare. However, there are many windy days, which can make the temperature feel even lower.
Events
January is a month of mainly New Year’s celebrations. During New Year’s, many shrines offer Hatsumode, and especially large shrines such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Hakozaki-gu Shrine are crowded with many people. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of shrines unique to this time of year.
Travel
In addition to the winter activities that can be enjoyed in Fukuoka in January, a trip to an onsen (hot spring) is especially recommended. A visit to a hot spring resort will allow you to soak in hot water in the cool air and enjoy a relaxing time. Restaurants offer a wide variety of warm winter dishes such as nabe (hot pot) and oden.
January Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in January, you will need to dress for the cold winter weather. Make sure you have a heavy coat, down jacket, wool sweater, scarf, gloves, and hat. In addition to protection from the cold, it is also important to have items to protect you from the wind. In addition, choosing shoes that are easy to walk in and non-slip will allow you to safely enjoy sightseeing even when there is snow on the ground.
Hatsumode spots where you want to go out of your way
In Japan, there is an event called “Hatsumode” in which people visit shrines for the first time after the New Year. Many visitors come to pray for safety and health in the coming year. Some shrines are lined with food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere.
Hatsumode is generally held during the period from January 1 to 3, known as “Sanganichi,” but there is no problem even if you go past this period. However, all shrines are quite crowded, so if you do not like crowds, it is recommended to go to Hatsumode after the first three days of the New Year have passed.
Munakata Taisha Shrine（宗像大社）
Munakata-taisha Shrine, registered as a World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine is open all day from New Year’s Eve to Sanganichi (December 31 to January 3), and is recommended for Hatsumode.
In addition, many food stalls will be open during the New Year’s holiday at Munakata Taisha Shrine. Visitors can enjoy yakisoba noodles, candy apples, cotton candy, and other food stalls that are perfect for eating and walking around. You can also try your hand at “fuku-mikuji” (lucky paper fortune) to win a lucky charm.
Official website: https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/
Toka Ebisu Shrine（十日恵比須神社）
Toka Ebisu Shrine in Fukuoka City is famous for its prosperity of business. The annual Toka Ebisu New Year Festival, held from January 8 to 11, attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. This event is recommended for those who missed out on the Hatsumode on Sanganichi.
More than 400 stalls line the approach to the festival, and the festival is famous for its “Fukubiki” (lottery), in which there is no hare lottery. The festival is perfect for those who want to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the New Year.
Official website: https://www.tooka-ebisu.or.jp/
Houmangu Kamado Jinja Shrine（宝満宮竈門神社）
The Houmangu Kamado Jinja Shrine in Dazaifu is a shrine that brings good luck in marriage. It is also a popular place for girls to visit together, with a selection of cute good luck charms. Since it is located near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, it is a good idea to visit the two shrines on the same day.
Various festivals are held throughout the year, and seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and hydrangeas can also be enjoyed. Please take a look at the official Instagram page for various photos of seasonal events and seasonal scenery.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamadojinja.official/
Official website: https://kamadojinja.or.jp/
A year that begins with a spectacular view! The first sunrise of the year
“Hatsuhinode” refers to the sunrise on January 1. It is believed to bring good fortune because it is the first sunrise of the year. Many people gather at sunrise spots across Japan to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view.
Atago Jinja Shrine（愛宕神社）
Atag Jinja Shrine, located atop Mt. Atago in Fukuoka City, is one of Fukuoka’s most scenic spots. It commands a panoramic view of Fukuoka Tower, Hakata Port, Nokonoshima Island, and Shiga Island.
It requires climbing about 300 steps, but the first sunrise with a beautiful view is worth it. With its long history, Atago Shrine is popular as a power spot, making it an ideal place to welcome the New Year. After enjoying the first sunrise of the year, be sure to pay a visit to the shrine for the first time.
Official website: https://atagojinja.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washioatagojinja.official/
Nokonoshima Island（能古島）
Nokonoshima is a popular, yet less crowded, hiddden spot for the first sunrise of the new year. From the observatory located 195 meters above the summit, you can see the sea and famous landmarks of Hakata.
Another reason for its popularity is its easy accessibility: it is only 10 minutes from the ferry terminal in Fukuoka City. If you want to see the first sunrise of the year, be sure to take an early ferry to Nokonoshima.
Mount Sarakura（皿倉山）
Mount Sarakura is popular for its night view from its 622-meter-high summit, and is also a great place to view the first sunrise of the new year. Visitors can hike to the summit on the mountain trail, or take the cable car and slope car for an easy ride to the top.
On New Year’s Day, the cable car operates early in the morning, but crowds are expected, so it is recommended to travel to the summit early.
Official website: https://www.sarakurayama-cablecar.co.jp/
I want to go there in cold winter! Hot Spring Destinations in Fukuoka
January is a very cold month in Fukuoka, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. This is the time to forget the cold by soaking in a warm hot spring! There are various hot spring resorts in Fukuoka, some of which are said to be good not only for your health but also for your skin. There are also hot spring facilities where you can enjoy a day trip as well as stay overnight, so please feel free to visit them.
Chikugo River Hot Spring（筑後川温泉）
“Chikugo River Onsen” is a hot spring that has a reputation for making skin moist and soft after bathing in it. Located overlooking the Chikugo River, the largest river in Kyushu, this hot spring resort is rich in nature. Why not use the smooth-feeling hot spring to relieve daily fatigue?
Ukiha City, where Chikugogawa Hot Spring is located, is also famous for its delicious fruits. It is recommended to enjoy fruit picking at a farmhouse or enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, soft-serve ice cream, and other gourmet foods at the nearby “Michinoeki Ukiha”.
Harazuru Hot Spring（原鶴温泉）
“Harazuru Hot Spring” is located in Asakura City. The hot spring is characterized by its thick texture and is said to be a skin beautifying hot spring. There are a variety of facilities where visitors can enjoy the hot spring not only for overnight stays but also for one-day trips, making it easy to enjoy the hot spring.
