fukuoka prefecture tourism

FUKUOKA CITY OFFICIAL TOURIST GUIDE

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Welcome to Fukuoka cuisine.

Fukuoka, one of the leading tourist cities in Japan, is highly regarded for its food culture. Fukuoka City was selected in the "Food" category of the "Best In Travel 2023" by Lonely Planet, a world-renowned guidebook, and Fukuoka's yatai (food stalls) in Hakata were chosen for "52 Places to Go in 2023" by The New York Times. Local gourmet dishes, such as motsunabe (offal hot pot), Mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and ramen, as well as the abundance of seafood and mountain delicacies, can be enjoyed in Fukuoka.

Fukuoka Streets Overflow with Art FaN Week 2024

Welcome Digital Nomads

FUKUOKA HAKATA YATAI -food stalls-

Travel etiquette.

Please make the most of your trip to Fukuoka while being understanding of Japanese culture and customs.

Must See in Fukuoka City

Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from trendy yatai food stalls and vibrant art installations to historic ruins and colorful coastal parks.

City of the Arts

Fukuoka’s Premier Forest Camp [ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA]

The Delicious Local Specialties of Fukuoka

Yatai: The Delights of Outdoor Dining

Fukuoka for First-Timers

Browse featured stories and guides to get inspiration for your visit and discover the many different sides to the city.

Affordable Art Experiences: Permanent Exhibitions in Museums

September is “Fukuoka Music Month”!

Filmset Touring in Fukuoka: “We Don’t Know Love Yet” Filming Location Tour

From Onsen Ryokan to Spa Bath Houses! Where to Enjoy Fukuoka’s Hot Springs

Discover Fukuoka's Bread Scene: Top Bakeries and Their Time-Honored Traditions

Experience the healing power of nature as well as delicious cuisine and tradition on this nature trip through Fukuoka

Hakata Old Town: A tour to explore and experience the real history

Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2024: Gundam and Anime Take Center Stage

Introducing Fukuoka’s Best Running Spots, from the Streets to the Mountainsides!

Delicious Discoveries: Fukuoka’s Irresistible Sweets for Souvenirs

Recommended routes.

Fukuoka is renowned as a city of delicious cuisine and is also full of popular sightseeing spots. Anyone who visits the Fukuoka’s diverse sights, from its historic temples and shrines to its fashionable shopping areas and year-round natural scenery, will notice the city’s fresh appeal. From well-known sites to places off the beaten track, YokaNavi can recommend a course for you.

Fukuoka's Best Stops for Anime and Manga Fans

Hakata Area Nakasu-Kawabata Area Tenjin/Yakuin Area

Fukuoka's Literary Map: Bookstores & Cafés

Nakasu-Kawabata Area Tenjin/Yakuin Area

Rhythms of the City: Exploring Fukuoka's Music Scene

Tenjin/Yakuin Area

Find out about the latest festivals and events in Fukuoka. Highlights include the spectacular Hakata Gion Yamagasa, Fukuoka Art Week, and the floral displays of Nokonoshima Island Park.

Traditional Festivals

Throughout the year, many festivals and events are held

Event calendar.

Fukuoka is full of festivals and events all year round.

Latest events.

Fukuoka Castle Art Project: Electromagnetic Bon Odori Dance [Maizuru Park Sannomaru Square] 2024

Hakata River Boating-Historical sea voyage experience

Dates:01 Sep 2024 - 28 Dec 2024

Celebrating 45 Years of the Fukuoka City Art Museum・5 Years since Renovation New Art Piece Introduction “+ and –“ by Mona Hatoum

From Saturday, September 14, 2024 - Permanent exhibition

Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka

Dates:16 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024

Fukuoka City Videos

Welcome to Fukuoka City

new⇆old Exploring Nokonoshima

new⇆old Fukuoka West Coast

new⇆old Fukuoka East Coast

new⇆old Public Art of Momochi

new⇆old Public Art of Hakata & Tenjin

new⇆old Experiences Fukuoka Castle

new⇆old Exploring Fukuoka Castle

new⇆old Experiences Hakata Old Town

new⇆old Shirogane & Takasago area

new⇆old Exploring Hakata Old Town

COVID-19 Guidance for Travelers

10 Jul 2023

WEB site is open to the public.

12 May 2023

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Kawachi Wisteria Garden

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Fukuoka Area

A popular spot for women with its beautiful white torii gate and cobalt blue sea.

Chikugo Area

Yame Central Grand Tea Garden (pilot grand tea garden)

The tea fields, which look like a carpet of green, are a great photo spot.

river cruise of the Yanagawa

View weeping willows and seasonal flowers in the hometown of Kitahara Hakushu as you sway on a boat.

Gingkos at Taibaru district

A row of ginkgo trees, the symbol of the city, dyed in golden colors

Kitakyushu Area

The wisteria flowers carefully nurtured by the garden's owner attract people from all over the world, a spectacular seasonal sight.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Mojiko retro area.

Chikuho Area

Inunaki River Park Red Spider Lilies

Nyoirinji temple (frog temple).

This is a great spot for Instagram posts, where the cute frog objects will sooth you.

Tochoji Temple

A must-see for history buffs! Japan's oldest esoteric Buddhist temple, founded by Kobo Daishi.

Umegae Mochi

Kushida shrine.

Guardian deity of Hakata, famous for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Hakata Gion Yamakasa.

Miyajidake Shrine

The symbol of the shrine is the majestic Oshimenawa rope! Receive the blessings of good luck and prosperous business!

Nagahama fresh fish market

Every time a great success! Monthly Citizen's Appreciation Day is full of events.

Akizuki Castle Ruins

Akizuki, a little Kyoto in Chikuzen, famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Aso Ouraso Villa and its Special Public Viewing of Fall Foliage

Tenjin chikagai (underground shopping mall), marine world uminonakamichi, eel restaurant ganso motoyoshiya main location, hakozaki shrine hojo-ya.

One of the three major festivals in Hakata, an autumn tradition in Fukuoka that gets Hakatakko people excited.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

One of the 100 most famous castles in Japan! A historic site with more than 400 years of history to pass on to future generations.

ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA

Kora taisha shrine, ukiha inari shrine.

A procession of red Torii gates up the mountain and a breathtaking view of the Chikugo Plain!

Ichiran-no-Mori Itoshima

Nakayama grand wisteria.

Yanagawa City is proud of its famous wisteria tree, a natural monument designated by the prefecture with beautiful large flower clusters.

Kaki Goya (Oyster Hut)

Fukutsu ocean mirror.

Take Stunning Photos at Fukuma Beach!

Unagi Seiro Mushi (Steamed Eel)

Kanda float festival, kirin company ltd., kirin beer fukuoka plant, dazaifu tenmangu shrine.

Main shrine of Tenmangu, where Sugawara Michizane, god of learning, is enshrined.

Maizuru Park

A treasure trove of history and nature on the site of Fukuoka Castle, a comprehensive park with sports facilities

Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple

Namiha no yu, nokonoshima island park.

A must-see spot on Nokonoshima where seasonal flowers bloom all year round and you can interact with animals.

Within walking distance of central Fukuoka City! An urban oasis in beautiful harmony with nature.

Museum of Hakata’s food and culture (Hakuhaku)

Cosmos in the kirin flower garden (kirin cosmos festa)..

The clear blue autumn sky and cosmos in full bloom are the perfect Instagram spot.

