809 Steps Above the City: ACROS Hakata’s Step Garden

 

Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡) 

       In a post I shared earlier, I mentioned that my husband and I took a trip to Hakata in Fukuoka last year. One of the places I was especially excited to visit was the Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)—a breathtaking 14-tiered green roof where layers of trees, shrubs, and trickling water create a mountain-like landscape that rises from the heart of the city.

      When I discovered that the garden features 809 steps leading to the top, I knew I had to climb them. It immediately reminded me of my biweekly workouts at Hillcrest Park in California, where countless stairs make each session a fun challenge. So I figured—why not turn this visit into a sightseeing workout? Climbing the Step Garden sounded like my kind of fun!

Acros Fukuoka
1-1-1 Tenjin
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Fukuoka, Japan

        Before heading to Acros Fukuoka, we stopped by Canal City Hakata (キャナルシティ博多) for lunch. We chose Hakata Tempura Takao (博多天ぷら たかお), a popular spot known for its crispy tempura and flavorful dipping sauces. The meal hit the spot and gave us just the right boost before setting off on foot to the Step Garden. It took us about 17 minutes to walk from Canal City Hakata to Acros Fukuoka—a leisurely stroll through the heart of Fukuoka that added a nice prelude to the climb ahead.

Canal City Hakata (キャナルシティ博多)

Hakata Tempura Takao (博多天ぷら たかお)

Naka River

       We walked along the Naka River toward Acros Fukuoka. The gentle water and afternoon breeze made the short stroll surprisingly refreshing.

My Walking Summary

My Walking Summary

Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

       From the Naka River, Acros Fukuoka looked like a giant triangle rising out of the city.

Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

        But once we reached Tenjin Central Park, I understood why it’s nicknamed “Mountain Acros”—its stepped facade was covered in trees, like a forest climbing up the building.

Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

       The Step Garden (ステップガーデン) is open daily—9:00 am to 6:00 pm from March to October, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from November to February. It’s worth checking the hours before you go.

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

        According to the information sign, the Step Garden is designed to resemble a mountain slope, filled with over 200 types of plants that shift with the seasons. It uses lightweight, water-retentive soil that helps the greenery survive for nearly two months without watering. Rainwater from the rooftop is reused to nourish the plants, making the garden even more sustainable. In summer, the green surface stays cooler than concrete and helps lower the surrounding temperature—a refreshing escape in the middle of the city.

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡) 

      These stairs feel like part of a natural mountain, even though they’re tucked right into the heart of the city.

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

        The rooftop observation deck only opens on weekends and holidays. It was closed that day, but we still got to enjoy the sweeping cityscape from here.

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

        Climbing all 809 stairs wasn’t too hard, but it definitely made for a solid workout.

Step Garden (ステップガーデン) of Acros Fukuoka (アクロス福岡)

       If you love exercise and find yourself in Hakata or Tenjin, this unique urban workout spot is worth a visit. 

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.

• Top 3 Seafood Restaurants to Visit Around Hakata

• Hakata’s Udon Gems: Two Must-Try Udon Restaurants in Hakata, Fukuoka

• A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

• Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants
  

• 5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka
  

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♥5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

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♥Driving A Rental Car in Japan, 6 Things You Should Know Before Driving in Japan 

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     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
  
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Hakata’s Hidden Railway Shrine: Just Above the Bustle of JR Station

 

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子) at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)

       During last year’s trip to Hakata, my husband and I stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka—a familiar spot for those who’ve followed my previous posts. Knowing that several shrines were within walking distance of JR Hakata Station, I made it a point to include a few in our itinerary.

• Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社): About an 8-minute walk from JR Hakata Station

• Railway Shrine (鉄道神社): Tucked away on the rooftop of JR Hakata Station

 

     This time, we chose to visit the Railway Shrine (鉄道神社) for the first time. I hadn’t known that such a place existed—nestled quietly atop the bustling JR Hakata City building. You’ll find it at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば), a rooftop plaza that feels worlds away from the station’s busy concourse below.

Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)
Rooftop of JR Hakata City

1-1 Hakataekichūō-gai, 
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City,
Fukuoka, Japan

Hour: 10 am to 11 pm

Railway Shrine (鉄道神社) at Tsubame no Mori Hiroba (つばめの杜ひろば)

         The Railway Shrine honors Sumiyoshi Ōkami, a deity known for protecting travelers and transportation. His spirit was transferred from Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata Ward, giving this rooftop spot a special connection. Today, it’s loved by railway workers and train fans alike—many see it as the main shrine for all things railway-related.

The Third Gate (Dream Gate), 夢門

There are three torii gates here, each with its own special meaning:

• Star Gate (星門): Said to ward off bad luck and clear away misfortune.

• Gate of Good Fortune (福門): Believed to invite blessings and keep you safe on your travels.

• Dream Gate (夢門): Symbolizes forming meaningful connections and attracting good relationships.

Walking through each gate feels like a quiet ritual—like you're setting intentions with every step.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

      After walking through the third torii, you’ll come across a ring of torii gates arranged in a circle. Right in the middle stands the Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)—a statue of seven lucky gods who are said to help people form special bonds.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

      The ‘Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi’ is a sculpture depicting children playing train atop a map of Kyushu Island.

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子)

Enmusubi Shichifuku Dōshi (縁結び七福導子) 

        It’s said that if you gently pat the heads of the little ones in the sculpture, your wishes might just come true.

Honden (本殿), The Main Shrine

           The main shrine, called Honden (本殿), enshrines Sumiyoshi Ōkami, the deity of the Railway Shrine.

The relief of Hermann Rumschöttel, a German railway engineer

       Near the shrine, you’ll spot a bronze relief of Hermann Rumschöttel—a German railway engineer who helped shape Japan’s railway system during the Meiji era. He’s often called the “Father of Railways” in Japan for the big role he played in modernizing train technology. 

Rooftop Farm

Rice Paddy

       Tsubame no Mori Hiroba has a tiny rooftop farm with a rice paddy tucked into the greenery. The golden rice ears shimmered in the sunlight—simple, quiet, and beautiful.

Tsubame Train (つばめ電車)

Kuro Train (くろ電車)

        One of the cutest parts of the rooftop garden is the little Tsubame Train that loops around the Sky Plaza. There are two versions—one bright red and one black with the rooftop mascot, Kuro-chan, riding along. Depending on the day, you’ll see either the red “Tsubame Train” or the “Kuro Train” chugging by.

Observation Deck

The View from the Observation Deck

         At the top of JR Hakata City, there’s an observation deck 60 meters up where you can soak in wide views of Hakata. It’s a great spot to pause and take in the city from above.

     Just below the edge where people stand and take in the view, solar panels catch the sunlight—quietly powering the station’s green future and reflecting Hakata’s push toward clean energy.

The View from the Observation Deck

       If you’re ever at JR Hakata Station, make sure to swing by the Railway Shrine. It’s a quiet little spot with history and charm tucked right into the rooftop garden.

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.

• Top 3 Seafood Restaurants to Visit Around Hakata

• Hakata’s Udon Gems: Two Must-Try Udon Restaurants in Hakata, Fukuoka

• A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

• Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants
  

• 5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka
  

These are my entries you might like. 

♥Hotel Room Tour and Review - Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan

♥5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

♥My Shopping List for Japanese Beauty Products - What I Want to Get in Japan

♥How to Purchase Japanese Affordable Eyeglasses at Zoff 

♥Driving A Rental Car in Japan, 6 Things You Should Know Before Driving in Japan 

♥6 Facts about Kokyo Gaien Jogging Course 

♥How to Purchase Japanese Affordable Eyeglasses at JINS 

♥6 Japanese Products Loved by Foreign Tourists in Japan

♥Top 3 Japanese Powder Sunscreens   

♥3 Best Japanese Sunscreen Products to Try This Summer

♥3 Best Japanese Eye Creams Won Beauty Award This Year 

♥3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year 

♥7 Most Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Wipes for Removing Makeup   

♥7 Best Japanese Beauty Products Hall of Fame  

♥Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products   

♥Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap 

♥5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui 

♥The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan 

♥4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil 

♥10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan 



     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
  
     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.