25 of the Best Things to Do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Fukuoka Airport is right in the thick of the city, with only 2 subway stops and 5 minutes separating Hakata and the airport. This makes for some excellent scenery starting right from when you zoom into the city. It’s almost like flying straight into the middle downtown, and if you snag a nighttime flight, then the neon lights are sure to impress. Plus, you don’t even have to leave your seat.

Fukuoka Airport

Fukuoka Airport

Fukuoka Pref

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Nishitetsu Bus

The main methods of transportation in Fukuoka are by train—the JR Kyushu Lines, Fukuoka City Subway and Nishitetsu Subway —and also by the Nishitetsu Bus. You can ride all three with special IC cards, though, like the Sugoca, Hayakaken, and Nimoca cards. There are also day passes for the bus and train.
The Fukuoka City Subway Day Pass is 620 yen, and the Nishitetsu Bus Day Pass is 900 yen for all rides within the city.
The Fukuoka 1 Day Pass is 2,500 yen and includes the Nishitetsu Bus and Train Lines, which go a little further to surrounding cities like Kurume, Yanagawa, and Saga. So getting around in Fukuoka is a streamlined process.

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Getting Around Fukuoka
One of the best aspects of visiting Fukuoka is the ease of arriving into and moving around the city. …

Fukuoka Cycling

Open Top Bus

If this is your first time in Fukuoka, then consider taking an Open Top Bus to get a better view of your surroundings. The buses run around major sightseeing points inside Fukuoka City, like Hakata and Tenjin, as well as along seaside areas, so there’ll be plenty to see. Audio tours are available in English, Korean, and Chinese. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter on the first floor of the Fukuoka City Hall, on the Tenjin Central Park side.

【URL】 https://fukuokaopentopbus.jp/en/

Seaside area

Kushida Shrine

The area around Hakata Station is brimming with atmosphere, thanks to not only Kushida Shrine, which is said to date from the 8th century, but also from the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, which is across from the shrine. They both offer old-world building styles and glimpses into the history and culture of Fukuoka. Then there’s the Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade, for an array of stores lined elbow-to-elbow in an authentically Japanese retail experience.

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade

Kushida-jinja Shrine

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Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Kamikawabatamachi 1-41

0922912951

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Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Reisenmachi 6-10

0922817761

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[Fukuoka / Hakata] Experience Hakata‘s traditional crafts-Hakata top painting experience- (held on Wednesday)

¥1,650

Update date：2023/08/15

上川端商店街

福岡県福岡市博多区

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Ippudo Stand

The tonkotsu ramen in Hakata is known across Japan for its rich broth and full flavor. And though chains serving Hakata ramen have opened all around the world, you owe it to yourself to get the goods straight from the source. Ippudo is among the favorite ramen chains in the area, and they’ve even expanded internationally. The original location, Ippudo Daimyo, still serves the Shiromaru Ramen, with a broth stewed for over 18 hours, that put the store on the map.

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Fukuoka/Hakata Ramen
Tonkotsu ramen is one of the most famous foods of Fukuoka city, …

Hakata Ippudo Ramen

一風堂 天神西通りスタンド

福岡県福岡市中央区大名1-12-61

092-707-3202

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Showraku

Don’t just eat ramen; Fukuoka has plenty of other local specialties, like Motsunabe, which is hot pot made with animal intestines and offal. While it may sound iffy, give it a try at Showraku, and you may be surprised by the tender texture of wagyu intestine and flavorful vegetables. Mizutaki is another type of hot pot, but with chicken and vegetables. Hanamidori uses chickens they raise themselves for the dish, and you can finish it off with a nice custard pudding.

Hanamidori

もつ鍋 笑楽 本店

福岡県福岡市中央区西中洲11-4 笑楽ビル

092-761-5706

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Hakata Hanamidori (Nakasu Main Restaurant)

4.0

63 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Nakasu 5-4-24 Trisen Building 1-5F

0922630322

[Monday-Saturday]17:00-23:00…

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Ohori Park

Ohori Park is almost directly in the center of Fukuoka, and the pond that comprises the majority of its area was originally part of the Fukuoka Castle moat. In the park there are waterside pathways, Japanese gardens, and small islands across stone bridges. Just across the way is Fukuoka Castle, where they now offer horseback riding! Or you can simply rent a bike and cruise around the park and castle grounds.

Ohori Park

Fukuoka Castle

Maizuru Park

4.0

345 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Jounai

0927812153

[Management office] [Apr.- S…

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Ohori Park

4.5

2045 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Ohorikouen 1-2

0927412004

Open 24 hours

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Connect Coffee

The cafes along the way from Tenjin to Yakuin are no ordinary chain shops. They offer a range of specialty cafes serving carefully brewed coffee that will make the connoisseur proud, as well as an assortment of stylish vibes and cozy atmospheres. Connect Coffee is a chic space that offers drinks made by world-class latte artists, plus a few sweets and light snacks. They’re open till 10 p.m., so you can take your time sauntering over.
「Connect Coffee」Instagram

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Grab the Most Important Meal of the Day at Fukuoka’s Cafes
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Connect Coffee

Connect Coffee

コネクトコーヒー

福岡県福岡市中央区天神5丁目6-13

0927917213

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Himitsu no Hanazono

Amaou strawberries are Fukuoka’s signature fruit, and as such there are tons of shops selling amaou-infused desserts. Himitsu no Hanazono is set in the Daimyo neighborhood around Tenjin Station, and they offer up a mini staircase of 7 different types of amaou strawberry desserts, like amaou daifuku, amaou ice cream, and an amaou strawberry tart, to name a few. It’s a must for strawberry lovers.

