19 Things to Do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka offers a rich blend of natural beauty, including the sea and mountains, and a vibrant urban atmosphere with the latest trends, making it an enjoyable destination year-round.
If you want to experience Fukuoka's natural beauty, the best times to visit are April to May or September to November. During these months, the weather is comfortable with little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Fukuoka is highly accessible, with Fukuoka Airport and Shinkansen stops providing excellent connectivity both domestically and internationally.
By plane, it takes about 2 hours from Tokyo and about 1 hour from Osaka, making it a quick trip from major cities.

“BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA” opened in July 2020, next to PayPay Dome. From top to bottom, the building features a variety of diverse entertainments.
The most popular is the “Superb Attraction SMBC Nikko Securities”. “ZEKKEI Slider Sube-Zo” is a 100m long tube slider running in tangent to a building, where visitors can slide down a 40m chute. The “ZEKKEI Coaster Tsuri-Zo” is a single-seated suspended rail coaster 60m above ground. The “ZEKKEI Climbing Nobo-Zo” is a climbing and bouldering venue. Each attraction is thrilling.

This landmark in Fukuoka City was built as a monument of 1989 Asia Pacific Expo (Yokatopia). It is 234m-tall and the top floor has an observation area with a 360-degree panorama over Fukuoka City.
In 2019, the tower was renewed in the 30th commemoration. Under the concept of “Enjoy Fukuoka’s sky and play with the scenery”, the SKY World offers an extraordinary realm of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The VR binoculars are equipped with more entertainment functionality and allow you to feel like flying through the air with UFOs and robots zooming by.

Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of 10,000 different shrines across Japan dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara was an acclaimed scholar who was deemed innocent posthumously after being exiled to Dazaifu by Kyoto’s Imperial Court.
The main hall was built over his grave and has been preserved as a sacred site of Tenjin worship for over 1100 years.

Ohori Park is located in downtown Fukuoka City, only two stations away from Tenjin Station, but is a favorite place for citizens to relax and enjoy the abundant nature centered around a large pond.
The pond, which occupies more than half of the park's total area of 39.8 ha, was used by Nagamasa Kuroda as an outer moat when he built Fukuoka Castle.

A national park located in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. Surrounded by the sea, the vast 350-hectare site is rich, and seasonal flowers are in full bloom all year round. It has playground equipment that even young children can enjoy and an "animal forest" where they can interact with animals, making it a fun place for even small children. The park is also popular among families.

Marine World Uminonakamichi, opened in 1989, is an aquarium that exhibits about 350 species and 30,000 organisms under the theme of "Kyushu's Sea”. After a major renovation in 2017, 90% of the tanks were replaced, including the 7-meter-deep open-ocean tank. The new tanks reproduce the sea of Kyushu more realistically and allow visitors to observe the ecology of living creatures in a form closer to nature.

It's an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kitakyushu city area. To reach the observatory at the summit of the 622-meter-high mountain, visitors take a cable car and a slope car. The cable car is one of the longest in western Japan, stretching 1,100 meters from Sanroku Station to Sanjo Station and covering an elevation difference of 440 meters. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent view from the car's all-glass windows, which changes depending on the time of day.

Moji Port was opened in the early Meiji Period and prospered in international trade. Nostalgic architecture, built from the Meiji into early Showa Periods, are still standing today. It is a fun area to meander.
First, visit JR Mojiko Station. In 2019, the 105th year since its opening, repair and preservation work was completed and the 2-story wooden building was restored into the state in the Taisho Period. The former ”1st and 2nd-class waiting rooms” are now the JR ticket office and tourism information center. You can look at the former VIP room where the imperial family stayed. Starbucks and the restaurant directed by Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa are very popular.

The castle was built by Yoshitaka (Kanbei) Kuroda and his father Nagamasa over a seven-year period beginning in 1601. It is known as “Maizuru Castle,” the residence of the Kuroda clan of the Fukuoka domain, which reigned throughout the Edo period. The castle is one of the largest castles in the Kyushu region, and is said to have had large, medium, and small keeps, as well as 47 turrets.

Sakurai Futamigaura is located in the northern part of Itoshima City and overlooks the Sea of Genkai. It is one of Fukuoka's representative scenic spots, selected as one of the "100 Best Shorelines of Japan," and is an essential stopover when driving around Itoshima.

Dazaifu, where the Museum stands, is an important hub in Japanese ancient history. It was a place to govern the Kyushu Region where lots of exchanges with the world were taking place. With that background, this 4th national museum was opened in 2005 with the unique concept “Understanding Japanese culture formation in the Asian historical view.”