Fukuoka Municipal Ferry Service Shikanoshima waiting room

8 of the top things to do in laid-back Fukuoka, Japan

Jan 3, 2024 • 7 min read

A meal at a yatai stall is a must when visiting Fukuoka © Neography / Shutterstock

Unlike the sensory overload of  Japan ’s larger cities,  Fukuoka  has managed a different, lower-key kind of allure.

Dialing down the overwhelm and spaghetti-like metro maps, this  Kyūshū  gem puts its renowned easygoing character on full blast. Fukuoka surprises and delights from the get-go with its dreamy six-minute subway commute from the airport direct to downtown, where modern conveniences abound – without the intense crowds.

With its flat and easily walkable streets, mix of immersive attractions and unique dining culture that effectively ties the entire city together through one collective dinner table, this city gives you plenty to write home about. Here are some of the best things to do in Fukuoka.

1. Join the nightly dinner party at the city’s yatai street food  stalls

Nowhere can you experience  Fukuoka’s incredible food culture  more than when sitting down at a yatai . These street food stalls aren't just a place to eat: they are a way of life, a chance to mingle after the sun goes down, and an opportunity for social intimacy and connection that can be hard to find in big cities. 

Fukuoka is home to around  100 independently run  yatai . Mostly centered in the Nakasu, Tenjin and Nagahama areas, they accommodate an average of eight to 10 people at a time. The most popular stretch of yatai for visitors is at the Yatai-mura night market along the Nakasu River (keep in mind, though, that you’ll mostly be in the company of other out-of-towners). 

To brush shoulders with a local crowd, venture away from the riverfront and to one of the many more solitary set-ups that dot the map around town. Huddled up on small stools around the warmth of the grill, with friendly banter punctuating the air and intermittent heightened sizzling as another dish hits the hot plate, you never know what lottery of characters you’ll meet. 

Many yatai have a no-mobiles policy to encourage interaction. So put your phone away and fully savor the food and the company.

Local tip:  If you’re no longer eating or drinking, the etiquette is to pay up and leave given the small number of seats. Try to limit your stay to around an hour and avoid visiting in large groups. If you don’t know what to order and dietary requirements allow, you can leave it up to the chef’s recommendation by saying “osusume onegaishimasu. ”

2. Bask in yesteryear on Hakata Kawabata-dōri shopping street

Hakata Kawabata-dōri  is a lively shopping arcade of more than 100 local stores, from clothing and local wares to fresh produce and restaurants. Stretching 400m (1313ft) and with more than 130 years of history, Fukuoka’s oldest shopping street maintains a post-WWII Shōwa-era vibe not short on nostalgia.

For a sweet treat, be sure to try the arcade’s specialty red bean soup with grilled mochi cakes at  Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba (open weekends and public holidays only) and gaze at the Yamakasa festival float inside.

Planning tip: To experience the street in full swing, Kawabata Shopping Street is best visited from midday onward as most shops don’t open until late morning.

3. Honor the deity of learning and culture at the Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine

Enveloped in 1100 years of history,  Dazaifu Tenman-gū is dedicated to the ninth-century scholar Sugawara Michizane, who is enshrined here as Tenjin: the Shinto deity of learning, culture and the arts. As one of the most important of some 12,000 Tenjin shrines across the country, Dazaifu is especially popular among students wishing to pray for good results during entrance exam season.

Sample the traditional sweet of the shrine,  umegaemochi, a crispy rice cake filled with sweetened azuki red-bean paste and imprinted with a plum-blossom crest, the symbol of Dazaifu. Believed to be a favorite flower of Sugawara, the blossoms of the shrine’s 6000 plum trees draw spectacular crowds when they bloom en masse in late winter to early spring.

4. Check out the city from Fukuoka Tower and other viewpoints

Head up the 234m-tall (768ft)  Fukuoka Tower , the tallest seaside tower in Japan, for unimpeded panoramic views of the city, sea and mountains. The tower is probably most dazzling at night, when its mirrored façade becomes the backdrop to seasonal illumination displays and the view from the 123m (404ft) observation deck turns to a twinkly nightscape.

If you can’t make it to the tower, one of the city’s finer natural locales,  Nishi Park , provides a free vantage point with an almost equally impressive view of the city skyline and Hakata Bay – especially come spring, when the park’s 1300 cherry trees are in bloom.

Other free perches include the observation terrace on the rooftop floor of Hakata Station and  ACROS Fukuoka , with its striking 50,000-plant-strong outdoor “Step Garden.” Visitors can ascend a series of staircases from the 2nd to the 14th floor and marvel at the variety of plant species. An observation deck at the top floor also operates on weekends and public holidays.

5. Dine on Hakata ramen and other famous regional specialties

When it’s time to eat, Hakata ramen – Fukuoka’s tonkotsu  fine-noodle ramen with a pork-bone-broth base – is often top of the culinary list. While it’s a typical dish served at yatai , Japanese ramen chain Ichiran is also extremely popular. Fukuoka is where the franchise famously originated.

Ichiran customers can fully customize their order, from the richness of the soup to the firmness of the noodles, by circling the options on a pre-printed sheet with English translations. The counter seating is probably the most fun, where partitions separate each customer, and your ramen is presented by an anonymous server who passes the bowl from behind a bamboo curtain.

Other must-try local specialties include mentaiko (spicy cod roe), motsunabe (beef or pork intestine with garlic chives, cabbage and other ingredients, boiled in a soy or miso-based soup) and Fukuoka’s huge and juicy amaō strawberries.

Local tip: The most convenient place to pick up local edible souvenirs (including instant Hakata ramen packs and amaō strawberry sweets) is  Mying  on 1F of Hakata Station, where you’ll find an entire area dedicated to the region’s specialty foods.

6. Stroll Ōhori Park

During daylight hours, nothing beats  Ōhori-kōen for a relaxed wander and a window into the everyday lives of Fukuokans.

Centered around a large tranquil pond, the park is on the grounds of the old Fukuoka Castle, the remnants of which are also free to check out on the park’s outskirts.

Interestingly, the pond itself is part of the former moat system ( ōhori is the Japanese word for moat) and now features three small islands, all interconnected by charming bridges, that make the park a popular urban escape.

For locals, Ōhori-kōen serves as a chill hangout, date spot and exercise track. On any given day, you’ll see pockets of activity: friends meeting for coffee at the on-site Starbucks, couples taking swan boats out onto the water, and a steady stream of joggers and dog walkers using the 2km (1.2-mile) trail around the pond. 

7. Marvel at the Reclining Buddha at Nanzōin Temple

Nothing quite prepares you for your first gaze upon the Reclining Nehanzō Buddha at  Nanzōin Temple . At a staggering 41m (134ft) long, 11m (36ft) high and weighing 300 metric tons (the equivalent of a jumbo jet), the Reclining Buddha dwarfs the better-known sitting statues in Kamakura and Nara.

The reclining pose is a rarity in Japan – it’s more commonly seen in Southeast Asia  – and signifies Buddha at the moment of death and entering nirvana. The statue was built in 1995 to house the ashes of the Buddha that were given as a gift to Nanzōin by the country of Myanmar in gratitude for donating medical supplies.

For those seeking good fortune, touching the intricate soles of the Buddha’s feet is said to bring luck. The temple is credited with lottery wins, with the chief priest himself allegedly among the winners.

Planning tip: While the temple is accessible 24/7, gates to the Reclining Buddha are closed at 4:30pm. Visitors should note that exposure of tattoos and revealing attire is not permitted.

