Discover Ōnojō: Nature, History and Culture

Ōnojō can be explored at the municipal level from several different perspectives: walking trails and nature-based recreation sit alongside historic sites, a city museum and community events. This offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip.

Walking Trails and Nature-Based Recreation

The Ōnojō Trail brings together landscapes, nature, cultural assets and local scenery in a network of walking paths. It is intended for residents and visitors, and is designed to make walking safe and convenient. The network comprises seven routes. Signposts and information boards about cultural assets accompany the paths; visitors can get maps of the individual routes at City Hall and community centers.

Shioji Prefectural Forest is a 342-hectare park spanning Ōnojō City, Dazaifu City and Umi Town. Its geographic reach therefore extends beyond a single municipality.

Ōnojō Ikoi no Mori is located on the mid-slope of Mount Ushikubi and makes use of the ecosystem around the Ushikubi Dam as a nature-based recreational area. The Central Park at Ōnojō Ikoi no Mori features 21st Century Hill, an outdoor stage, a jet slider and putt-putt golf. Some facilities may change.

History and Museum

Ōnojō Castle is an ancient mountain castle whose grounds span Ōnojō City, Dazaifu City and Umi Town. The Mizuki archaeological site and the Ushikubi Sue kiln site also have national designations: Mizuki has been designated a Special National Historic Site since March 31, 1953, and the kiln site a National Historic Site since February 12, 2009.

Ōnojō Cocoro-no-furusato-kan is a city museum focused on history, programs for children and community life. Each of its three floors is organized around a different learning theme. The museum connects these themes with the goal of fostering exchange between generations.

Festivals and Hands-On Activities

The Ōno-Yamashiro Daimonji Festival is held annually as a community festival around the end of September. A large “大” is illuminated on Mount Shioji as the festival symbol, with many residents and groups taking part. Details may change, so check the current festival date in advance.

At “Showa Kids Day,” visitors can try traditional games and fold origami on the fourth and fifth Saturdays and Sundays of each month. The Kokofuru Workshop, which features simple craft activities, is also held at Ōnojō Cocoro-no-furusato-kan on the first through third Saturdays and Sundays of each month. It takes place in the Children’s Experience Gallery on the first floor. Program dates may change, so check the latest information before your visit. Confirm the Kokofuru Workshop details with the venue in advance.

A Local Culinary Tradition

Local cuisine is also part of the municipality’s character. In Ōnojō City, the traditional Bokkake rice dish has been adapted into Ōnojō Chicken Bokkake. Bokkake is made by pouring chicken broth over rice. The dish is thus a development of a traditional way of preparing rice.

Discover more destinations: Fukuoka, Munakata, Kurume, Dazaifu, Kasuya District, Yame, Ōkawa, Asakura

For the main travel overview: Fukuoka Prefecture.