こんにちは (Kon-nich-i-wa)!
Fukuoka city is really great city with all the Japanese things you can imagine for travelers: orange shrines, old temples, street food, bid Buddhas, the list goes on. One of my favorite waterfront cities in the world, here are over 30 must-visit things you should do while in Fukuoka City, Japan.
Quick Info: What You Should Know About Fukuoka, Japan:
Fukuoka is the largest city on Japan’s Kushu Island and 7th largest populated city with 1.5 million people of Japan. Did you know Fukuoka is closer to Seoul than Tokyo? Fukuoka is best known for its tasty ramen noodles, beautiful Hakata dolls, and large red light district. The city also has everything: temples, shrines, festivals, castle ruins, beaches, islands, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
30 Fun Things to Do in Fukuoka (Japan)
- Hakata Station
- Go shopping in Canal City Hakata during the day & at night
- Must-see the Kushida-jinja Shrine
- Walk through the Kawabata Shotengai Shopping Street Market
- Tochoji Temple
- Shofukuji Temple
- Higashi Park & Tokaebisu Shrine & Mongolian Invasion Historical Museum
- Hakozaki Shrine
- Fukuoka’s Food Markets
- ACROS Building
- Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine
- Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
- Kego Shrine
- Tenjin Central Chuo Park
- Discover Fukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
- Fukuoka Art Museum (Maizuru Park)
- Boat or Walk around the pond in Ohori Park (Maizuru Park)
- Visit the wooden torri gate in Gokuku Shrine (outside of Maizuru Park)
- EXTRA: U.S. Embassy/Consulate
- Go up Fukuoka Tower and see Momochi Beach
- Momochi Seaside Park
- Visit NHK Broadcasting Fukuoka
- Fukuoka City Museum & Fukuoka City Public Library
- Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Yafuoku! Dome
- Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
- Marine World Uminonakamichi
- Fukuoka Municipal Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine (in Dazaifu)
- Kanko History Museum & Kyushu National Museum (in Dazaifu)
- Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha (in Kasuya District, Fukuoka)
- Chikuzen Sumiyoshi Shrine
- Visit Atago Shrine
- the Aso-Kuju National Park, 2.5 hours from Hakata Station.
- Yanagawa Canals Fukuoka’s “Venice” (an hour from Hakata Station)
- Hot Springs: Harazuru Onsen or Kurokawa Onsen (near Aso-Kuju National Park)
- Visit Huis Ten Bosch – A Dutch theme park in Nagasaki
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Here are over 30 Things to do in Fukuoka, Japan:
1.) Hakata Station (博多駅, Hakata-eki)
Hakata Station is Kyushu Island’s busiest train and bus station. It has a massive shopping complex called “JR Hakata City.” The rooftop level has a pretty garden, restaurants, and shops.
How to get around Fukuoka? Honestly, the whole city is walk-able (though it might be 25,000 steps per day). You can also use the subway system since it is very small. I also recommend using Google Maps or Trip Advisor to locate each of these places.
Where to stay in Fukuoka? I think, if you’re staying in Fukuoka, near Hakata Station or Tenjin Station could be the best option for travellers. Tenjin is mostly the center area for eating and shopping, while Hakata Station is convenient for day trips out of Fukuoka. If you’re a solo female traveler, I stayed at the Fukuoka Backpackers Hostel for 4 nights; it’s walk-able to and from Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and less than 10-minutes from the Hakata Station.
2.) Go shopping in Canal City Hakata during the day & at night
Where to go shopping in Fukuoka? Canal City! It is is a massive shopping complex with water flowing inside and a water show every 30 minutes. It has about 250 shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, game centers, theater, etc. When in Fukuoka, you must go to a ramen stand to eat some of Hakata’s famous ramen with thin noodles and a creamy pork bone broth.
3a.) Must-see the Kushida-jinja Shrine
Kushida Shrine also sponsors Fukuoka’s biggest festival, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, usually every July; the 5-day festival has races throughout the city’s streets with a one ton float being carried by the teams. Kushida Shrine is super close to the Kawabata Shopping Street, Asia Art Museum, Nakasu Kawabata Station.
