Hakata Ward (or Hakata-Ku) is a peaceful, yet bustling city in the Fukuoka prefecture, where many of the prefecture’s major government and commercial buildings can be found. As one of the oldest cities in all of Japan, Hakata Ward is home to numerous historical sites, like shrines and temples, which attract many visitors. It also houses some of the best Airbnb vacation rentals, resorts, hotels, and affordable accommodations in Fukuoka. The city is anything but – there are plenty of modern comforts and entertainment options – like malls and parks - that can be found here, as well! Planning your next trip to this beautiful coastal city? Don’t miss out on some of the most fun activities! Be sure to check out the best things to do in Hakata Ward, Japan.
1. Learn how to create your own Hakata doll (from USD 20.55)
For those seeking a unique cultural experience in Japan, the Hakata Doll Craft DIY Experience is the perfect activity. This experience offers the opportunity to create your own Hakata doll, a traditional Japanese craft that dates back over 400 years.
You will visit a local artisan studio, where a skilled craftsman will provide a demonstration of the doll-making process. You will then have the chance to create your own doll, using traditional materials and techniques under the guidance of the craftsman.
Throughout the experience, you will learn about the history and significance of Hakata dolls, which are known for their intricate designs and lifelike details. At the end of the tour, you will have a unique and personalized souvenir to take home.
Pretty Hakata Doll Painting DIY Experience
2. Book a tour on temples around Hakata (from USD 36.0)
Led by local guides, the tour explores the lesser-known temples and shrines of Hakata, which are steeped in mystery and legend. Throughout the tour, you will learn about the spiritual traditions and practices of Japan, as well as the cultural significance of the temples Hakata.
This four-hour temple walk requires comfortable footwear, so be sure to wear sneakers or shoes that you feel comfortable in. Along the way, you’ll taste Kamaboko (fish cake), a local delicacy that has been produced for over a hundred years, and Hyoko, a typical Hakata sweet.
This tour is conducted with small groups of up to six guests to maintain an intimate atmosphere and to answer individual questions. Rain protection is recommended, but even on a rainy day, the walk remains enjoyable.
Mysterious Temples of Hakata
Duration: 3.5 hours
3. Watch a glorious sunset from Fukuoka Tower
At 234 meters (767.7 feet) high, this is the tallest seaside tower in all of Japan! Nestled in the Momochihama area, Fukuoka Tower is not just an architectural feat, but also a popular destination among tourists. The tower features three different viewing decks: one at 116 meters (380.6 ft), another at 120 meters (393.7 ft) which also features a café and lounge, and the highest at 123 meters (403.5 ft)! Most visitors come to visit Fukuoka Tower towards the evening, just before sunset. The 360-degree view of the sunset from the viewing deck is sure to take your breath away!
Fukuoka Tower
Address: 2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan
Website: Fukuoka Tower
Opening hours: 9:30am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
4. Drop by the fresh food market at Bayside Place Hakata
Treat yourself to the freshest ingredients at the Bayside Place Hakata! Here, you can visit the Wangan Ichiba, a food market where you can find the freshest, locally-sourced seafood and vegetables! In addition to the top-quality ingredients at Wangan Ichiba, the Bayside Place Hakata also features a good number of options for leisure. You can also unwind at a hot spring, grab some good eats at the restaurants, check out the shops for some interesting souvenirs, or simply enjoy the view of the harbor by the Hakata Port Tower!
Bayside Place Hakata
Address: Chikkohonmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0021, Japan
Website: Bayside Place Hakata
Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm (daily)
5. Enjoy a dip in the sea at Momochi Seaside Park
The Momochi Seaside Park is a modern waterfront park, nestled right along the shores of Hakata Bay. Originally developed in the late 1980s for the Asia Pacific Expo, it is now one of the top must-visit places in the Hakata Ward. The park boasts modern design as well as with pristine shores that stretch for miles! Visitors are more than welcome to take a dip in the sea here! And after going for a refreshing swim, you can also enjoy yourself by checking out the shops and restaurants, and that line the park. Even more options for shopping and dining await at the Hawks Town entertainment complex, which is just about a kilometer (0.62 mi) away from Momochi Seaside.
Momochi Seaside Park
Address: 14-0001 Fukuoka, Sawara Ward, Momochihama
Website: Momochi Seaside Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Pick up fun facts about Japanese culture at the Fukuoka City Museum
On your next visit to Hakata Ward, it would be great to learn more about the history and culture of the Fukuoka prefecture. One of the best and most enjoyable ways to do so is by visiting the Fukuoka City Museum! Located not too far from Momochi Seaside, the museum is beautifully designed and curated. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hakata Ward! The museum features plenty of interesting tidbits on Japanese history and culture. In particular, it showcases the history of Fukuoka as a hub for international exchange, through interactive exhibits and a rich collection of historical artifacts.
