Hakata is located in Fukuoka prefecture which is in the Kyushu Prefecture of Japan. Famous for great food such as the Hakata ramen, the city is connected by subway to the Fukuoka Airport where many domestic and international flights access. This convenient and fantastic city is one which serves as one of the gateways to a trip to Japan, and is definitely a place worth spending a few days at! Here are 10 spots in Hakata you surely can’t miss.
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1. Enjoy the best of Hakata’s food at the leisure complex: Bayside Place Hakata
Bayside Place Hakata is located conveniently just 10 minutes from Gofukumachi Station or Hakata Station. Here, you can enjoy a fantastic landscape of the Hakata Bay, the city, and the symbolic Hakata Port Tower. From Bayside Place Hakata, you can board boats leading to several offshore islands such as Sikano Island. You can also access the Hakata Port tower which is open from 10am to 10pm, for free! An amazing 360 degree panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed from the top.
Most importantly, there are various restaurants and shops at Bayside Place Hakata where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood in sushi or donburi style.
Bayside Place Hakata
Address: 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm
Website: Bayside Place Hakata
Access: 13 minute bus from Subway Hakozaki Line Gofukumachi Station
2. Momochi Seaside Park at the water front district
Momochi Seaside Park is located very close to the city center of Hakata, and is a great place that can be enjoyed all year round. At Momochi Seaside Park, a great beach will welcome you where you can enjoy activities such as picnicking. You can have a great time in the sea during the summer season as well. During winter, Momochi Seaside Park is famous for its delicious oysters and many often indulge in barbecues there.
Momochi Seaside Park
Address: 2 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City
Access: 20 minute walk from Subway Airport Line Nishijin Station
3. View the King of Na Gold Seal at Fukuoka City Museum
The King of Na Gold Seal is one of the National Treasures of Japan, and is thought to have been brought into Japan from China during the year 57 CE. The seals are placed on exhibit in the Fukuoka City Museum. At the Fukuoka City Museum, not only can you learn about the history of Japan and view several historical artifacts, you can also have a great meal at the café located at the second floor of the museum. It is a must-visit for history lovers!
Fukuoka City Museum
Address: 3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Monday)
Entrance fee: 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for above high scholl students, the rest are FOC
Website: Fukuoka City Museum
Access: 15 minute’s walk from Subway Airport Line Nishijin Statio
4. Walk along the Tenshin Riverside and visit the Nakasu area!
The Tenshin region is perfect for a stroll at night with your date along the river. Buildings such as the Fukuoka Akarenga Cultural Center will be illuminated at night, making the red brick building look ever more beautiful. As you walk along the river, you will reach the Nakasu region. It is said that there are over 150 Yatai (stalls) in Fukuoka in total, with over a million visitors every year. You definitely have to visit the Nakasu stalls to fully experience what Hakata is like!
Nakasu Stalls
Address: Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: Depends on stalls, at night
Access: 5 minute walk from Subway Hakozaki Line Nakasukawabata Station
5. Spend a full day at Ohori Park!
Ohori Park is located just 10 minutes from Ohorikoen Station, which is only 5 minutes from Tenshin via subway. This park, loved by locals, is one where many engage in activities such as jogging and cycling. A jogging road is constructed around a pond in the park. Over at the pond, swan boats can be rented (from March to November) and this is perfect for families and couples. Furthermore, there are playgrounds around for children as well as the Fukuoka Art Museum just slightly south of the park. You can also take a break at the Starbucks café within the park. Surrounded by greenery, the energetic park is recommended for couples and families.
Ohori Park
Address: 1-2, Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Access: 2 minute’s walk from Subway Airport Line Ohorikoen Station
Website: Ohori Park
6. One of the few historical artifacts in Hakata – Fukuoka Castle Remains
One might not associate Hakata with historical elements, but there are actually a few historical artifacts you can find in Hakata. One of them is the Fukuoka Castle Remains, located very near the Ohori Park.
The Fukuoka Castle Remains is a place surrounded by greenery and is great for a stroll. Although the main castle no longer stands at the castle remains, several buildings such as the Tamon Yagura can still be viewed. You can also explore the way the rocks around the castle were built – in a way to prevent enemy attack. Finally, a small museum is located within the Fukuoka Castle Remains where you can learn about the history of Hakata.
Fukuoka Castle Remains (inside Ohori Park)
Address: Jonai, Chuo, Fukuoka
Access: 10 minute walk from Subway Airport Line Ohorikoen Station
7. Popular amongst couples - Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine is located just 15 minutes from Hakata via subway, and is known amongst the locals as Kushidasan. Here, there is a Ginkgo tree named “Fufu Ginnan” which is said to provide good love luck. Also, Kushida Shrine is also where the famous festival, Hakata Gion Yamasaka, is held in July.
Kushida Shrine
Address: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Best time to visit: In the morning time. Usually it’s the sacred hours to visit shrines in Japan
Access: 6 minute walk from Subway Airport Line Gion Station
8. Visit the power spots in Hakozaki Gu Shrine
Hakozaki Shrine, located right beside the Hakata Bay, is one of the Three Major Hachiman Shrines of Japan along with the Usa Jingu Shrine in Oita prefecture and Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto prefecture. The shrine was founded in the year 923 and is known to have various power spots within the compound. Some of them include the Sazareishi Stone that appears in the Kimigayo – the national anthem of Japan – as well as the Wakideishi Stone, where rubbing it is said to provide good luck.
Hakozaki Shrine
Address: 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City
Website: Hakozaki Shrine
Access: 8 minute walk from Hakozaki Line Hakozakimiya-mae Station
9. Explore Hakata's tradition at Hakata Machiya Townhouse History Hall
Apart from viewing the Hakata Gion Yamasaki festival, there are many other ways you can experience the culture and tradition of Japan in Hakata. One of such places that offers such an experience is the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where not only can you learn about the culture through exhibits and videos, but also participate in the art of Hakata craftsmanship such as the Hakata Ningyo doll and making your own Hakata Ori cloth!
Hakata Townhouse History Hall
Address: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm
Website: Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
Access: 5 minute walk from Subway Airport Line Gion Station>
10. Appreciate traditional Japanese theatre, Hakata-za!
Hakata-za is a traditional Japanese theatre which has over 1,000 seats. Various types of Japanese performances and musicals can be appreciated at the Hakata-za. This theatre is slightly smaller compared to many other theaters you can find in Japan, allowing viewers to have a great close up view of the performers, unlike others where you might have to sit further away. The performance details can be found on their official website and make sure you book your tickets early!
Hakata-za
Address: 2-1 Shimokawabatamach, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Opening Hours: Please check official website for show timings
Website: Hakata-za
Access: 1 minute walk from Subway Hakozaki Line Nakasukawabata Station
Cultural and historical city
Hakata is a city with places of interest, where you can experience the culture and tradition of Japan at sites such as at Hakata-za, as well as explore the history of the region at the Fukuoka Castle Remains. Make sure to add these locations to your list and see you in Hakata!
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