Fukuoka seaside tower, a coastal panoramic experience
Fukuoka Seaside Tower, located on reclaimed land in Hakata Bay, is the tallest seaside tower in Japan, standing at 234 meters. The tower offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding city, making it a popular destination at sunrise and sunset, when visitors can enjoy stunning views of the sun rising and setting over the waves.
The tower features three observation decks, with the highest one situated at 123 meters, providing a 360-degree view of the area. The tower offers interactive activities that add a creative spin on the usual tower offerings. Such as the giant gatcha machine offering an array of tower merch as prizes, the pinball fortune machine which allows visitors to pull a fortune via the method of pinball to select their fortune. It is believed in Japan that wishes have more chances to be granted the higher one is. Because you are closer to the Gods. So, you will also see places to hang fortunes in the tower. There are the usual love locks with the addition of them being returned to a local shrine to be blessed by the priest for luck between the two partners.
An interesting fact about Fukuoka Tower is its appearance in the Japanese film "Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla." In the movie, during an epic battle between the two towering kaiju, Space Godzilla uses the tower to absorb energy before it is ultimately destroyed by Godzilla. Godzilla, known for his destructive tendencies toward Japan, enjoys nothing more than laying waste to its cities and utilizing its towers as weapons. Interestingly, Godzilla might be seen in partnership with Kumamon, as the two characters generate significant revenue for their respective creators.
Fukuoka Tower is distinct from the usual designs seen in many of Japan's towers, as it features a triangular shape and is covered in 8,000 half mirrors. This reflective surface allows the tower to mirror the sky, earning it the nickname "Mirror Sail." The structure itself is hollow and unoccupied, which is common for many towers.
Designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 7, Fukuoka Tower is also built to endure high wind speeds, as Kyushu frequently experiences typhoons. The strongest earthquake recorded in the Fukuoka area was a magnitude 6.
The tower is worth a visit and is located near a beautiful beach where you can play sports and enjoy the sea in certain areas. The beach includes facilities to wash of the sand after your time on the beach. There is a small shopping area offering blue seal ice cream and dipping dots, tacos, and even yakiniku! what more could one ask for than grilling meat on the beach? Additionally, there is a scenic private venue available for hire for weddings and similar events, featuring a charming European design.
A trip to the tower, combined with time spent on the beach and enjoying delicious food, is surely a worthy addition to any itinerary. The site is accessible via subway, and the entry fee to the tower is 500 yen per adult. Be sure to take in the stunning views of Fukuoka Bay, and if possible, plan your visit around sunset to witness the beautiful colours reflecting in the sea.
