Fukuoka is located in Kyushu, the easternmost island among the 4 main islands of Japan. Famous for its local food as well as the rich history that played a part in creating today’s Japan, it is one of the biggest cities in Japan with lots of fun-filled tourist attractions. You can find cheap accommodations there as well!
The main city in Fukuoka is Hakata, which has many types of food exclusive to the area. Bullet trains connect Fukuoka to other major cities and the Fukuoka Airport - an international airport - allows easy access from overseas. Read on to learn about the top things to do in Fukuoka, Japan.
1. Giant Wood Buddha
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Japan is predominantly a Buddhist country. When in Fukuoka, it is only right to pay a visit to the city’s famous Giant Wood Buddha in Tochoji Temple. The grand statue, called Fukuoka Daibutsu, is the country’s largest wooden Buddha statue, weighing 30,000 kilograms (30 tonnes) and stretching 11 meters (36 feet) high. The construction took four years as the details are quite intricate. Guests found it memorable to walk through the different stages of hell under the statue, and you are wise not to miss it. Come around in late winter to witness the temple’s celebration for Setsubun Festival. Learn more about Japan’s religion, culture, and culture at Tochoji Temple.
Giant Wood Buddha
Address: 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
2. Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A look at this impressive red-bricked building on Chuo Ward reminds you of a medieval mansion in Europe. Well, Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum is, indeed, of English architectural origin. It was built in 1909 and was used as a work facility for Nippon Life Insurance Company until 1966. From then on, the city, recognizing its historical significance, used the place as a museum on the ground floor with several meeting rooms on the second. After exploring the exhibits and the art nouveau design elements of the red-bricked building’s interiors, have a cup of your favorite espresso at its coffee shop (also on the ground floor).
Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
Address: 1 Chome-15-30 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
3. Momochi Seaside Park
Fukuoka is not all about concrete jungles; it has scenic seascapes to offer, too! Experience a relaxing atmosphere at Momochi Seaside Park, a modern waterfront district with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment choices. It stands near Japan’s tallest building by the sea - Fukuoka Tower - which has an observation deck where you can catch beautiful sunset views overlooking the city. Then you can later have a lovely meal at the seaside park. Either that, or you can watch an exciting baseball match at the nearby Yafuoku Paypay Dome before capping the night with a hot bowl of ramen and a nice beach walk at Momochi Seaside Park.
Momochi Seaside Park
Address: 2・4 Momochihama Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0001 Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
4. Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate
This welcome gate on Hakata Ward makes an interesting backdrop for your social media. Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate is only about five minutes away from Gion Subway Station on foot. With its majestic medieval architectural design, this free-standing gate is hard to miss. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate is historically relevant. It welcomes you to historic trails, and as its name signifies, it represents 1,000 years of Hakata history. The wood used for its gate board is of the camphor tree, aged 1,000 years old. Come by twice - in the daytime and nighttime - as the gate looks dazzling when lit.
Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate
Address: 1 Chome-7-29ｰ9 Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
5. Kawachi Fuji Garden ( Best season from end of April to early May)
The amazing scenery of Kawachi Fujien, a private garden, went viral on social networking sites and made it to CNN’s “Japan’s 31 most beautiful places” in 2015. During spring and autumn, the flower gardens on Kawachi Fujien will be lined by numerous vibrant flowers, and its beauty cannot be experienced anywhere else. It is most famous for the wisteria tunnel, which is the perfect place for you to take a photo and show off to your friends!
Kawachi Fujien (Kawachi Fuji Garden)
Address: 2-2-48 Kawachi, Yawatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu 805-0045, Fukuoka
Access info: 1-hour drive from Hakata station
Opening hours: Spring and autumn (please check official website)
Fixed holiday: Summer and winter (please check official website)
Contact: +81 93-652-0334
Entrance fee: please check official website (free entry for high schoolers and below)
Access 20 mins taxi/bus ride from JR Yahata station
6. Shikano Island
Shikano Island is a small island just 30 minutes from Hakata by ferry, which has amazing landscapes as well as hiking courses. The view from the Shiomi Park Observatory provides a panoramic view of Fukuoka, Hakata Bay and the ocean around the island. You can also make your way to the beach and enjoy a great time with your friends - the view of the sunset from the beach is marvellous too.