8. Shop ’til you drop at Canal City

Canal City is Fukuoka’s crown jewel for fashion and lifestyle goods. With an actual 180m (591ft) canal running through it, this chic five-floor shopping mall is a full entertainment and dining complex housing some of Japan’s most well-known stores including Muji, Uniqlo and Francfranc, along with a host of international brands, such as Adidas, Levi’s, Gap and Disney, to appease any shopaholic.

When in need of a breather, pop over to neighboring  Kushida Shrine , home of the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in July. One of the towering festival floats is on display year-round.

Planning tip: Enjoy the fountain displays at the mall’s Sun Plaza every half hour starting at 10am. In the evenings, marvel at the 3D projection mapping show Canal Aqua Panorama on the vast screen.

This article was first published Sep 20, 2022 and updated Jan 3, 2024.

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A Cosmopolitan City, Full of Energy

Fukuoka is the geographical and historical gateway to Asia: steeped in history, but open to new ideas and cultures. The city is young and vibrant, with a diverse community from around the world. You can enjoy trendy shopping districts and lively food stalls, but it is just a short distance from revered, ancient shrines and temples, and beautiful castle towns. Along the coast, you'll find gorgeous beaches and quiet fishing towns, famous for their fresh oysters and shellfish.

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Getting Here

Fukuoka is an easy 2 hour flight from Tokyo and 90 minutes from Osaka. Fukuoka is well connected to Japan's other major cities by air, rail road, and even sea.

TRAVEL BY AIR

As the gateway to Asia, Fukuoka is Japan's closest port to major cities like Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei, with direct flights under 2 hours. There are daily flights from Japan's major cities, with over 400 flights a day from Tokyo. From the airport, you can reach Hakata Station in less than 10 minutes by subway.

TRAVEL BY TRAIN

Getting Around

Fukuoka's transport network makes it easy to get around. With quick connections by subway and JR trains, local and intercity buses and even sightseeing taxis, it is easy to get around the main sights.

JR LINE / TRAIN

With a Japan Rail Pass, you can travel by shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukuoka, with optional stops in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima along the way. Fukuoka's convenient subway system can get you from the airport to all the main city sights.

There are three main subway lines in the city, which cover most central sightseeing spots. Tenjin Station is the main hub for transfers. Connect to the Nishitetsu and JR lines to travel further within the region. A 1 Day Pass offers unlimited travel on Fukuoka City Subway routes for one day.

Buses within the city are easy to use, with some destinations in English. You can pay fares in cash or with an IC card. There are direct bus services from the city centre to popular attractions including Dazaifu and Yanagawa.  Hakata Bus Terminal , next to Hakata Station, and the  Nishitetsu Tenjin Expressway Bus Terminal  are the main hubs for bus travel in Fukuoka and to other regions in Kyushu. You can check routes and timetables or make reservations on the  atbus-de bus site .

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13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FUKUOKA

Fukuoka City is one of the largest cities in Japan, but it is still pretty laidback and much more relaxed than, say, Tokyo and Osaka.

The city is composed of two major wards — Hakata and Tenjin. Many of the attractions in Fukuoka are found in Hakata, as well as the gateways to the city — Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Hakata Port International Passenger Terminal. Budget hotels and other types of accommodations are mostly found in Tenjin. It is also a popular shopping haven in Fukuoka, especially in fashion retail.

Fukuoka City is also the gateway to its home prefecture, with which it shares its name. The prefecture lies on the northern part of Kyushu island. The upper half part and the southwest side of the prefecture are hemmed by the sea, while the rest of it is bordered by Saga on the west, Oita on the east, and Kumamoto on the southeast. It offers diverse options for activities and experiences — tours, food, shopping, etc.

Here are just some of the things to do and places to visit in Fukuoka Prefecture.

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Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, a trip to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins is a nice addition to your itinerary. The castle was built by the feudal lord, Nagamasa Kuroda, during the early 1600s. It is located at Maizuru Park and is also called “Maizuru Castle”. As you explore the complex, you’ll have to use your imagination to reconstruct the towering and imposing castle piece by piece. The ruined, ancient walls and gates are some of the remnants of its former glory. The castle ground is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and autumn foliage.

Nearest Station: Eight minutes on foot from either Akasaka Station or Ohorikoen Station on the subway.

Take a break from the busy metro by taking a leisurely stroll around Ohori Park. It’s adjacent to Fukuoka Castle Ruins and features a huge pond. You’ll see locals jogging, playing with their kids, reading a book, walking their dogs or just letting time pass them by.

Nearest Station: Seven minutes on foot from either Ohorikoen Station or Tojinmachi Station on the subway.

Canal City Hakata

From the name itself, the major attraction here is the canal and the colorful fountain show. One show features illuminated dancing fountains called “Dancing Water” and the other one that combines lights, sound, and projected images called “Canal Aqua Panorama”. Aside from these, the complex boasts more than 200 shops and restaurants. It also has cinemas and a hotel.

For ramen enthusiasts, Ramen Stadium on the fifth level showcases eight ramen restaurants, each has its own specialty.

Operation Hour: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (daily, retail stores) / 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (daily, restaurants & cafes) Nearest Station: Hakata Station. From the station, you can either take the loop bus or walk. If opt to go there on foot, the travel time from Hakata Station to the complex is about 15 minutes.

Kushida Shrine

This Shinto shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka, dating back to 757 when Hakata had its golden days as a port city, serving merchants and diplomats. Regarded as the most important shrine in Fukuoka, the locals fondly call it “okushida-san” . It houses a fountain of longevity and Chikara Ishi.

The shrine is also the heart of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, the biggest festival in Fukuoka which is celebrated from early to mid July.

Location: 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City Nearest Station: Eight minutes on foot from either Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Gion Station on the subway.

Migita Fruit Farm

This is located in Kurume, about 20 minutes away from the city. Kurume’s location along the Chikugo River makes it fertile and viable for fruit trees to thrive. Migita Fruit Farm is one of those places where visitors can enjoy nature and local produce like persimmons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, figs, and others. You can visit all year round, but you need to check which fruit tree is in the season for your visit, especially for fruit-picking activities (persimmon or strawberry).

Admission Fee: ¥800 (or more, depending on the variety of fruit and kilogram) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (usually from September to December) Location: 3024, Tanushimarumachi Chitoku, Kurume, Fukuoka Nearest Station: JR Tanushimaru Station. The farm is just 15 minutes away by taxi from the station.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

This extensive Shinto shrine stretches over 1000 hectares and said to be the burial site of Michizane (also called Tenjin), a Heian scholar and politician. The way to the entrance of the shrine complex is lined with several stalls and shops. The whole property covers the torii gate entrance, the main shrine, auxiliary shrine, two ponds, two bridges, an ox statue, museums, and other structures. The shrine grounds are also home to about 6,000 ume (plum) trees.

Location: 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture Nearest Station: Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. From Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station, take the train to Futsukaichi Station on the Tenjin Omuta Line, then transfer to another train on the Dazaifu Line to Dazaifu Station. From there, it will take about 5 minutes on foot to reach the shrine. Travel time from the city center to the shrine is around 40 minutes. The fare is around ¥400. If you want to take the bus, there’s a direct bus from Hakata Bus Center to Dazaifu Station for ¥600. The travel time is about an hour.

If you want a hassle-free transfer from Fukuoka city center to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine or if you are traveling with seniors and kids, you may opt to join a guided group tour. Klook offers a tour that includes roundtrip transfers. Other stops for this tour aside from Dazaifu are Misaka Hot Spring, Tenjin Underground Mall (the largest shopping district in Kyushu), and Canal City Hakata (the largest shopping mall in Fukuoka).

