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Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city -- and a lively-yet-laid-back one. It’s a stunner of a place, mixing ancient and modern in a relatively compact area, with some of the finest ramen you’ll find. It’s literally a city of two halves: the towns of Hakata (east of the Naka River) and Fukuoka (to the west) were joined together in 1889. People still use the name Hakata, but old Fukuoka is now referred to as Tenjin. Confused yet? To be very simplistic, Hakata is for business and Tenjin is for pleasure. But whatever part of Fukuoka you find yourself in, there’s something to enjoy. And if not, the subway will whisk you somewhere else in a jiffy. Here are some of the top things you should do while in the famous port city. What to see in Fukuoka There's plenty to see and do in Fukuoka. With its mix of historic buildings, nature spots, and great attractions (including delicious food), you can easily fill a day or two exploring this lively city. Since everything is relatively compact, you'll have no trouble seeing a lot in just one day. Pro tip: Want to see it all in one day? Check out this . Shrines, Buddhas, and parks Since ancient times, Fukuoka has been a hub for various religions, with many places of worship becoming significant cultural landmarks. Even some of the city's parks hold historical importance and are registered as cultural properties. Kushida Shrine The oldest shrine is Fukuoka, Kushida Shrine is a powerspot for those wishing for longevity and business success. It is also famously known as the center of the Gion Yamakasa Festival, which culminates on July 15th with a race of decorated floats pushed along a 5 km route. If you can't bear the summer heat, don't worry -- you can see one of the 13-meter-high floats on the grounds of the shrine all-year round. Don't miss: While strolling the grounds, make sure to admire the sacred 1,000-year-old gingko tree, a designated cultural property of Fukuoka. Pro tip: To gain a deeper understanding of the shrine and its history, you can book this guided tour, which includes other areas of downtown Hakata. Tochoji Temple Temple-hoppers should make sure to visit Tochoji Temple, one of the city's oldest temples set up the famous monk Kobo-Daishi (Kūkai). The main temple dates back to 806, and is a designated historical site. Tochoji Temple is home to Japan’s largest wooden seated Buddha -- the Great Buddha of Fukuoka, which is nearly 11 meters tall. The statue is only a couple of decades old, having carved in 1988. There’s also a beautiful five-story pagoda in the grounds. Should you have a chance, make sure to head over to Fukuoka's other famous temple, Shofuki-ji. Founded in 1195, it is the oldest Zen temple in Japan. You can’t go in the buildings, but the grounds make for a pleasant wander. Nanzoin Temple If you are willing to venture out, a direct 30-minute train ride away is Nanzoin Temple, with the trip costing just . Not only is it home to the world's largest reclining Buddha, measuring in at 41 meters in length, but it is also home to various other smaller shrines, statues, caves, and ponds. The temple is the perfect place to stroll around for an hour or so -- appreciating the beauty of Fukuoka's nature and spiritual history. Important: Since Nanzoin Temple is a sacred place, you are asked to visit wearing clothes that cover your upper body, shoulders, and stomach, and extend over your knees. Tattoos must also be covered up. Ōhori Park You might need a rest after all that sightseeing, so head to Ōhori Park. It’s set around a lovely lake, which you can walk around or across on a series of islands and bridges. Make sure to snap a photo of the iconic red pier for which the park is best known. It’s partly the old moat of the castle, the remains of which are nearby. The park is also home to the Fukuoka Art Museum and a beautiful Japanese garden (entrance fee ). Malls and shopping centres Fukuoka has plenty of places to shop, with a mix of independent stores and larger shopping complexes worth exploring. Canal City Round the corner from Kushida Shrine is Canal City, a vision in pink concrete that has a cinema, theater, game center, cafés and restaurants as well as shops. Be sure to check out the wall of TV screens, which looks for all the world like a 1980s MTV ident. A canal runs through the middle of the shopping center, which is pleasant to sit by, especially on a weekend when there are often free music performances. LaLaport A 20-minute bus ride away from Hakata Station is LaLaport. Similar to Canal City, LaLaport is a massive shopping complex that has over 200 different shops. From fashion to exclusive Kyūshū goods, there is something for everyone. In addition to shopping, families with young children may want to pop by the Fukuoka Toy Museum or KidZania. If you are an anime fan, then you will definitely want to see the towering 24-meter-high RX-93ff vGundam statue, which moves every hour and lights up at night. Museums and attractions in Fukuoka Fukuoka is rich in art and culture. Given its location, much of its cultural landscape has been influenced by other Asian traditions -- an influence you'll find throughout the city. However, it retains its own distinctive culture. The blending of the traditional and the modern, a characteristic of Fukuoka, is evident in its diverse attractions. Fukuoka Asian Art Museum To soak up some culture, head to the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, a