Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower, located in the Momochihama Seaside District of Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, is a landmark structure that serves both as a broadcast transmission tower and a tourist attraction. Standing 234 meters tall, it is Japan’s tallest seaside tower and the third tallest tower overall, after Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. Built to commemorate the 1989 Asia-Pacific Exposition (Yokatopia), it is operated by Fukuoka Tower Co., Ltd., a joint venture between the city and local businesses, and is a member of the All Japan Tower Association.

Construction began in 1988 and was completed in 450 days, opening to the public in March 1989. The tower quickly became a popular attraction, drawing over one million visitors in its first year, five million by 1996, and surpassing ten million by 2010. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, a leading Japanese architecture firm, Fukuoka Tower features a modern, geometric design and a striking glass façade that gives it a futuristic look.

The structure takes the shape of an equilateral triangular prism, clad in about 8,000 mirrored glass panels that reflect the colors of the sky and sea. By day, it shines like a mirror; by night, it transforms with romantic lighting displays — earning it the nickname “Mirror Tower.” The design of the tower’s top was inspired by the Fukuoka City emblem, symbolizing vitality and progress.

Fukuoka Tower also functions as a key broadcasting hub for Fukuoka Prefecture, transmitting signals for NHK Fukuoka, RKB Mainichi Broadcasting, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting (KBC), and TV Nishinippon, among others. Since the start of digital broadcasting in 2006, all digital television signals in the prefecture have been transmitted from this tower. It also houses transmitters for CROSS FM and LOVE FM radio stations.

The tower has five floors, with major visitor facilities as follows:

• 1st Floor: Entrance lobby and multipurpose space, including the Renga Club Restaurant.

• 2nd Floor: Event and exhibition area.

• 3rd & 5th Floors: Observation decks — the highest located 123 meters above ground, offering panoramic views of Fukuoka City, Hakata Bay, and Shikanoshima Island.

• 4th Floor: Café with scenic views of the city.

A high-speed elevator takes visitors to the observation deck in about 70 seconds. The structure is engineered to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes and winds up to 63 m/s (≈226 km/h). Its base weighs 25,000 tons, with a 3,500-ton steel superstructure.

Throughout the year, Fukuoka Tower hosts seasonal illumination shows — during Christmas, the tower glows in red, green, and gold; for Tanabata, twinkling stars and heart motifs appear. The LED display wall on the upper section also features animations and text messages. Every Golden Week and Health & Sports Day, the tower holds a popular “Tower Climb Challenge,” inviting visitors to ascend the 577 steps to the observation deck on foot.

To mark its 20th anniversary in 2008, the tower introduced its official mascot, Fūta-kun (フータくん) — a cheerful blue character whose name combines “Fu” (Fukuoka) and “Ta” (Tower). Standing 234 cm tall (symbolizing the tower’s height), Fūta-kun has become a beloved figure appearing in tower events and souvenirs.