Top Things to do in Kanzaki
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Kanzaki That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Kanzaki, Japan including Niiyama Shrine, Sefuri no Megane-bashi Bridge, Wani Shrine, Kunenan, Hinokumayama Observatory, Jotokuji Temple, House of Ashibe, Genboku Ito Old House, Shimomura Lake Life House, Saga no Eiffel Tower.
Restaurants in Kanzaki
1. Niiyama Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
After exiting from Kunanen Garden and villa, head up the hill to the shrine. Be sure to go to Kunanen villa before going to the shrine in order to try to beat some of the crowds there. The path up to the shrine from the garden and villa passes an immense ancient tree. There is a torii at the entrance to the shrine complex, in addition to the one at the base of the hill. There was some nice foliage color here but nothing earth shattering. Once in the shrine complex you can wander around on that level photographing lanterns and such or stop at one of the food stalls there. Take the steep stairs up to the shrine itself or use the ramp which makes it an easier walk. Be sure to make your way around to the back of the shrine, where you will find a sacred spring attended by statues of monkey. The god of mountains and god of agriculture are enshrined here. There were several small shrines similar to those found at Inari shrines, but here at Niiyama there were tiny statues of monkeys and other animals placed around the auxiliary small shrines. When we left we walked down the broad staircase to see something different. We found more foliage and a bit more color near the stairs. This shrine combined with Kunanen Garden makes for a nice day trip from Hakata.
2. Sefuri no Megane-bashi Bridge
3. Wani Shrine
4. Kunenan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
When you are in Fukuoka/Hakata in autumn, be sure to visit the villa at Kunanen Garden if the timing is right. The garden and villa are open only 9 days in the autumn so you have to check online to be sure it is open if you are planning a visit. Right next to it is Niiyama Shrine and you can visit both at the same time. Plan to arrive early in the day. Take a train to JR Kanzaki Station, then a bus to the garden. Be sure to take a photo or get a copy of the return bus schedule. When you get off the bus, follow the crowd of visitors who get with you and who know where to go. The villa and garden offer a limited number of tickets each day. Purchase your numbered ticket at the stall in the parking lot near the bus stop. The stall is surrounded by stalls selling local goods. Take a photo of your ticket as a souvenir. After you get your ticket, begin the walk uphill past more food stalls to the villa. These stalls are useful to grab a bite to eat on your way out of the complex. The villa is reminiscent of a large traditional Japanese teahouse. The route though the garden takes you around the house to the back garden and out. Since you must follow the route and there is no no option to return once you leave, you need to take everything very slowly and be sure to get all the photos you want. We spent a fair amount of time walking the route, waiting for the crowds to break up - a long wait - to be able to get the photos we wanted. We were able to go back a little ways over the path we had already walked, as long as we didn’t walk out the exit gateway. The garden is not that large so it doesn’t take that much time to visit even going slowly. Once you leave, head up the hill to Niiyama Shrine (Niiyamajinja). The garden and villa, and shrine make for an excellent day trip from Hakata on peak foliage days.