Nanzoin Temple

The temple is one of the popular Buddhist temples not only in Fukuoka Prefecture but also in Kyushu Region. The Reclining Buddha, which holds the title as the biggest bronze statue in the world, is the most notable feature of the temple.

Admission Fee: FREE; ¥500 (if you want to enter the prayer room) Operation Hour: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 1035, Sasaguri, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (15 kilometers away from the city) Nearest Station: Kido Nanzoin-mae Station (JR Sasaguri Line)

Nokonoshima Island Flower Park

Japan is into city parks and flower parks. Nokonoshima Island, which is less than an hour away by ferry from the city, has a flower park that showcases seasonal blooms.

Admission Fee: ¥1,200 (adult); ¥400-600 (kid) Operation Hour: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday – Saturday); 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Sundays and Holidays; March-November). Location: Nokonoshima island, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City

GETTING THERE:

Board the Nishitetsu Bus from Hakataeki-mae A to Noko Tosenba (aka Noko Dosenba). From there, take the ferry to Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal. From the island ferry terminal, board the Nishitetsu bus bound for the island park.

Fare: ¥430 (bus to Noko Tosenba); ¥230 (ferry to Nokonoshima Island); ¥230 (bus to the flower park) Travel Time: 42 minutes (Hakataeki-mae to ferry terminal); 10 minutes (ferry ride to Nokonoshina Island); 13 minutes (bus to the flower park)

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

This 100-meter tunnel garden is probably one of the most “Instagrammed” places in Fukuoka Prefecture. The perfectly-lined purple and white wisterias bloom in springtime. Expect it to be crowded during this season. But hey, you can also catch the autumn colors here, plus it has fewer tourists compared to visiting in spring.

Admission Fee: ¥500 – ¥1500 (depending on the season) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (mid-April to mid-May and mid-November to early December) Location: 2-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka

During peak season (usually last week of April to first week of May), you can ride the free shuttle bus that takes passengers from Yahata Station to Kawachi Wisteria Garden.

During low or shoulder season, take the Nishitetsu Bus #56 from Yahata Station to Kamishigeta. Note that this entails a long walk (almost an hour) but it’s worth it.

Travel time: 20 minutes. Fare: ¥260.

Note: There are other locations for Wisteria bloom viewing; one of them is Nakayama Kumano Shrine, which also celebrates the Wisteria Festival around mid to late April.

Fukuoka Food Trip

One of the best ways to learn about a place’s culture is to try the local dishes and specialties. Fukuoka is the ramen capital of the world, with its signature tonkotsu (pork-based) soup/broth as the distinct characteristic of Hakata ramen. Fukuoka is also the birthplace of Ichiran ramen chain.

Other Fukuoka specialties are karashi mentaiko (pollock/cod roe), Hakata wagyu, unagi/unadon, mizutaki (chicken hotpot), and motsunabe (offal hotpot), just to name a few.

Yatai, a mobile food cart, is peculiar to Fukuoka. These yatais are set up early in the evening along the sidewalks, sometimes clustered in designated areas (Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama). Various kinds of street food are sold — ramen (try the fried ramen!), hotpot, oden, tempura, and yakitori among others.

Related Article: Where to Eat Cheap in Fukuoka

Historical Hakata Tour

Hakata, once a major port city and trading hub, is one of the oldest cities in Japan. In the early 1800s, it used to be a separate city from Fukuoka, but the two cities eventually became one in 1889. Four old town districts in Hakata are Gokusho, Reisen, Naraya, and Ohama. You can do a D-I-Y or book a guided tour. If you choose to book a tour, some of the usual stops are Jotenji, Tochoji, and Xie Guoming’s ancient tomb.

Traditional Japanese Shopping Tour

At present, Hakata is still a bustling trading city with a handful of shopping districts. Most of the establishments are managed by the descendants of the city’s early merchants. If you want to bring home some of the products and handicrafts, a guided tour can give you a better understanding of the local products. Some of the tours offer itineraries that include traditional snack sampling, tea ceremony, Yanagibashi Market, Hakata Riverain Shopping Mall, Kawabata Shopping Street, and a stop at Minoshima Shopping Street.

Aside from Hakata, Tenjin is another must-visit shopping and entertainment area. It has a modern and youthful vibe. You have a plethora of choices not only for shopping but also for dining.

Yanagawa River Cruise

Yanagawa, also called the city of water, is an old castle town, located 50 minutes away from Hakata Station. It is surrounded by canals (moats) that became one of the main tourist attractions where visitors enjoy a scenic boat ride down the canals. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit for the autumn colors and the cherry blossoms. You can also rent and wear traditional kimono while exploring! You can book a tour with the local travel agencies or through Klook.

Fukuoka Access and Connectivity

How to get to fukuoka.

This post is brought to you by Cebu Pacific, which offers some of the most budget-friendly flights to Fukuoka Airport, the main gateway to Fukuoka and Kyushu Region. Cebu Pacific directly connects Manila to Fukuoka daily. Travel time is about three hours.

Getting to the city center (Hakata/Tenjin) from Fukuoka Airport is very easy. You can take the subway, the bus or the taxi. It will take about thirty minutes from the airport to either Hakata or Tenjin. You can read the detailed post on how to get to the city center from the airport here: FUKUOKA AIRPORT to HAKATA STATION & TENJIN: By Bus, Subway & Taxi

Internet Connection in Fukuoka

Buying a local SIM is a good option; however, a pocket Wi-Fi might be the better choice if you want to connect more than one device or if your phone is locked to a particular service provider. Cebu Pacific has a pocket Wi-Fi kit that you can rent. Just look for the kiosk at Terminal 3, just after the final security check. The device can connect up to 5 devices at the same time. What I like about CEB Wi-Fi kit is that it also works as a power bank!

Having a reliable internet connection while traveling is beneficial. It will help you save time and money as you explore. You can access Google Maps, language translation app, currency conversion app, and Hyperdia (especially for those pulling a D-I-Y).

Where to Stay in Fukuoka

The city has two major wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with restaurants, shopping establishments, and accommodations. Most of the attractions are found on Hakata side, while a lot of budget hotels are located in Tenjin. On our recent trip, we experienced staying in both areas — Hotel Mystays Fukuoka Tenjin and Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata .

Here are the top budget hotels/hostels in Fukuoka as rated by Agoda customers.

• WeBase HAKATA. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Kia Ora BudgetStay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Fukuoka Hana Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Book And Bed Tokyo – Fukuoka. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• TONAGI Hostel & Cafe. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

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Top 10 Experiences in Fukuoka

Amazing food, history, nightlife: Fukuoka has it all!

Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, hauls in the excitement of major metropolises like Tokyo or Osaka but in a more compact seaside scene with quality art museums, rich local history and traditions, standout architecture, world-renowned food, impressive urban beaches and huge shopping centers—all closely surrounded by rural treasures.

A place so rich in attractions can make choosing what to visit a pretty daunting dilemma even for the most seasoned travelers. Here are 10 of the top experiences in Fukuoka to get you started on your adventure.

1. Hakata Doll Painting

Hakata dolls are brilliant souvenirs to take back home from your trip to Japan. And a gift of one can be even more meaningful if you are the one who made it!

These delicate and beautiful clay dolls, painted and dressed in a traditional manner, comprise an art originating in the 17th century in Hakata, the historic core of Fukuoka. The techniques have been handed down, generation after generation, surviving to this day. Now non-professionals can even give it a try.

Hakata doll painting sessions are a fun and relaxing way to experience some real traditional Japan, and take a piece of it with you.