few blocks from Kushida Shrine. The museum holds nearly 3,000 works by modern and contemporary artists from across Asia, and is considered one of the finest collections of its type in the world. Note that admission prices vary, depending on the exhibition. Hakata Machiya Hometown Museum For a taste of Fukuoka of the past, the Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan recreates life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. You can see the restored Machiya Hall for free, but for exhibitions and demonstrations of arts and crafts, it’s an extra . teamLab Forest Fukuoka Not your classic museum, but one still worth visiting, teamLab Forest Fukuoka is an interactive wonderland that both children and adults will love exploring. It's one of many teamLabs in Japan. teamLab Forest Fukuoka has an animal and athletic concept, where you can catch digital animals and run through colorful spaces. Admission is . Pro tip: Skip the queue and get your tickets in advance on Klook. Fukuoka Tower The tallest seaside tower in Japan, and the third tallest observatory tower, the mirror-glass Fukuoka Tower offers bird's-eye views of the city and beyond. At the observatory deck, you can solidify your love by adding a love locket to the Lover's Sanctuary, or try winning some goods from the giant gachapon. Going up the tower costs for adults and for children -- you can purchase your tickets online before going. While the observatory deck may not be the most mesmerizing attraction in the city, it's still an iconic landmark. Additionally, it is worth heading to the general area where the tower stands, as you can wander down the manmade beach (Momochi Seaside Park). On a clear day, the sky blends with the sea, providing a stunning view and fresh air away from the city. Although there isn't much to do there, you can grab some ice cream or food in one of the beachside restaurants. What to eat in Fukuoka Fukuoka's food culture is one of the main reasons people from around the world visit. From ramen to seafood, it is known for a variety of original cuisines, all prepared in their own way. You won't be surprised to hear that there are an uncountable amount of restaurants, izakaya, and yatai (food stands), where you can savor some of these one-of-a-kind dishes. Tonkotsu ramen Fukuoka is the place where tonkotsu ramen comes from. That meaty, salty broth, with melting pork belly and noodles that’s so slurpingly addictive? Yes, this is its homeland. It’d simply be rude not to eat some. Recommended ramen restaurants in Fukuoka Ippudo is a global ramen chain that you can find in London, New York and Sydney, but it started out in Fukuoka. The same is true for Ichiran, whose noodle factory is in nearby Itoshima -- you can even tour their facilities. While these are some of the most notable chains, there are many smaller, less-crowded ramen joints to check out. Ganso Nagahamaya, a family-run restaurant, has been serving ramen for over 60 years. You can walk there in about 10 minutes from the castle ruins, and a bowl costs . Hakata Ramen Itten-mon is another great local spot, with only a few seats inside. There, you can try their flavorful tonkotsu ramen (starting at ) which comes with a special broth and sauces. Be sure to add some gyoza on the side -- another Fukuoka specialty. Pro tip: if you want to be spoiled for choice, there are eight restaurants in Ramen Stadium on the fifth floor of Canal City. The restaurants swap around every now and again, so there’ll always be something fresh to try. Yatai in Fukuoka If you’re sick of ramen -- hard to imagine -- there’s one more famous sight in Fukuoka that you can try. Every evening, food stands called yatai pop up on the streets across the city. You’ll find a cluster at the bottom of Nakasu Island, but you’ll probably stumble across others when you’re out and about. Yatai seat a handful of people and serve things like yakitori (grilled meat skewers), hot pot or ramen, with plentiful booze flowing. Find one that looks to your liking, grab a seat (or join the queue) and chow down. And if you’re in the Nakasu area, you’re already in the right place to explore Fukuoka’s nightlife. Important: Make sure to have plenty of cash on you before visiting. Mentaiko Given its location near the sea, it is not surprising that Fukuoka is famous for a variety of fish. The area is the largest producer and consumer of mentaiko (pollock roe) in all of Japan. While visiting the area, you'll see many mentaiko-themed snacks and omiyage. A visit isn't complete without trying fresh mentaiko, and Hakata Amano is our pick. In this casual restaurant, you can enjoy a Mentaiko Rice Bowl with a generous serving of fresh mentaiko for . Seafood Mentaiko isn't Fukuoka's only famous fish dish. The port city is also known for its delicious seabream and mackerel. Near to Ōhori Park, there's a contemporary restaurant with a cool concept where you can sample some seafood. At Gaogao, enjoy fish like sea bream or sesame mackerel, along with other small plates. You can also choose from a variety of claypot rices, including one with wagyu. To top it off, your meal is served in a beautiful woven flower basket, and you can turn any leftover rice into ongiri. A recommended lunch spot. Cafés and coffee The city is filled with independent, Fukuoka-born coffee chains that offer the perfect morning or afternoon brew. Additionally, you will find many trendy bakeries and dessert cafés that are unique