Visit this seaside destination, which is home to ancient temples, peaceful gardens, beaches, exciting nightlife areas and lively shopping districts.
Fukuoka blends a modern attitude with ancient traditions. Visit centuries-old temples, relax in ornamental gardens, browse boutiques and sample a music-loving nightlife scene. Fukuoka straddles the Naka River on the shores of Hakata Bay on Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s an amalgamation of two towns, Fukuoka castle town and Hakata, which joined as one in 1889.
The ruins of the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park provide a glimpse into a bygone era. Enjoy a panoramic city view from the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower. It rises above Momochi Seaside Park, a man-made beach with a selection of casual dining options. Nearby is Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome, home of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team.
Spread throughout the city are temples and shrines dating as far back as the 1st century. Among the most important are Hakozaki Shrine, Kushida Shrine, Shofukuji Temple and Tochoji Temple. Learn about the lifestyles of city residents at the Fukuoka City Museum. Step back in time to the Meiji era at Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Spot dolphins, sharks and other aquatic creatures at Marine World Uminonakamichi.
Poke around spice shops, handicraft stores and kimono artist workshops at Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Less than a 10-minute walk away, the architecturally striking Canal City mall shelters fashion outlets of international brands. Relax at lakeside Ohori Park and the peaceful Rakusi-en Garden. Alternatively, have fun with the family at Kashii-kaen amusement park.
When night falls, hop between glitzy bars in the Tenjin district. Discover an unpretentious scene at traditional izakaya bars and mentai rock venues on Oyafuko Dori street. Feast on Hakata ramen (pork soup and noodles), yakitori (skewered chicken) and tempura at a yatai food stand. Sample fresh seafood at Nagahama Fish Market or try unagi (eel).
Reach Fukuoka by flying to Fukuoka Airport, 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city center. Arrive in July to watch the city’s seven neighborhoods compete in an extravagant float race during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Enjoy cherry blossoms in March and April.
Where to stay in Fukuoka
Hakata-ku
4.5/5Wonderful!(308 area reviews)
Travelers choose Hakata-ku for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Higashi-hie Station or Fukuoka Airport Station and check out top sights like Canal City Hakata.
Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Tenjin. Make a stop by Fukuoka Art Museum or Tenjin Core while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Tenjin Station to get around town.
Notable for its shopping, river views, and restaurants, Nakasu is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Fukuoka. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Fukuoka Asian Art Museum or Kushida Shrine.
You might enjoy the shopping while in Chuo-ku. Ohori Park is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Ohorikoen Station or Tojinmachi Station to see more of the city.
The beaches and restaurants are just a few things visitors like about Sawara-ku. Fukuoka City Museum and Fukuoka Tower are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Noke Station or Kamo Station to get around the larger area.
Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Kawabatadori Shopping Street, Canal City Hakata, and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Kushida Shrine ...…Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Kawabatadori Shopping Street, Canal City Hakata, and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Kushida Shrine ...WWW…
4/5Very Good! (2,041 reviews)
"Nice and cozy place. Wish the hotel has the gym place."…""Nice and cozy place. Wish the hotel has the gym place."WWW…"
Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Kawabatadori Shopping Street and Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Folk ...…Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Kawabatadori Shopping Street and Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Folk ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (2,358 reviews)
"There are basic property"…""There are basic property"WWW…"
Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Tochoji Temple and within 3 mi (5 km) of Marine Messe Fukuoka and Fukuoka Castle. Maizuru Park and Fukuoka ...…Located in Hakata-ku, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Tochoji Temple and within 3 mi (5 km) of Marine Messe Fukuoka and Fukuoka Castle. Maizuru Park and Fukuoka ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (843 reviews)
"Very nice. Excellent location. friendly staff. Very clean and spacious"…""Very nice. Excellent location. friendly staff. Very clean and spacious"WWW…"
Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Ohori Park, a popular green space in Fukuoka. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Learn about the history of Tochoji Temple, a well-known monument in Fukuoka. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally-rich area.
Japan’s tallest seaside tower has a slick observation deck where you can take in 360-degree views of the city or make a romantic visit to the Lover’s Sanctuary.
Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Momochi Beach, a popular beach in Fukuoka. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Browse the exhibits at Fukuoka City Museum, a favorite museum in Fukuoka. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Reviews of Fukuoka
4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
190
5 - Excellent 58.282208588957054%
4 - Good
104
4 - Good 31.901840490797547%
3 - Okay
27
3 - Okay 8.282208588957054%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0.6134969325153374%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0.9202453987730062%
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 30, 2019
It’s a nice tourist spot.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Dec 8, 2019
Big city, although you go a little outside and it changes abruptly.
Transport is basically buses and taxis. Not many trains.
It is safe to walk in the night.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Oct 25, 2019
Fukuoka is a nice city! More manageable than Tokyo, but still feels like there is a lot of stuff going on. We liked it.
5/5 - Excellent
Nick
Oct 23, 2019
This city is safe and clean. Admirable one!
5/5 - Excellent
Mark
Oct 22, 2019
Definitely a prefecture to visit as there are many things to see and do.
Rugby World Cup Japan: Things to Do Between Matches
Crouch, bind, set for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan! With matches spread over 12 venues in cities across the country, traveling for the Rugby World Cup lets you experience Japanese culture and hospitality beyond the usual tourist cities.