Port of Hakata
Address: 12-1 Okihama-machi, Hakata-ku Fukuoka-City
Access info: Shikano Island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Port of Hakata
Opening hours: please check ferry timings at official website
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 92-282-7110
Entrance fee: 670 JPY or 6.30 USD (one-way)
7. Nanzoin Temple
Nanzoin Temple is best known for what is thought to be the biggest Buddha Statue on earth. The Bronze Buddha is 41 metres (135 feet) long, 11 metres (36 feet) tall and weighs up to 300 ton (272 tonne), and it is said that about 1.2 million people visit it every year. There are also several temples located around Nanzoin Temple which you can visit.
Nanzoin
Address: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya-gun, Sasaguri-machi
Access info: 5-minute walk from Kidonanzoinmae station
Opening hours: 9 am - 3 pm
Fixed holiday: January 1 to January 3
Contact: +81 92-947-1880
Entrance fee: 500 JPY (4.70 USD)
8. Itoshima’s beautiful sunset
Itoshima city is about 50 minutes from Hakata station by train and 30 minutes by car. The nature-rich city is best known for its amazing sunset at the Sakurai Futamigaura area. A Meotoiwa - Two stacks of rocks symbolizing husband and wife - is located offshore from Sakurai Futamigaura, which provides a great touch to the amazing sunset. Apart from that, a huge Torii gate (Torii gates serve as a boundary between God and humans) is also located along the coast, which photographers will definitely love.
Sakurai Futamigaura
Address: Sakurai Shimamachi, Itoshima
Access info: 50-minute train ride from Hakata station
9. Dazaifu Government Remains
Dazaifu refers to the regional government during Japan’s past. At the Dazaifu Government Remains, you will be able to witness the former governmental grounds where buildings used to stand. Located near the Dazaifu Government Remains is a museum where you can learn more about Fukuoka’s history, and this is a great place for Japanese history lovers to explore.
Dazaifu Government Remains
Address: 4 Kanzeonji, Dazaifu 818-0101, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access info: 11-minute walk from Tofuro Mae station
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm
Fixed holiday: Monday, December 28 to 4 January
Contact: +81 92-922-9524
Entrance fee: free entry
10. Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum is not your ordinary and at times boring museum – it is an interactive museum where you can learn about Kyushu’s history while having fun at the different exhibitions. You can dress up in traditional costumes of the different countries that Japan had international relations with in the olden days, as well as play various traditional games and instruments while learning about them. The Kyushu National Museum is a fantastic place for families, especially those with children, to visit!
Kyushu National Museum
Address: 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Access info: 10-minute walk from Dazaifu station
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm)
Fixed holiday: Monday
Contact: +81-092-918-2807
Entrance fee: 430 JPY (4 USD)
11. River Yanagawa
River Yanagawa is a picturesque river, and its natural beauty never fails to amaze people - the sakura flowers in spring are especially beautiful. You can take part in the Yanagawa Kawakudari, a 70-minute boat ride down the river which will introduce you to the numerous historical areas found along River Yanagawa. This Yanagawa Kawakudari has a history of over 50 years and has been loved by tourists for a long period of time.
Yanagawa Kawakudari
Address: 329, Mitsuhashimachi Takahatake Yanagawa, Fukuoka
Access info: 5-minute walk from Yanagawa station
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 944-72-6177
Entrance fee: 1600 JPY (15 USD)
Find out about the local delicacies
12. Yanagibashi Rengo Market
Yanagibashi Rengo Market is the kitchen of Hakata - over 40 greengrocers and fishmongers line the market which sells fresh products. There are also shops selling fruits and tofu, as well as cafés and bakery where you can purchase finger food while exploring the market. You can also step into the restaurants to enjoy a fantastic seafood Donburi (a type of Japanese rice bowl dish) which includes ingredients such as fresh squids and salmon sashimi.