to the area. Many of the cafés and coffee shops have unusual or fun concepts, so it's definitely worth wandering down different streets to discover hidden gems. Here are our top recommendations: FUK COFFEE FUK COFFEE, short for Fukuoka Coffee, is one of the area's most established coffee chains. With branches near the sea and near Ōhori Park, you're likely to pass by one during your trip. Inspired by travel, FUK COFFEE is a perfect spot for travelers looking to hang out. From classic, high-quality cups of coffee to original creations like the brown sugar latte, it's a great place to fuel up. Muen Coffee For something more esthetic and surreal, check out Muen Coffee. Serving stylish desserts and coffee, this coffee shop draws inspiration from "mizuhiki" -- a traditional knot symbolizing connection. Those who enjoy artsy and trendy spots will love this original gem in Fukuoka. Ichigoya Café TANNAL Fukuoka is also famous for strawberries, notably the Amaou vareity. There is no better place to try them than Ichigoya Café TANNAL, a dedicated strawberry café. Sourcing all its strawberries from Itoshima Strawberry, this café serves everything from crunchy tarts to creamy parfaits. Dacomecca Bakery Dacomecca Bakery is a social-media-worthy and extremely popular bakery near to Hakata Station. Its concept of being a "bakery circus", means you can choose from an impressive range of savory, sweet, rustic, and baguette breads -- all available for takeout or dine-in. Dacomecca is one of the most distinctive bakeries, not just in the city but possibly in all of Japan. However, due to its novelty and delicious offerings, you may have to queue for a while. Where to stay As mentioned, everything in Hakata is pretty central and compact, meaning that wherever you stay in the area, you can easily and quickly get to most attractions. Most budget or business hotels average around to per person, per night. There are also a few luxury chain hotels, which can start around per person, per night. That said, the most convenient option -- in terms of access and price range -- is to find somewhere near Hakata Station. There are many basic but comfortable hotels located less than a minute's walk from the station. They provide a solid base for your travels around the city and for when you head to your next destination. Our personal recommendation is Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae -- check out our full review here. Traveling around Fukuoka Traveling around couldn't be easier. Not only is everything in close proximity, meaning you can walk to a lot of places, but the train and metro are super easy to use. Staying near Hakata Station means you can easily take JR trains, Nishitetsu Railways, the metro, and buses across Fukuoka, and further beyond. You can simply use your Suica, or get a Fukuoka City Subway 1-Day Pass for . There is also the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass (), which gives you unlimited rides on all the trains, buses, and even the Fukuoka Municipal Ferry. For those wanting more freedom and to travel out nearer to the sea, consider renting a car. Rentals start at around and go up in price, depending on the size and model. If you are not comfortable driving, you can also book a private transfer with a driver for the day. Note: Find everything you need to know about renting and driving a car in Japan in our comprehensive guide. Getting to Fukuoka Flying to Fukuoka Fukuoka Airport is just a couple of subway stops from Hakata and Tenjin stations, making it the gateway to the city. Of the low-cost airlines, Peach and Jetstar fly to Fukuoka from Tokyo Narita -- and Skymark actually flies from Tokyo Haneda, avoiding the long trek out to Narita, which is quite exciting. JAL and ANA also fly from Haneda, however, they are by far the most expensive options. Fukuoka is actually closer to Seoul than it is to Tokyo, so plenty of international flights arrive here from South Korea’s Incheon airport. Other Asian cities are connected directly, and you can fly from Europe with Finnair during the summer. Trains and Shinkansen to Fukuoka The Tokyo to Fukuoka rail route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and you can of course buy individual Shinkansen tickets. Note: If you’re heading to Fukuoka by train, don’t search for Fukuoka Station -- you’ll end up in Toyama! The main station in Fukuoka is called Hakata and it can be reached in five hours from Tokyo on the bullet train for around , without discounts. Ferries to Fukuoka Another option is to take a slow ferry from Tokyo to Fukuoka. A one-way ticket ranges from to , including a second-class cabin. See what's available. Fukuoka FAQs You ask, we answer. Why is Fukuoka so popular? Fukuoka has a lot to offer in terms of its food culture, attractions, and general atmosphere. It provides the best of both worlds -- being an expansive port city with a laid-back feel. For many, it is the perfect getaway from bustling places like Tokyo and Osaka, but one which still has heaps of culture and charm. How many days in Fukuoka is enough? There is quite a bit to do and see in Hakata alone. We recommend spending at least 2 days there. If you want to venture out to the west and east coasts, you will need at least 3 to 4 days. While we do our best to make sure all our information is accurate, details may vary. Post first published in February, 2018. Last updated in May 2025, by Jane Pipkin.

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