• How to get here : A 3-minute walk from the Nakasu-Kawabata subway station, Exit 3, or one-minute walk from the Higashi-Nakasu bus stop in Fukuoka City.
• Address : 5-1-22 Nakasu, Hakata ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0801
• How to book : Email [email protected] . From ¥2,160 per person.
• More info : Shogetsudo (in Japanese only)

Literally “shop stand,” yatai are food carts with a long and popular history in Fukuoka. Each yatai seats up to a dozen people in an intimate and lively outdoor setting that allows for a very unusual and friendly dining experience. They mostly specialize in ramen—including Tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth noodles)—but there are a few other specialties and all of them serve a variety of Japanese food, beer, and sake.

There are about a hundred yatai in the city, and you’ll find them, from evening to early morning, in bunches along the streets or riverside in the Nakasu and Tenjin districts, right in the middle of bustling nightlife. When you visit Fukuoka, treat yourself to a dish (or 10) by experiencing this local culinary tradition.

• How to get here : Walk out the west side of Canal City Hakata and you’ll find yatai along the Naka River. In Tenjin, there is a group at the corner of Showa-dori and Nishi-dori (also known as Oyafuko-dori). There are also a few on Showa-dori and Meiji-dori in Nakasu.
• More info : Yatai Mami-chan , Kokin-chan Yatai

3. Ramen-Making Experience

When in Fukuoka, how about learning how to make ramen from scratch?

Ramen is one of those dishes that scream Japan, and trying a good bowl for the first time, especially in Fukuoka, can be a truly revealing experience—it's nothing like the instant variety. This is the home of Hakata ramen, famous for its characteristic thin noodles and rich pork-bone broth. There’s no better place in the world in which to learn how to make your own delicious ramen.

The three-hour workshop at Child Kitchen started in 2003 with the goal of teaching children to enjoy food as an experience. It’s fun and instructive and, as their motto states, “an adult can become a child again” by preparing ramen. Classes are three hours long. Be ready to get a little dirty and enjoy the experience.

And here’s the kicker: this workshop was created by Ippudo Ramen, one of the most famous names in ramen, with shops throughout Japan and in thirteen other countries around the world.

• How to get here : Take a bus number 8, 17, 29, 40, 44, or 45 from Hakata Station or a number 44 from in front of Tenjin Core or a number 8 at Kego Jinja-Mitsukoshi-mae bus stop in Tenjin.
• Address : 2-2-7 Sanno, Hakata ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0015
• How to book : See website - note that bookings can only be presently concluded in Japanese. Sessions last 3 hours and are priced at ¥1,800 (for ages 3 over)
• More info : Child Kitchen (in Japanese only)

4. Shikanoshima Cycling

For the outdoorsy among you, this experience, also known as “The Blue Path Bicycle Trip,” is a must-try tour through the forest, past fishing harbors, and along the beaches and rocky coastline of Shikanoshima in Fukuoka City.

This can be the best way to see the city outside of downtown at your own pace. A guide will show you around, explain the history and fun facts of every place you see, and introduce you to amazing local restaurants.

You’ll have your choice of high-quality bike types, rented in three-hour intervals, with service available at four cycle stations. The course takes you through narrow neighborhood streets, charming beaches, mystic temples and shrines, and the awe-inspiring overlook at Shiomi Park.

• How to get here : Access the cycle stations by ferry from Fukuoka Tower or Bayside Place Hakata to Saitozaki in Uminonakamichi. Or take a train on the Uminonakamichi Line (from Hakata change at Kashii) to Gannosu, Uminonakamichi, or Saitozaki stations where you’ll find cycle stations.
• More info : Cycletourism Fukuoka

5. Yame Traditional Crafts Museum and Japanese Papermaking Experience

In the city of Yame, you’ll find the Traditional Crafts Museum. Here you can enjoy a plethora of exhibits, all hand crafted, ranging from lanterns and hina dolls to armor and Buddhist shrines (including Japan’s largest one).

You can also learn how to craft items using traditional Japanese paper known as washi, taking a step beyond visiting Japan and entering an experience of Japan’s culture.

• How to get here : It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from Hainuzuka Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line. The museum is located in downtown Yame near the Konomi Honke Tea Room.
• Address : 2-123-2 Motomachi, Yame city, Fukuoka Prefecture 834-0031
• How to book : See website - note that bookings can only be presently concluded in Japanese. Prices between ¥600-800.
• More info : Traditional Crafts Museum (in Japanese only)

6. Konomi Honke Tea Room

When visiting Yame, one of the premiere tea-growing regions in Japan, the Konomi Honke Tea Room is the prime place to enjoy the region’s tea in a most proper way. You’ll take part in a beautiful tea ceremony and taste the best matcha (ceremonial green tea) of your life in a gorgeous and historic Japanese building.

Let’s not forget that Yame-cha is one of the most highly prized green teas in a country that’s world famous for its green tea!

• How to get here : It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from Hainuzuka Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line. The tea room in downtown Yame lies near the Yame Traditional Crafts Museum.
• Address : 126 Motomachi, Yame city, Fukuoka Prefecture 834-0031
• How to book : Tea ceremony from ¥756 – note that bookings can only be presently conducted in Japanese.
• More info : Konomi Honke Tea Room (in Japanese only)

7. Okawa Woodwork Museum Experience

The city of Okawa has been, for 460 years, a synonym for fine wood craftsmanship and high-quality wooden furniture. This woodwork museum sports sculptures of famous artists and a large section on kumiko, a Japanese style of woodwork with intricate designs that don’t employ any nails or screws.

Here you can learn how to do it by joining one of the workshops that the museum offers. It’s easy enough that children can create their own kumiko piece.

• How to get here : Take a 10-minute taxi ride from Yakabe Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line or a 20-minute taxi ride from Hainuzuka Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.
• Address : 1231-2 Mitsumaru, Okawa city, Fukuoka Prefecture 831-0026
• How to book : Contact [email protected] . Workshop costs ¥1,500
• More info : Okawa Woodwork Museum (in Japanese only)

8. Yanagawa Boat Tour

These boat tours (' kawakudari' , lit. “going downstream”) navigate the extensive canals of Yanagawa , considered the Venice of Japan. Your trip on one of the motorless flat longboats, pushed along by a navigator with a long pole, will pass historic buildings and pretty willow-lined streets filled with cafes and restaurants specializing in freshwater eel, the local delicacy.

You can enjoy a 30-minute or 1-hour tour, either in groups or on a privately-rented boat with more comfortable seating and the option to choose the course of the tour or take it in the evening hours.

• How to get here : Access is a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. After the ride, take the shuttle bus back to the start point or the station.
• More info : Yanagawa Kankyo Kaihatsu

9. Shiro Kunimitsu: Japanese Swords

Wield your own Japanese sword under the tutelage of an experienced, master craftsman at Shiro Kunimitsu. This unique experience, known as Tameshigiri (art of test cutting), will see you learn the proper techniques and posture, before cutting through a target pillar (a rolled-up layer of goza , used on tatami mats). Japanese swords, having been the quintessential tool of the samurai, have reached the highest levels of fine craftsmanship. Near Yanagawa, in the city of Omuta, Shiro Kunimitsu has continued the tradition of sword making for over 230 years into the modern era, making this location a great place to try wielding them for yourself.