Fukuoka City Museum
Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan
Website: Fukuoka City Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9:30am - 8pm; Tue: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 1.88 USD
7. Pig out on tasty street food at Fukuoka's Yatai stalls
No trip to Hakata Ward would be complete without binging on some yummy street food! After the sun comes down, take a stroll around the streets of Fukuoka and discover some of the best eats that the city has to offer. Fukuoka’s famed Yatai stalls typically operate 6pm onwards, making it a popular spot for dinner or drinks after work. Here, you can find everything from ramen to yakitori and oden! Some of the most popular locations to find Yatai stalls are around Nakasu Island and Watanabe Dori, though you can easily spot these stalls almost anywhere within the city.
Fukuoka's Yatai stalls
Website: Fukuoka’s Yatai stalls
Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)
8. Admire the historic architecture of Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
If you are an art and/or architecture buff, then you should definitely stop by the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum. In fact, the museum is itself an architectural gem! Built in 1909 as the Kyushu branch of Nippon Life Insurance Company, the structure served as a commercial space until 1966. In 1969, however, it was declared to be an Important Cultural Asset. In the 1990s, the building underwent meticulous restoration and the Fukuoka City Red Brick Culture was made open to the public! Today, the first floor of the museum features exhibitions and a café, while the second-floor features several meeting rooms where events can be held.
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 Thu & Fri)
9. Take a lakeside stroll at the beautiful Ōhori Park
Relax and breathe in some fresh air at Ohori Park! Named after the Japanese word for “moat”, Ohori Park is a lovely park within the heart of Fukuoka that was once part of the moat system that surrounds the nearby Fukuoka Castle. The park features a long walking path around the lake, which is popular for jogging, biking, or just going on leisurely walks. Within the park, you can also visit the beautifully-maintained Ohori Park Japanese Garden or the fascinating Gokoku Shrine.
Ōhori Park
Address: 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0051, Japan
Website: Ōhori Parkn
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 1.88 USD (for access to the Japanese Garden)
10. Plan a hanami party at Fukuoka Castle Ruins
If you plan to visit Hakata Ward in the months of March or early April, you’re in luck! The Sakura season begins around those months, making it one of the most festive times of the year. In Hakata Ward, the Fukuoka Castle Ruins is easily the best spot to view the Sakura. Not only are there ample walking paths and picnic areas, but the view of the Sakura against the castle ruins is also truly breathtaking! Be sure to take part in the celebrations by holding your own hanami party by the Fukuoka Castle Ruins!
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Address: Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Visit Fukuoka City Zoological Garden
Whether you’re traveling to Hakata Ward with your kids or are just a kid-at-heart, you’re sure to have a blast at the Fukuoka City Zoological Garden! The Fukuoka City Zoological Garden is located within Minami Park and is divided into five areas. Each area features over 120 different types of endangered animals, such as gorillas, rare birds, and many others. There is also a botanical garden, which houses around 2600 kinds of plants! Finally, there is also a large Ferris wheel, from which you can enjoy an excellent, panoramic view of the entire city!
Fukuoka City Zoological Garden
Address: 1-1 Minamikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0037, Japan
Website: Fukuoka City Zoological Garden
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5.64 USD (per adult)
12. Climb the urban 'mountain' of Acros Fukuoka
In the midst of the busy city, you’ll find the urban “mountain” of Acros Fukuoka! This beautiful feature is actually a rooftop garden at the Acros Foundation Building. With the greenery cascading down the sides of the building, the garden resembles a mountain, giving it its nickname! The garden features over 120 different types of plants, with 50,000 plants in total! Although the garden itself is not accessible from inside the building, guests are welcome to see the garden from the observation decks. It is worth noting, however, that viewing hours may vary, depending on the season.
Acros Fukuoka
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Website: Acros Fukuoka
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
13. Get some retail therapy at Canal City Hakata
Shop and dine to your heart’s content at the Canal City Hakata! This bustling entertainment center sometimes referred to as a “city within a city”, features over 250 different shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are also cinemas, game centers, two hotels, and a canal that runs through the entire complex! Whether you’re looking for something quirky or unique to take home, something fashionable to wear, or something delicious to snack on, you’re sure to find it at the Canal City Hakata!
Canal City Hakata
Address: 1 Chome-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
Website: Canal City Hakata
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
14. Get your fortune told at Kushida Shrine
Curious about what the future holds? Why not have your fortune told at the Kushida Shrine! As one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka, Kushida Shrine is also one of the most beloved among tourists and locals alike. It is easily known as the city’s “spiritual center”. In addition to knowing your fortune through their omikuji (or “paper fortunes”), you can drink some water from the well – which is said to bring longevity and youth – or check out the festival floats. Just be mindful of the proper etiquettes when visiting a shrine!
Kushida Shrine
Address: 1 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, Japan
Website: Kushida Shrine
Opening hours: 4am - 10pm (daily)
15. Head to the ancient Hakozaki Shrine
Another important shine in Fukuoka is the Hakozaki Shrine. Dating all the way back to the year 923, the Hakozaki Shrine is one of the three major shrines in Fukuoka that is dedicated to the Hachiman god – the other two being the Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine and the Usa Hachiman Shrine. The shrine features a number of Important Cultural Assets, including the main and worship halls, the Sakuramon gate, the Ichino-torii, and wooden lantern. The Tamaseseri and Hojoya Festivals, which attract hundreds of guests a year, are held at the Hakozaki Shrine annually.