Yanagibashi Rengo Market
Address: 1-5-1 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Access info: 10-minute bus ride from Hakata station
Opening hours: 8 am - 6 pm
Fixed holiday: Sundays and Japanese holidays
Contact: +81 92-761-5717
Entrance fee: free entry
13. Yatai gourmet (from USD 132.0)
Fukuoka is best known for its great food from the Yatai (food stalls) which line various streets at night. Among the Yatai areas in Fukuoka is the Tenjin area, where the district will be filled with numerous Fukuoka Ramen Yatai, Oden Yatai (Oden is a type of Japanese winter dish) and other unique food you can only enjoy there. Among the stalls is one called Kokin Chan, which serves one of Hakata’s most famous dishes – fried ramen. The marvellous harmony of noodles with pork, vegetables and Worcester sauce is stunning!
Kokin Chan
Address: 2 Tenjin, chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Access info: 5-minute walk from Tenjin station
Opening hours: 6:30 pm to 2 am
Fixed holiday: Thursdays, Sundays and rainy days
Contact: +81 90-3072-4304
byFood experience
1) Yatai street food experience with a local guide
Fukuoka is renowned for its iconic dishes, including the delectable Hakata ramen and mouthwatering gyoza (dumplings). However, with so many alluring street stalls, deciding where to dine can be overwhelming. That’s where the local food expert comes in, ready to guide you on an immersive two-hour culinary journey. Join this captivating tour and let your guide lead you to one or two beloved stalls that hold a special place in the hearts of locals.
Here, at the iconic Yatai or mobile food stands, you’ll have the chance to savor a delightful array of dishes and refreshing soft drinks. Indulge in classics such as yakitori (skewered meat), gyoza, and, of course, the famous Hakata ramen.
Hakata Yatai Hopping: Fukuoka Street Food Tour
Duration: 2.5hours
14. Hakata Ramen from Hakata Issou
A trip to Hakata is incomplete without trying out the delicious Hakata Ramen. One of the shops where you can enjoy them is Hakata Issou, located just 6 minutes from Hakata station by foot. The amazing Tonkotsu soup (pork bone soup) creates a splendid symphony with the soft noodles and it will be an experience you will never forget!
Hakata Issou
Address: 3-1-6 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Access info: 6-minute walk from Hakata station
Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 92-472-7739
15. Fukuoka food tour with a local guide (from USD 165.0)
Nestled away from the usual tourist routes, this dining adventure offers you the opportunity to relish delectable food and non-alcoholic beverages at a restaurant cherished by the locals. Enhance your experience by stopping at Yatai (mobile) food stalls and uncovering other hidden culinary treasures of the city.
Guiding you on this journey is a local expert. You can even ask for a customized tour depending on your interests. Your guide will lead you to secret gastronomic gems that often elude the average traveler’s radar.
Fukuoka Food Tour: Try Regional Dishes with a Local Guide
Duration: 3hours
16. Fukuoka's ultimate bar hopping and street food extravaganza (from USD 79.0)
Discover Fukuoka’s best-kept culinary secrets, adored by locals and a must-try for any traveler. You will have the chance to explore a variety of venues, including traditional izakayas (pubs) and modern Okinawan bars.
At the first stop, tantalize your taste buds with a delectable spread of Takoyaki (ball-shaped minced octopus fry), cheese omelet adorned with zesty fish eggs, yakisoba (fried noodles), and draught beer to wash it all down. Continuing the gastronomic exploration, the second stop will entice you with Nakatsu fried chicken and your choice of alcoholic beverage. But the excitement doesn’t end there - the third establishment beckons you to partake in a one-hour-long all-you-can-drink experience, offering a tempting selection of beverages that will make the night memorable.
Fukuoka After Dark: Bar Hopping and Street Food Adventure
Duration: 3hours
Fukuoka is not just about food!
Apart from the mouth-watering delicacies that Fukuoka serves, there are also beautiful natural landscapes as well as historical sites that photographers and history-lovers will enjoy. Furthermore, Fukuoka is only about 2 hours from other popular tourist spots like Hiroshima so it is definitely worth visiting when in Japan!
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