• How to get here : Walk 2 minutes from Kuranaga Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line; it’s also reachable with a 5-minute taxi ride from Yoshino Station on the JR Kagoshima Line.
• Address : 105-1 Kuranaga, Omuta city, Fukuoka Prefecture 837-0906
• How to book : Session price is ¥3,000 per person, minimum 5 people per booking – note that bookings are only conducted in Japanese.
• More info : Shiro Kunimitsu (in Japanese only)

10. Hakata-Ori Textiles

The greatest pride of Fukuoka’s traditional crafts is its Hakata-ori textiles. These exquisitely designed and distinctively patterned fabrics have been practiced for over 800 years. Hakata Machiya Folk Museum offers exhibition halls in beautifully restored traditional Japanese buildings showing the many uses of Hakata-ori as well as a look into other local traditions. You can see museum pieces renowned for their quality and beauty, purchase items in the souvenir shop, and can even participate in a workshop that introduces the weaving process.

• How to get here : A 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Hakata Station in Fukuoka City, near Kushida Shrine .
• More info : Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Fukuoka Prefecture is one of the top destinations for visitors of Japan, and it’s easy to see why. It magically espouses the bustling lifestyle of Tokyo, and the charm, culture, and tradition of Kyoto. From food to art, from history to nightlife, Fukuoka won’t cease to amaze you.

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16 Best Things To Do in Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka is the largest and most populated province in north Kyushu. Fukuoka City is one of the largest cities in Japan, located in Hakata Bay. The capital city was formed originally from a castle town. Fukuoka is divided in two by the River Naka, with Hakata, the older eastern part of the city, serving as an important port and commercial center.

Fukuoka prefecture offers several important shrines and temples, large parks, and museums and is also well known for its cuisine, attracting many people outside the province just to taste the Fukuoka’s specialty foods . The local specialties include sushi and other seafood dishes, yakitori or grilled skewers, motsunabe hotpot in the winter, and tonkotsu or pork broth ramen , best enjoyed at a local yatai or food stall. Here we present places you should visit in Fukuoka. 

How to get to the Fukuoka Sumo Tournament

How to travel to munakata taisha, how to travel to dazaifu tenmangu, how to get to kyushu national museum, how to get to nanzoin temple, how to get to kawauchi fujien, how to get to ohori park, how to get to fukuoka castle ruins and maizuru park, how to get to sumiyoshi-jinja shrine, how to get to kushida-jinja shrine, how to access fukuoka tower, how to get to yanagibashi food market, 13. see sakurai futamigaura’s couple stones, how to get to kumamoto, 15. eat at a yatai food stall, how to get to the owl café hakata, how to travel to fukuoka, where to stay in fukuoka, japan wonder travel tours , other articles about fukuoka, 1. cheer at a sumo tournament.

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, and it has a long and rich history. With tournaments being held every other month in different parts of Japan, all people are provided a chance to see the amazing sport. Fukuoka’s Grand Sumo Tournament is held every November, it is the last tournament of the year! Attending these tournaments is like seeing titans clash, and the energy from the crowd is always a 10 out of 10. If you miss the tournament in Fukuoka, don’t worry. You can catch the next tournament in Tokyo the following January or in Nagoya or Osaka in the succeeding months.

The Fukuoka Kokusai Center is only a 20 minute bus ride northwest from Hakata Station.

▼ If you want to see some real Sumo Warriors in action, now is the best time to get your tickets for the last Sumo Tournament this year, held in Fukuoka City. Tickets are sold out quick!

2. Visit the Munakata Taisha 

Munakata Taisha is a collection of three Shinto shrines, which are Hetsu-Miya located in a sacred island of Okinoshima, Nakatsu-Miya situated in Ooshima Island, and Okitsu-Miya in the Kyushu mainland, Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture. Each shrine is devoted to the three Munakata goddesses respectively. Munakata Taisha was registered as the UNESCO World Heritage in 2017. 

Okinoshima Island is the remote, sacred island where the original shrine stands. The island has been worshiped for safe travel since the fourth century. It is strictly prohibited to enter the island except the shrine’s priests. At Nakatsu-Miya on Ooshima Island was constructed around the 16th century. There is a big summer festival in August. Hetsu-miya Shrine in the Kyushu mainland was built around the 12th century, and it is the biggest and most-visited shrine of the three. 

From Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshima Main Line to Togo Station. Take Nishitetsu Bus bound for Kouno Minato Hatoba from Togo Station North Exit and get off at Munakata Taisha Mae bus stop. 

Alternatively, there is a direct bus from Tenjin in central Fukuoka to Munakata (Hetsu-miya) Shrine. 

3. See the Dazaifu Tenmangu

Dazaifu Tenmangu , constructed in 919, is the most important Tenmangu shrines in Japan because it was built on the site of the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, to whom the shrine is dedicated. Tenmangu shrines are worshiped for academic success.

Dazaifu Tenmangu is also well known for its plum trees . There are well over 6,000 plum trees that when in full bloom, make the shrine grounds look spectacular. Many people visit this place in February and March when the plum blossoms are in full bloom.

Dazaifu Tenmangu 6.30am – 7pm (times vary slightly depending on the time of year) Free admission

Dazaifu Tenmangu is in the city of Dazaifu, 30 minutes from downtown Fukuoka. From Dazaifu station it takes a few minutes to reach the shrine by foot.

4. Explore the Kyushu National Museum

Kyushu National Museum opened in 2005 next to Dazaifu Tenmangu. The design of the building is impressive and modern with mirror walls, giving interesting contrast to historical Daizaifu Tenmangu. The museum’s permanent exhibition is on the 4th floor which is divided into five chronological areas. The gallery showcases the cultural exchanges between Japan and other countries over the centuries. The 3rd floor is for a special exhibition which changes every few months. On the 1st floor there is “Ajippa” where visitors can experience games and hands-on exhibits from various Asian cultures.

Kyushu National Museum 9.30am – 5pm (Friday & Saturdays open until 8pm, closed on Mondays) Admission fee ¥700

• 5 minute walk from Tenmangu shrine

5. Check out the Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha

This temple is the home to the Reclining Buddha, which is said to be the largest bronze statues in the world. The Buddha in Nanzoin Temple is 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height, and weighing in at 300 tons. Its size exceeds the famous Buddha statues in Kamakura (13 meters in height, weighing 93 tons) and Nara (15 meters in height, weighing 250 tons). However, the Buddha in Nanzoin Temple is much younger than those in Kamakura and Nara , being completed only in 1995. 

Nanzoin Temple was moved to its current location in 1899 from Mount Koya , the large temple complex in Wakayama prefecture. The temple features an impressively large Fudo Myo-o statue and 500 statues of Buddha’s disciples as well as an Inari Shrine and a shrine dedicated to the Shichifukujin, which is the seven lucky Japanese gods.

• From Hakata station, take JR Sasaguri Line to Kido Nanzoin-mae station. The temple is 3 minute walk from the station. 

6. Stroll through Kawachi Fujien

Situated in Kitakyushu, Kawachi Fujien is a large private garden filled with 22 types of wisteria . The garden can be visited twice a year; from late April to early May, when the wisteria is in season, and mid-November to early December for maple leaf season. Both views are spectacular and attract visitors from all over!

The garden’s most popular features are two tunnels of drooping wisteria, one with 80 meters and the other with 110 meters in length. After the tunnels you will find an about 3,300 square meter space covered with a roof of hanging wisteria. It’s one of the prettiest things you can see and has been featured on several websites including CNN.

