Kyushu National Museum

What to know

When Dazaifu's Kyushu National Museum (九州国立博物館, Kyūshū Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) opened in 2005, it became the fourth national museum in Japan, joining the Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara National Museums. The other three were built in the late 1800s, making the opening of the Dazaifu museum a significant event. During the Nara and Heian Periods (710-1185), Dazaifu housed a government office managing diplomatic relations with mainland Asia. The museum honors its host city's history by focusing on "Understanding Japanese culture from an Asian point of view."

The museum building is a massive blue structure that looks more like a sports stadium than an exhibition space. Its appearance is even more striking given Dazaifu's small size. Upon entering, visitors are impressed by the spacious entrance hall. The main exhibition on the fourth floor is divided into five chronological sections covering Japanese history from the Prehistoric Era to the Edo Period, each further divided into themed rooms.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts presented creatively and informatively. There are several small theaters showing short movies, including one using super-high-definition technology. Special exhibitions on the third floor change every few months. On the first floor, the "Ajippa" room offers hands-on exhibits from various Asian cultures, ideal for kids.

The Kyushu National Museum is a five-minute walk from Tenmangu Shrine via a dedicated path connecting the two attractions. From Dazaifu Station, it takes 10-15 minutes on foot.