Kamado Jinja is a shrine with over 1350 years of history. It enshrines Tamayori-hime, who has been worshipped as a kami (Shinto god) of marriage since ancient times. She has also been worshipped as a kami of “hoyoke” (protection from calamities related to direction) and “yakuyoke” (protection against misfortune).
Located at the base of Mt. Homan, the area is also famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful leaves in the fall, so you can enjoy gorgeous scenery during any season.

Tochoji Temple, located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, is a Shingon Sect temple said to have been first opened by the famous monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) upon his return to Japan after completing his training in the Tang Dynasty. The official name of the temple is "Tochomitsuji Temple," which was named by Kukai with the meaning "so that esoteric Buddhism may be transmitted eastward for a long time”.

This head shrine is said to have been built in the 8th century. Residents in Hakata call it “Okushida san.” Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival declares the arrival of summer to the City of Hakata in July, and is dedicated to this shrine. On the premises, the impressively decorated yamakasa (float) is on display throughout the year except for June.

The zoo and botanical garden is located on the grounds of Minami Park, a hilly area in Fukuoka City. The zoo area is located in the central part of the park, and the botanical garden area is located in the southern part, both of which can be accessed via an overpass.

Located halfway up Mt. Hagane at an elevation of about 900 meters, it is designated as a scenic spot by Fukuoka Prefecture. The drop-off is about 24 meters, and as the name suggests, the water flowing like a white thread is very beautiful. In summer, the splashing water is pleasant, and it is a popular spot for relaxation and nature with its abundance of negative ions.

There are 2129 shrines which enshrines the grand god of Sumiyoshi. This shrine is said to be the very first of them. The god housed here is written in the Record of Ancient Matters. As the Shikinai Myojin-taisha and the first shrine in the Chikuzen Region, it has 1800 years of history. This is the god of voyage and stars that came out of the ocean, who purifies soul and body and grants other blessings. He has been revered in Sumo wrestling. In fall, before the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, Japan Sumo Association hosts a ceremony where the previous champion dedicates the performance on the wrestling ring.

In the gourmet city Hakata, Nakasu Yataigai lets you experience specialized gourmet food - ramen, skewered food, Oden, etc. to go with sake and other drinks. Naka River runs through Kyushu’s busiest downtown, Nakasu. Bright neon lights sparkle on the water and it is quite a sight that all kinds of food stalls are lined along the river! Strolling along the river allows you to catch the energy of the city.

Nokonoshima, a small island off the Hakata Port. Spanning a meager 12km of area, this resort island can be accessed via a 10-minute boat ride from the Meinohama Ship Port in Nishi-ward, Fukuoka City.
The most popular destination is the Nokonoshima Island Park. In this 15,000m garden of delight, visitors can enjoy flowers that change based on the season. Just beyond the garden is the big blue ocean of Hakata Port, its contrast mesmerizing and great as a backdrop.

Yanagawa, also known as the city of water, is located in the south of Fukuoka Prefecture. Here you’ll find old-world streetscapes that still keep the lattice-like waterways from the Edo period. When you’re here, the absolute must-see is the inter-city river boating experience. No matter what season, you’re guaranteed for a fun and relaxing time as the boat captain serenades and shares stories around the area.

The “River Cruise” is perfect for those who wish to tour Hakata, Fukuoka prefecture’s bustling and busy area, in a short time. There are three courses available.

The Fukuoka Open Top Bus is a double-decker, roofless bus that tours Fukuoka City's major sightseeing areas, including the Tenjin district, Hakata district, and seaside area. The bus announcer provides information on the charms of Fukuoka, seasonal information, recommended spots along the route, and other tourist information. It is also a good way to plan your days in Fukuoka by taking this tour first.

A popular store selling a Fukuoka favorite,“Tetsunabe Gyoza”, which is said to have originated in a yatai stall in Hakata. On a hot pot, small gyozas are packed in a circle, grilling all pieces equally.

Founded in 1681, this long-established restaurant is said to have created the famous dish "Seiro-mushi (eel steamed in a pot in which the eel is steamed in a pot in which the eel is steamed in a pot in which the eel is steamed)" in the water town of Yanagawa. Yanagawa, blessed with clear and abundant water, has long been famous for its eel. This is where the "Seiro-mushi (steamed eel)" was born. The secret sauce and cooking techniques handed down from the first generation have been faithfully passed down from generation to generation, and the restaurant continues to serve the same delicious taste today.

Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.
The main feature of this ramen is the “Original Froth Type” broth. Perfectly created with passion using “Jukusei oidaki technique (simmer the broth while adding young broth to the simmering broth to enhance the flavor）”, the broth is delicate, with a creamy broth.

On the vast 43,500m² premises, a shopping mall, movie complex, theater, amusement park and two hotels cluster. Its symbol, a 180m-long canal, crosses along the center of the space lined with colorful buildings.
Along with shopping and entertainment, just being there is delightful at Canal City Hakata. At the “Canal,” benches are laid out by the waters, making it a nice rest area.

A large-scale commercial complex that opened on April 25, 2022 on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City.
It is the first "LaLaport" in Kyushu and boasts approximately 220 stores, many of which opened for the first time in Kyushu.

Opened in October 2000 as Kyushu’s first outlet mall. The outlet zone features fashion, interior and other genre shops. Additionally, there are 160 stores such as amusement venues, sports/athletic venues, restaurants, and more.
In front of Hakata Port, using a spacious waterfront space to its advantage, visitors can enjoy the sea breeze as they walk around the outdoor wood deck and seaside restaurants. It is popular as a seaside resort. It is also easily accessible from Fukuoka City; just a 30 minute drive.

Tenjin area is located in Fukuoka City Chuo-ward, Kyushu’s largest downtown district. Going through the street is Watanabe Street, and to the north, Showa street. To the south is Tenjin Chikagai, an underground street, 600m in length running under Kokutai Street. There are 12 districts, with 150 shops such as apparel, gourmet food, sundries, and books.

This largest train building / retail complex in Kyushu is directly connected to JR Hakata Station. It is made up of AMU Plaza Hakata, and Hakata Hankyu at the Hakata Entrance on the west side and HAKATA DEITOS and AMU EST at the Chikushi Entrance on the east side.

Conveniently located next to JR Hakata Station, this commercial facility is in the largest building in Kyushu “JR Hakata City.” On its floors B1, F1 and F2, nearly 60 shops provide tasty food, general goods, fashion, souvenirs, etc.
Miyagemon Ichiba sells tourists’ favorites such as cod roe, Hiyoko dessert, and other Hakata specialties.

A food select shop established in New York’s SoHo in 1977 featuring the motto “mission to find and provide to you the world’s best epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining.” With a market store selling goodies, and eating space called the “Market Table” (Restaurant), this shop is like a market with its space known as the “Grand Market”.

A new type of hotel where you can immerse yourself in the world of books without being disturbed by anyone in a room designed for reading.
The book café on the first floor has about 4,000 books on "travel" and "mysteries", which guests can bring into their rooms to read 24 hours a day without having to purchase them. Coffee, the accompaniment to reading time, is also a deeply cherished item. Coffee beans from the Norwegian brand "FUGLEN" are used, giving it a fruity, soft, sweet taste.

Entering the hotel, visitors are welcomed by 11, 8m tall bookshelves. With the concept “INTELLECTUALS WORLD - Stimulating our curiosity for knowledge”, the lobby library features books based on the four seasons, old texts, and comics with 5000 books in store. The lounge and room allows visitors to read their favorite books.

Nishitetsu Grand Hotel has been representing Fukuoka City since its foundation in 1969. It is located on the corner of Meiji dori and Tenjin Nishi dori, very close to the Tenjin subway station. A door man welcomes guests at the entrance and the hotel has a sophisticated and dignified atmosphere.

Spicy cod roe is Hakata’s major souvenir. Of all the numerous brands, “Gokofuku” will serve you Kofuku (happiness) in taste just as the name implies.
The name Gokofuku was chosen to replace Chinese characters for Gofuku (kimono, symbolic Japanese spirit) with Gofuku (five happiness) which means five good tastes of cod roe, soup stock, Mirin, sake, and red pepper.

“Hakata Nakanaka Dry (sardine cod roe)” is produced and sold by Nakashima Shoten, the creator of “Iwashi Mentaiko”, which was created in 1985 and is becoming Fukuoka’s local specialty.” Dehydrating quality cod roe creates the concentrated flavor in this perfect snack for drinks.

"Hakata Dontaku" is a festival held on May 3 and 4 every year, during which the city bustles with people. The people who parade around in Dontaku costumes, playing the shamisen, flutes and drums are called "Torimon" in the Hakata dialect, and the name "Hakata Torimon" is derived from this.