The Kyushu National Museum, which attracted over 6 million visitors within four years of its opening

Text & Photos / Hanri Anko

Opened in October 2006 and causing a sensation right from the start, the “Kyushu Museum” (as locals call the Kyushu National Museum) has welcomed over 6 million visitors in just four years. It is the fourth national museum in Japan after the Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, and Nara National Museum, and is currently the newest and most popular museum. Strangely enough, what exactly is the charm of this museum? Why do so many people rush to visit it? Even before going, Anko was very curious.

I still remember five years ago when Anko was in Fukuoka on assignment—the Kyushu Museum was under construction. After that, I never got the chance to revisit Fukuoka, which left me feeling regretful for a long time. Five years later, at the end of March this year, Anko finally made it there and resolved the question that had lingered for years.

Regarding the question of “why the Kyushu Museum is so popular?” here’s Anko’s take: First of all, the museum has truly innovated in its display methods. For example, the “descriptions for each cultural artifact are written in simple and easy-to-understand language,” the exhibits are arranged so that “visitors can get up close to precious ancient objects,” and it breaks away from the rigid format of traditional museums by advocating that “there is no set visiting route.” Visitors are free to move around and can start their tour from any point they like. Moreover, “the displayed items are almost completely changed every week,” so no matter how many times you go, there’s always something new to see.

Next, “the location is well chosen.” The Kyushu Museum is located near the famous Kyushu attraction, “Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.” After paying respects at Dazaifu, almost everyone makes a stop at the Kyushu Museum. The building’s exterior features a sleek, futuristic design. Inside, there are four floors: the first floor is the “Ajippa” exhibition room where you can experience Asian culture through music and dance, the second floor houses the important “artifact storage” and restoration rooms, the third floor is the “special exhibition room,” and the fourth floor is the “cultural exchange exhibition room”...Click to view the full introduction of Kyushu National Museum as a tourist attraction

★★★Extended Reading = Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Kyushu National Museum, SONY HDR-CX520V


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