Note that during the peak of the wisteria season, admission tickets for a specific date and time slot have to be purchased in advance to enter the garden. Tickets can be sold online or at the convenience store.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden 8am – 6pm Admission fee: ¥500 ~ ¥1,500 (depends on blooming status of the flowers)

The gardens aren’t well connected with the public transportation and we recommend going there by (rental) car. However, traffic jams can occur especially on weekends and holidays. During the peak of the season, there is a shuttle bus to and from JR Kagoshima Honsen Hachiman station about twice every hour. 

7. Relax in Ohori Park 

Ohori Park is a large city park in the center of Fukuoka City. It features a large pond, and the walking path around the pond is popular for jogging, walking, and leisurely strolls. Ohori means a moat in Japanese, and the pond used to serve as part of the moat of the neighboring Fukuoka Castle . There are three islands in the middle of the pond that are connected by stone bridges. 

Inside the garden there is a playground for kids as well as a traditional Japanese garden and the Gokoku Shrine. The park also houses the Fukuoka Art Museum which was opened in 1979. Its’ permanent collection includes Buddhist statues dating back to the 11th century and paintings and sculptures by modern artist such as Miro and Dali. 

• Short walk from Ohori Koen station

8. Check out the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park

Fukuoka Castle was once the largest castle in Kyushu during the Edo Period (1603-1867), however, it was completely destroyed after the Meiji Restoration as it was seen as an unwanted symbol of the past. Now only ruin walls, a couple of turrets, some gates, and guard towers of the Fukuoka Castle remain. The castle ruins are located in Maizuru Park, right next to Ohori Park. 

Maizuru Park is another very popular sakura viewing spot in Fukuoka, and many people visit here for hanami parties in spring. When you don’t mind the crowd, we recommend you visit the castle in spring when the sakura is in full blossom. The more than 1,000 sakura trees in full blossom are breathtakingly beautiful! Tip: if you have the time, make your way to the castle at night when the trees and the castle are illuminated, another spectacular sight!

The castle ruins are always accessible and free to enter.

• 10-15 minute walk from Ohori Koen station

9. Visit the Sumiyoshi Shrine

Across Japan, more than 2,000 Sumiyoshi-jinja shrines can be found, and the one in Fukuoka City is said to be the oldest of all. The original Sumiyoshi Shrine was constructed over 1,800 years ago, however, the current buildings date back to 1623.

In the old days, the shrine was worshiped as a god of fishing and the sea. Now there are eight smaller shrines located on the shrine grounds, each dedicated to a different god. People patronize the shrines to pray for academic success, good business relations, and happy marriages. Worshiping all the eight gods can bring you extra luck. 

Although the main hall of Sumiyoshi Shrine shows influence from Buddhist building style, it is also known for displaying Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture . Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is characterized by flat roofs, two X-shaped finials and a number of decorative logs placed on the roof, is a Japanese architectural style before Buddhism was introduced to Japan. 

When you visit the shrine in november, you might be lucky to witness a sumo ceremony related to the Grand Sumo Tournament that takes places in Fukuoka every year in November.

Sumiyoshi-jinja shrine (Japanese only) 9am – 5pm Free admission

• 12 minute walk from Hakata station
• 6 minute bus ride from Hakata station

10. Check out the Kushida-jinja Shrine

Located in the heart of Fukuoka City, you can access this shrine easily on foot or by subway while you visit the other areas of the city. The shrine is one of the oldest in Fukuoka, believed to have been founded in the year 757. The famous summer festival Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is dedicated to this shrine. When you can, this is a great time to visit Fukuoka!

Next to the main hall of the shrine, you will find a fountain that is known for perpetual youth and longevity. Another symbol of the shrine is the ginkgo tree, which is over 1,000 years old. People also worship this tree for longevity. There is another ginkgo tree near the rocks. The two trees make a couple (they are male and female.) and every year the female tree bears a lot of fruits, therefore, people come here to wish for a happy marriage and healthy children. 

The shrine is open from 4am until 10pm and free to enter.

• 5 minute walk for subway Gion station
• 5 minute walk from Canal City Hakata

11. See the views from Fukuoka Tower 

Built in 1989 as the symbol of the Asia Pacific Exhibition Yokotopia ’89 and in celebration of the city’s 100th anniversary, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan with its’ 234 meters. This triangular prism is covered with 8,000 one-way mirrors. The observatory of Fukuoka Tower offers spectacular scenery of the city with a 360-degree panoramic view which is especially popular for sunset and night view.

Fukuoka Tower 9.30am – 10pm Admission fee ¥800

From JR Hakata station, take Nishitetsu Bus #306 at but stop #6 at Hakata Bus Terminal, get off at Fukuoka Tower. 

12. Grab a bite at the Yanagibashi Food Market

This food market is known as the Kitchen of Fukuoka and stretches for about 100 meters. You can find the freshest seafood, fruits, and vegetables here. Professional chefs, as well as local people, do their shopping here. You can find restaurants and shops for kamaboko (fish cake), mentaiko (spicy cod roe) which is Fukuoka’s specialty, rice bowl with fresh sashimi (raw fish) as well as coffee shops and sweet shops. When you visit this market, you can really feel and experience Fukuoka’s food culture!

From Hakata Station, take Nishitetsu Bus Hakata Eki-mae A or Hakataeki Yubinkyoku-maeB, get off at Yanagibashi bus stop. 

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Fukuoka prefecture, Futamigaura Beach needs to be on your bucket list, especially if you have a significant other. The Sakurai Shrine’s Torii gate and the Meoto Iwa (wedded rocks) are a duo of attractions that work in tandem beautifully. It is a sacred place in the Shinto religion, with the stones signifying fertility and marital bliss.

From Fukuoka Airport Station, take the Kuko/Chikuhi line to Kyudai Gakkentoshi-eki(Kyudai Gakkentoshi Station). Then take the 5B-2 Bus to Futamigaura (Meotoiwamae) Station. It’s only a 1 minute walk to the Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones from there.

14. Take a day trip to see the One Piece statues

While it’s technically not in Fukuoka, the city of Kumamoto in Kumamoto prefecture is very close and worth the short trip. It is the hometown of the legendary mangaka, Eichiiro Oda, the creator of One Piece . The city has worked in collaboration with Oda, and have set up 10 statues around the city, one for every member of the Strawhat crew. This is a major bucket list item for most anime and One Piece fans, so if you’re in Fukuoka, it’s a chance you shouldn’t pass up.

From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen directly to Kumamoto Station.

Fukuoka’s yatai are a symbol to it’s local culture. They usually open from about 6 pm to 2 am, and serve a small variety of izakaya food . The stalls are small, so you’ll likely be eating shoulder to shoulder with locals. This, along with the cultural discouragement of phones at the table, provide those you eat at a yatai with an intimate, culturally rich experience into eating like a Fukuoka local and gaining some amazing conversational practice .

16. Go to an Owl Café

Japan never runs short of its interesting and unique amenities. This is especially true for its variety of cafés. From maid cafés to cat cafés to cat-maid cafés, there is something for everyone. Fukuoka has something for owl lovers. The Fukuro no Mise Hakata Shop is a popular owl café, where they have dozens of owls that you can interact with. These owls range from small to big and are from ages 10 to 30, depending on the species of owl. You can pet them, feed them, and even leave your pet owl in their shop’s care for a short time.

From Hakata Station, walk to the Hakata Terminal 1F, and take the bus to the Kawabata-machi and Hakataza bus top. From there, the café is only a 5 minute walk northwest.

Fukuoka is located on the northern tip of the Kyushu prefecture and can easily be reached with different modes of transportation. The JR Kyushu Shinkansen and the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, with direct connections to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, have multiple stops in Fukuoka prefecture. Fukuoka airport is located very close to the city center and from Fukuoka City’s Hakata Port ferries depart to South Korea and to many of Kyushu’s smaller islands.

