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Museum · Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Kyushu National Museum
One of Japan’s four national museums, dedicated to cultural exchanges between Japan and Asia, in a wave-shaped glass building on the Dazaifu hills, connected to the shrine by a walkway.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Kyushu National Museum in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Kyushu National Museum
The Kyushu National Museum opened in 2005 as Japan’s fourth national museum, after Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara, and the first to focus on a single theme: the formation of Japanese culture through exchanges with continental Asia. Dazaifu was chosen for historical reasons: for centuries the city hosted the government offices that received envoys and goods from China and Korea.
The building, about 160 meters long, has a curved glass facade that reflects the surrounding hills and a wavy roof evoking the sea. Access from the shrine is via a walkway with escalators and a tunnel of colored lights that changes hue along the path.
The permanent exhibition, on the fourth floor, follows the chronology of the archipelago’s relations with the continent from the Jomon period to the 19th century, with ceramics, bronze mirrors, temple objects, shipwreck finds and items related to Nagasaki’s trade with the Dutch. Many pieces are national treasures and important cultural properties, and part of the collection rotates throughout the year. The third floor hosts major temporary exhibitions.
On the ground floor, the Ajippa area offers hands-on participation with costumes, instruments and toys from several Asian countries for children and adults to handle. Outside, trails in the hills lead to ruins and temples of Dazaifu.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, after visiting the shrine. Check closing days and the schedule of temporary exhibitions.
How to get there
About a 10-minute walk from Dazaifu Station, via the walkway that departs from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Tip
Take the illuminated walkway from the shrine. The permanent exhibition is enough for visitors with limited time; temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kyushu National Museum
What is the theme of the Kyushu National Museum?
The formation of Japanese culture through exchanges with continental Asia, from the Jomon period to the 19th century.
How do you go from the shrine to the Kyushu National Museum?
By the walkway with escalators and an illuminated tunnel that departs the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu, about a 5-minute walk.
Is there an entrance fee for the Kyushu National Museum?
Yes, for the permanent exhibition; temporary exhibitions have separate tickets. The Ajippa area on the ground floor is free. Check the current fee schedule.
Does the museum have texts in English?
Yes, major exhibits have English captions, and audio guides are available in other languages.
Beyond the guide
