Kyushu National Museum Tickets

The Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu is one of only a handful of national museums in Japan, and the newest of them, housed in a vast wave roofed building that rises out of forested hills behind Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. Its theme is Japan’s long conversation with the rest of Asia, told from the region that was always the country’s front door to the continent.

The collection

The permanent exhibition on the fourth floor sweeps from prehistoric Kyushu through the arrival of rice, writing and Buddhism to the trading worlds of the Middle Ages and beyond, mixing archaeological finds with art and everyday objects. Displays rotate frequently, and blockbuster special exhibitions visit through the year. English support is solid, with multilingual labels and audio guides, and the hands on Ajippa area downstairs lets children handle crafts and instruments from across Asia for free.

Combining with Dazaifu Tenmangu

The museum connects to the approach of Dazaifu Tenmangu, the great shrine of learning, via a long escalator and moving walkway bored through the hillside, an experience in itself. Doing shrine, museum and the umegae mochi stalls of the shrine street together makes one of the best half day trips from Fukuoka.

Getting there

From Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station in Tenjin, take the Nishitetsu line toward Omuta and change at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi for the short branch to Dazaifu, about 30 minutes all up. From Dazaifu Station walk up the shrine approach and follow signs to the museum tunnel entrance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take? Around 90 minutes for the permanent collection, more with a special exhibition.

Is photography allowed? In parts of the permanent exhibition yes, but follow the signage per object.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.