We recommend you to stay in Fukuoka City, and use the city as your base for travels through the prefecture. Opt for an hotel in the vicinity of the Shinkansen station Hakata and you can’t go wrong. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Miyako Hotel Hakata – a modern, luxury hotel with a private rooftop pool
• WeBase Hakata Hostel – a stylish, fresh hostel located within walking distance from Hakata station
• THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier – A modern Japanese style hotel.

We also picked the 10 best hotels in Fukuoka. Check out the article below to find more options!

Fukuoka prefecture is a great place with a lot of historical places to visit and local cuisine to try. We hope we gave you an idea of some of the highlights of Fukuoka prefecture, it’s worth a visit we think! Plan well before you visit Fukuoka and you can experience and learn its unique history, cuisine, and art culture.

We hope you have a great time in Fukuoka!

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

Follow us on  Instagram  or  Facebook  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy travelling!

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Starting a Business in Fukuoka: A Guide for Fukuoka Startup Visa

Provided by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association（福岡県観光連盟）

Introduction

Fukuoka City, a vibrant metropolis in southern Japan, is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and proximity to Asia, Fukuoka City offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern technology. In recent years, the city has implemented various initiatives to attract startups and foreign entrepreneurs, including the introduction of a startup visa program. This article introduces the Startup Visa program in Fukuoka, which started from 2015 as the first program in the entire Japan, including the eligibility, application process, and other necessary information.

Startup Visa is a scheme that the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) offers to support startups in Japan by foreign entrepreneurs. This scheme provides an exceptional chance to start a business in Japanese cities with extensive support from local governments. The significant advantage of this program is that approved entrepreneurs can obtain residency status for up to one year. This startup visa system makes it much easier for foreign entrepreneurs to start new businesses in Japan.

Now, Startup Visa is available in the following regions:

Fukuoka city, one of the approved municipalities, offers the startup visa system and other support measures, such as financial aid for renting residences and business offices, and national tax reduction. 

In addition, the Global Business Support (GBS) and Startup Cafe offer the following support measures for the participants of the Startup Visa program.

• Consultation in multiple languages (English, Korean, French, German, and Arabic)
• Human resource matching support (English)
• Legal and tax support by experts
• Introduction to subsidies/ grants in Fukuoka city
• Referral to specialists and related organizations
• Matching services with local companies 
• Fundraising support
• Networking events

The following coworking spaces certified by Fukuoka City can be used as a business space under the new relaxed requirements for visa renewal.

・Fukuoka Growth Next ・Wissquare Fukuoka ・Share Office SALT ・The Company Canal City Hakata Mae ・The Company　Fukuoka　PARCO ・WeWork　Daimyo ・WeWork　Gates　Fukuoka ・G’s BASE FUKUOKA ・Q ・CREATIVE ROOM  fukuoka-daimyo ・Servcorp NMF Hakata Ekimae Building ・Servcorp Fukuoka Tenjin Fukoku Seimei Building ・The Company　Mina Tenjin ・CO-WORKING-SALON/CAFE-LOUNGE　SHIKINOIRO

Eligibility

Any foreign nationals wishing to start a business in Fukuoka City are eligible for the Startup Visa program.

The Startup Visa program in Fukuoka aims to improve Fukuoka City’s industrial competitiveness at the international level or expand employment opportunities. 

Therefore, new businesses must fall under the following sectors:

• (1) Knowledge Creating Industries (fintech, semiconductor, software development, content production, robotics, etc.
• (2)Health, Medical, Welfare Industries (drug discovery ventures, medical technology development, regenerative medicine, welfare equipment development, etc.)
• (3)Environment & Energy Industries (greentech, clean energy development, next generation power storage technology, global information systems, etc.)
• (4) Logistics Industries (global SCM services, 3PL service, international delivery, drone logistics development, etc. )
• (5)Trade Industries (businesses developing international sales for goods made in Fukuoka, industries utilizing the Port of Hakata and/or Fukuoka Airport, etc.)

*For Trade Industries, candidates must be businesses with a sense of innovation or that otherwise will make strong contributions to the growth of firms within Fukuoka City.

Application Procedure

b. New Business Implementation Plan   

d. Copy of your passport (pages containing applicant’s photo, name, and  signature)

e. Documentation detailing your place of residence for six-months after arriving in Japan (copy of rental contract, or application for rental contract, etc.)

f. Documentation detailing your bank account balance (copy of your bank book)

g. Supporting materials related to business scope and experience

For details on the application for status of residence, contact Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.

・Fukuoka Immigration Bureau, Status Department

• Reviewing the Progress of Entrepreneur Activities

After getting the Business manager residential status, Fukuoka City will conduct a review on the progress of the entrepreneurial activities during the permitted six-month period. There will be three review sessions during the six-month period, of which at least one session will be held either at the entrepreneur’s place of business or residence. During the review sessions, the business’s bank account, lease for the place of business, and employment contracts may be reviewed.

Renewing the Residential Status

• This residency status is valid for six months. Within this period, either of the following requirements must be fulfilled: hire two or more full-time employees or have a capital investment exceeding 5 million yen. 
• Once the requirement is fulfilled, the status can be renewed for an additional year by submitting the required documents to the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.
• For further renewal, you must have established a physical office within the city.

Fukuoka City’s startup visa presents a compelling opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses in Japan’s dynamic southern region. Beyond providing a streamlined path to residency, the visa offers a range of supportive measures designed to foster entrepreneurial success. By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs can navigate the Japanese market with greater ease and potential for growth. Fukuoka City welcomes innovative minds and looks forward to the contributions of new startups to its vibrant community.

About EXPACT

EXPACT provides a variety of operational support to domestic and international startups. 

EXPACT offers market entry strategy advisory for international businesses looking to establish a presence in Japan. Our services are as follows:

– Advice for visas and programs : Providing guidance on suitable visas and government programs for foreign entrepreneurs (e.g., Startup visa).

– Market research assistance : Evaluating the potential market size and demand for the product or service. 

– Geographical evaluation based on the company’s target: Carrying out a location analysis to determine the most suitable region, prefecture, and city according to the startup’s specific needs. 

– Support for applying financial aid programs : Sourcing and supporting the application process for applicable government grants and subsidies. 

– Assistance for forming partnerships : Serving as a liaison to help the startup establish connections with local partners, investors, and government institutions. 

– Advice for a business plan : Offering a business plan review with insights from a Japanese perspective. 

– Translation services : Providing translation services for in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and document preparation.

Additionally, the company also offers One-Stop support from Startup advisory to Finance, PR, Recruitment and EXIT.

• Finance and Fundraising: Advisory on the financial health of startups and proposing an optimal fundraising plan by applying for government grants and facilitating investor introductions. Activities include drafting a pitch deck, forming a business plan and/or cap table.
• Promotion: Publishing press releases, building media relations, branding.
• Startup Advisory: Business ideation, researching, conducting interviews, MVP analysis, investment access.
• Human Resources: Personnel strategy, hiring support, institution building.
• EXIT: IPO support, M&A support, exit system design.

For assistance or additional information, please contact us at [email protected] for inquiries.

https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/keizai/g-startup/business/startupviza_english.html

https://growth-next.com/startupcafe/en

https://fukuoka.startup-city.jp/

https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/en/photo

• 最大730万円の助成金！「働き方改革推進支援助成金｣とは？要点解説とまとめ

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