Hakozaki Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0053, Japan
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
16. Visit the giant Buddha statue at Tochoji Temple
The Tochoji Temple was built by the famous Buddhist priest, Kukai, in an attempt to spread esoteric Buddhism to the far East. Today, the temple is dedicated to the memory of Kukai and is home to the famed giant Buddha statue. Called the Great Buddha of Fukuoka, the statue is about 10.8 meters (35.4 ft) in height, while the ring of light behind it towers at 16.1 meters (58.8 ft). The entire statue weighs 30 tons (30,000 kg) and is the largest statue of the sitting Buddha in all of Japan!
Tochoji Temple
Address: 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
17. Admire Japanese craftsmanship at Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
The Hakata Machiya Folk Museum features culture and everyday lives of the city’s residents during the Meiji and Taisho periods. You can learn more about the Hakata dialect through their regularly-held lectures, or even see a demonstration of some traditional handcrafting at the museum. There are also exhibitions on local traditions, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa – a festival held in Fukuoka every July.
Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
Address: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 2.82 USD
18. Catch a kabuki play at Hakataza Theater
With top-notch facilities, like a large rotating stage, an orchestra pit, and enough seats for up to 1,500 guests, the Hakataza Theater is a great place to catch various cultural performances. One of the most popular types performances here is kabuki plays, a traditional form of Japanese theater that was named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Kabuki is characterized by its elaborate costuming and make-up, as well as the actors’ exaggerated motions. Of course, one of the best ways to learn more about this fascinating art is to catch one of these performances at the Hakataza Theater! Do note, however, that opening hours and any fees will depend on the specific performances that you’ll be watching.
Hakataza Theater
Address: 2-1 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0027, Japan
19. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Sumiyoshi Shrine
Also known as “Sumiyoshi Taisha”, the Sumiyoshi Shrine is another cultural and historical treasure in Hakata Ward. Sumiyoshi shrines are dedicated to the Shinto gods who are believed to protect travelers, fishermen, and sailors, so these are often found near harbors. The Sumiyoshi Shrine in Fukuoka was built in 1623 and is also home to several smaller shrines. Located within minutes of Gion Station, the shrine is not only an excellent place for history buffs but also a breath of fresh air within the hustle and bustle of the city!
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Address: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045, Japan
Website: Sumiyoshi Shrine
Opening hours: 6:30am - 5pm (daily)
20. Go souvenir shopping at AMU Plaza Hakata City
Looking for things to commemorate your Japan trip, or to treat all your loved ones back home? One of the best places to find great souvenirs in Hakata Ward is at the AMU Plaza Hakata City. Located right at Hakata Station, the AMU Plaza Hakata City is filled to the brim with fashion and souvenir shops – nearly 220 of them, in fact! The plaza also features 11 cinemas, where you can catch the latest movies. Enjoy a fun day out and have your pick of the most fascinating finds at the AMU Plaza Hakata City!
AMU Plaza Hakata City
Address: 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
Website: AMU Plaza Hakata City
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
21. Cycle around the lush flower gardens of Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
The beautiful, family-friendly Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is divided into several parts, which include flower gardens, playgrounds, sports areas, sprawling picnic areas, a zoo, and even an amusement park and a water park! Though the park is quite large – spanning 4 kilometers (2.48 mi) in total – there are plenty of cycling trails and bicycles that can be rented! The park is especially popular among those who want to go flower viewing, either while riding on a bike or even just going on leisurely walks! Some of the best times of the year to see the flowers are from Mid-March to early Fall. However, if you cannot ride a bike or have mobility issues, you can also opt to take the bus that shuttles between the park’s major parts.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Address: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321, Japan
Website: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 20.42 USD per adult
22. Watch an adorable dolphin show at Marine World Fukuoka
Watch some cute and clever dolphins make a splash at the Marine World Fukuoka! Just a short walk from Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, the Marine World Fukuoka is another great option for family fun, or simply if you want to spend an enjoyable afternoon out! In addition to their exciting dolphin and sea lion shows, you can also marvel at the various sea creatures in their fish tank – which is actually one of the largest fish tanks in the world!
Marine World Fukuoka
Address: 18-28 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321, Japan
Website: Marine World Fukuoka
Opening hours: 9am - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: 20.42 USD per adult
Hakata Ward: where the past and the present meet
Hakata Ward is a truly fascinating place to visit, as you can enjoy all the sides of Japan that it is best known for. From natural beauty to cultural treasures, and modern wonders, Hakata Ward has it all! Plan your visit and discover all the things Hakata is famous for. You’re sure to have a memorable visit to this beautiful city, where nature, history, and modern comforts converge!
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Hakata Ward, Japan
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