Chikushino

Chikushino is an administrative city in Fukuoka Prefecture, located in the northern part of Kyushu island and bordering Saga Prefecture. Mountains of the Sefuri Range frame the western boundary, while open plains and low hills shape the main part of the built-up area.

Several villages merged into Chikushino town in 1955 and received city status in 1972, after being administered as part of Fukuoka Domain during the Edo period. The expansion of Fukuoka City and construction of major transport routes changed the settlement pattern considerably from the second half of the 20th century onward.

Futsukaichi thrived as a resort for wealthy Hakata merchants before World War II, and several bathhouses from that era still supply locals with hot thermal water today. Festivals and gatherings take place at historically important shrines such as Tenpai-san, maintained and visited by residents.

Visitors reach the city via JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line or Nishitetsu railways, which intersect with the Kyushu Expressway and several national routes. Local buses link residential areas with railway stations and hot spring districts, and shorter distances work best on foot.

The Goroyama Kofun tumulus ranks among Kyushu's largest burial mounds and documents early power structures in the region through its keyhole shape from the 5th century. Mount Homan has served as a pilgrimage destination for more than a thousand years and offers walking trails through forests that link Buddhist temples and shrine sites.