Himitsu no Hanazono

ヒミツノハナゾノ

福岡県福岡市中央区大名1-12-58 パサージュビル2F

092-715-5576

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Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall

Designed based on the 19th-century European style, this underground shopping mall, or chikagai, holds over 150 shops and restaurants along its softly illuminated corridors. It’s connected to the main bus and train lines, so getting there isn’t a problem. Dragging yourself away from the 600 meter-long avenue of clothing stores, book shops and restaurants is the problem. This is great shopping for any weather.

Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall

Tenjin Chikagai

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Tenjin 2 underground 1-3

0927111903

[Store] 10:00-20:00 [Food a…

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Acros Fukuoka

Officially known as the Acros Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall, this massive complex houses the Fukuoka Symphony, a shopping mall, and even a few galleries. It’s a wonder of ecological architecture, with its verdant Step Garden being named one of the top 10 most beautiful sky gardens in the world. You can enter the garden terraces for free and enjoy a city oasis, complete with fountains and a rooftop observation deck with city views.

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Acros Building -Fukuoka's Eco- Friendly Landmark.
This is one of Fukuoka’s main contributions to the world’s ecological architecture.” …

Acros Fukuoka

ACROSFukuoka

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Tenjin 1-1-1

0927259111

Each Depends on facility

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Canal City Hakata

Canal City is an expansive entertainment complex that houses hotels, a theater, a shopping mall, and a movie theater. As the name suggests, there’s also a canal running through the complex that has routine fountain shows with colorful lights, music, and water towers, as well as special events and projection mapping at night. Canal City is also home to Ramen Stadium, which has 8 shops representing all different styles of ramen from across Japan.

Canal City Hakata

Ramen Stadium

Canal City Hakata

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Sumiyoshi 1-2

0922822525

[Shop] 10:00-21:00[Restauran…

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Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine

If there’s one sightseeing spot you can’t miss, it’s Tenman-gū. This is a shrine dedicated to the god of scholarship, the deified spirit of Michizane Sugawara, and students and teachers alike come to pay their respects for luck on their exams. There are all kinds of shops lining the path to Tenman-gū, and the gardens around the shrine itself are tranquil and subdued, adding to the impact of this cultural landmark.

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A Day Trip to Dazaifu
The day trip to Dazaifu is a quick getaway from Fukuoka.” …

Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine

Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine

Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine

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Fukuoka Pref. Dazaifushi Saifu 4-7-1

0929228225

[Gates open] 6:30[Gates shut…

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Enjoy a walking tour in Dazaifu in Fukuoka

¥21,750

Update date：2023/08/15

Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome

Cheering for baseball in Japan is an active affair, with chants and dances that will keep you busy throughout the game. The retractable roof means that no matter what kind of weather it is outside, you’re going to get your fair share of baseball. There are also tours available that give you an inside look at the dugouts, locker rooms, and field, so you’ll get the complete baseball experience.

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A Day Out at Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome
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Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome

Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome

FUKUOKA PayPay DOME (Fukuoka Dome)

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Jigyouhama 2-2-2

0928441189

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Ikimatsu Burger

Ikimatsu Burger is a hip little burger stand tucked away in a quiet, residential neighborhood. But don’t let the surroundings fool you, they serve up some serious flavor at reasonable prices, with each burger being charcoal-grilled on the spot. An assortment of toppings like egg and bacon, plus sides like fries and cheese rings make this the go-to place for locals. Stop by. Leave happy.

Ikimatsu Burger

いきまつバーガー

福岡県福岡市西区生の松原2-6-12

092-834-8881

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Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

This expansive national park is almost 6 kilometers long and has all kinds of attractions for children, like splash fountains, oversized slides, and bouncing areas. There are also dog parks, cycling courses, and an Animal Forest that has capybaras and monkeys. Each season brings a new color to the flower gardens, and the sea views are lovely all year round. It’s the perfect place to let off some steam and take it easy for a change.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

4.5

500 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihigashiku Saitozaki 18-25

0926031111

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Yatai (Food Stalls)

Fukuoka is known for its lively yatai, or food stands, and Nakasu is a great place to get the authentic experience. With rows of food stands serving up things like Hakata ramen, yakisoba, and cold beer, you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying your drink of choice in the bustling evening atmosphere. If yatai aren’t your thing, or you just want to switch it up, the city offers a selection of watering holes from low-key izakayas to stylish pubs.

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Nostalgic Flavors and a Taste of the Future: The Fukuoka Yatai Experience
The appeal of yatai is easy enough to explain: eat great food while soaking up the urban atmosphere,” …

Yatai (Food Stalls)

Yatai (Food Stalls)

Watanabe-dori

Fukuoka Pref

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A leisurely cruise along the Nakagawa River that runs through Fukuoka lets you take in scenic views of the riverside yatai as well as Canal City and other major attractions. Leave in the evening to see the city come alive with lights from your seat on a waterbus. There are plenty of tours available, with boats leaving regularly from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and usually taking about half an hour.

【URL】 http://river-cruise.jp/rivercruise

リバークルーズ BBQ(バーベキュー)コース

福岡県福岡市中央区西中洲6-6

08052156555

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[Fukuoka/ Hakata] The scenery of Fukuoka and the night view are beautiful! Nakasu-Hakata Bay Cruising(30 minutes)

¥1,000

Update date：2023/08/15

Fukuoka Tower

What sets Fukuoka Tower apart from the other city observation decks in Japan is the fact that it’s by the sea. So you can watch the sun set into the horizon and then relocate to catch the city lights, which makes for a romantic evening, indeed. Momochi Seaside Park is right in front of the tower, too, offering a walk along the beach for heartfelt time with that special someone.

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashisawaraku Momochihama 2-3-26

0928230234

9:30-22:00(Last entry21:30)

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Stand By Me Hostel

Stand By Me Hostel is centrally located and brimming with style. The dorms are of higher quality than usual, and the private rooms provide a modern touch that’s more reminiscent of a hotel. On the ground floor you’ll find a standing bar that’s perfect for making travel buddies and grabbing a quick bite. If you’re looking for an upbeat atmosphere without sacrificing style or breaking the bank, then check out Stand By Me.


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Fukuoka’s Stand By Me Hostel
Stand By Me has to be among the coolest places to stay in Fukuoka.” …

Stand By Me Hostel

HOSTEL STAND BY ME

福岡県福岡市中央区大手門1-3-22

0927911974

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Itoshima

At only 40 minutes from Hakata Station, Itoshima is a laid-back area perfect for a day in the sun. Palm Beach is an easy stretch of golden sand great for surfing, paddle boarding, or just taking it easy and soaking in some sunshine. You could also shoot for a ferry to Nokonoshima Island to experience the immense feeling of freedom brought by its sweeping views of picturesque natural scenery.


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A Day Trip to Itoshima
A forty minute run down the Kuko Line from Hakata Station,” …


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Itoshima

Nokonoshima Island

Itoshima Peninsula

Fukuoka Prefecture Itoshima

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Nokonoshima Island

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashinishiku Noko island

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Hakata Amaou Strawberry Baum Stick

You’ve got lots of tasty options for omiyage in Fukuoka. The mochi lovers will want to pick up Tsukushi Mochi, rice cakes covered in a sweet soybean powder. Next up is the adorable Yuki Usagi, or snow bunnies, made from marshmallow in the shape of a bunny, with a chewy gelatin center. The Chidori Manju are golden-brown confections filled with a sweet white bean paste, and Threefold Kuroda Bushi Senbei are rice crackers shaped like sake cups.

Hakata Amaou Strawberry Baum Stick

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

The festival that Fukuoka is famous for, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, has been held for over 700 years to celebrate the god of Kushida Shrine. It’s an event that features stationary floats with ornate designs, as well as another float that’s paraded through the city at full running speed. The festival takes place every year from July 1st to 15th.
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is from May 3rd to 4th and features almost 30 performance stages in various points in the city, but the main attraction is the Dontaku parade, a lively affair that continues for well over a kilometer.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

Hakata Dontaku Port Festival

Kushida-jinja Shrine

4.0

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0922912951

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Jotenji

Being one of the oldest cities in Japan, and the more traditional district of Fukuoka, it makes sense that Hakata is home to the most historic temples in the city. Although there are not as many of them as in other major cities, there are three temples you don’t want to miss. Shofukuji is a 12th century temple and the oldest zen temple in Japan. There is not much activity going on here and its buildings cannot be entered, but simply walking through its beautiful gardens is a real pleasure. Tochoji Temple is a much smaller temple yet it houses a magnificent wooden Buddha and a pitch-black labyrinth underneath it. The smallest of the three temples is Jotenji. This zen temple dates back to the 13th century and although access to it is limited, visitors can still enjoy the serenity of its zen gardens.

Jotenji Temple

4.0

125 Reviews

Fukuoka Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku Hakata Ekimae 1-chome 29-9

0924313570

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Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

If you want to learn more about the rich history of the Hakata District, the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum does a good job of showcasing real-life examples of what life was like in the past. Aside from looking at historic timelines around the exhibition hall, visitors can have a firsthand look at old artisan traditions and listen to Hakata dialect on antique wall phones from 1899, all the while walking through a reproduced Hakata home (machiya). Workshops and exhibitions are held twice daily, between 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. Adults pay a 200 yen fee, while children up to junior high school age can enter for free.

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Reisenmachi 6-10

0922817761

10:00-18:00 (Exhibition Buil…

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[Fukuoka / Hakata] Experience Hakata‘s traditional crafts-Hakata top painting experience- (held on Wednesday)

¥1,650

Update date：2023/08/15