Kushida Shrine Address: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, Japan (〒812-0026 福岡県福岡市博多区上川端町１−41)
3b.) Walk through the Kawabata Shotengai Shopping Street Market
The Kawabata Shotengai Market is an old-style covered market street with lots of clothing, food, household items, and maybe some survivors you can buy. It is near the must-see Kushida Shrine and Gio Station.
Kawabata Shotengai Shopping Address: 10 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0026, Japan (〒812-0026 福岡県福岡市博多区上川端町６−135)
4a.) Tochoji Temple
I wish I visited this temple. A downtown temple with a 5-level pagoda, revolving bookcase, and a beautiful 30-ton wooden Buddha. It is near the Kushida Shrine, Shofukuji Temple, Canal City Hakata, and both Gion and Gofukumachi Station.
Tochoji Temple has a giant wood Buddha and other nearby temples too.
Tochoji Temple Address: 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan (〒812-0037 福岡県福岡市博多区御供所町２−4)
4b.) Shofukuji Temple
I wish I visited this temple. They say Shofukuji Temple was Japan’s first Zen Temple built in 1195. And it was founded by Eisai, the priest who introduced both Zen Buddhism and Tea to Japan in the 12th century. Wow. It is near Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, and Chiyo-Kenchoguchi or Gofukumachi Station.
5.) Higashi Park & Tokaebisu Shrine & Mongolian Invasion Historical Museum
Across the river and near Higashi Park, there’s a massive statue of a Shinto god, who may help with your academics. It is also near the Mongolian Invasion Historical Museum.
Tokaebisu Shrine Address: 7-1 Higashikoen, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0045, Japan (7-1 Higashikoen, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0045, Japan)
5b.) Hakozaki Shrine
I wish I visited here. There’s historic shine with relics and rituals. There’s a massive staircase under some shrines that will lead up to nice views.
Hakozaki Shrine Address: 1 Chome-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0053, Japan (〒812-0053 福岡県福岡市東区箱崎１丁目２２−1)
6.) Fukuoka’s Food Markets
The most popular food markets might be Yanagibashi Market, Nagahama Seafood Market, or Yatai (Street Food Stalls). You need to try Fukuoka’s well-known Hakata Tonkotsu ramen!
7.) ACROS Building
The ACROS building in downtown Fukuoka has 15-floors to look like an outdoor hanging garden. I walked by this nearly everyday, but didn’t realize what it was. Inside, there’s the Fukuoka Symphony Hall and more culture. It is also near Tenjin Station and Chuo Park.
ACROS Fukuoka Building Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan (〒810-0001 福岡県福岡市中央区天神１丁目１−1)
7b.) Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine
I wish I visited this Tenjin area. This shrine is known as Tenjin birthplace and near Tenjin Station.
7c.) Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
I wish I visited this Tenjin area. It looks really pretty.
7d.) Kego Shrine
I wish I visited this Tenjin area. It looks really pretty.
7e.) Tenjin Central Chuo Park
I wish I visited here. Tenjin Central Park is an urban park with a historic building, cherry-tree lined trails, and a fountain plaza. Also, Fukuoka’s club scene is in Oyafuko-dori in Tenjin. Oyafuko-dori literally translates to “disrespectful child street” with lots of dance clubs and nightlife.
Tenjin Central Park Address: 1 Chome-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan (〒810-0001 福岡県福岡市中央区天神１丁目１)
8.) Discover Fukuoka Castle Ruins (in Maizuru Park)
Located in Maizuru Park, the former Fukuoka Castle grounds is now a large park with many cherry blossom trees, original buildings, gates, and walls of the old Fukuoka Castle. The Castle once was one of the largest castles in Japan with 47 turrets and a large moat system from the 17th century. Throughout the park, you can even see the Fukuoka Tower and other city landmarks.
The Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park are about a 10-minute walk from the Ohorikoen Station or Akasaka Station. It is nearby Ohori Park and Fukuoka Art Museum.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins Address: 1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043, Japan (〒810-0043 福岡県福岡市中央区城内１)
9.) Fukuoka Art Museum (near Maizuru Park)
I wish I visited this. Fukuoka Art Museum has important modern works, including Salvador Dalí’s “The Madonna of Port Lligat,” Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin, Andy Warhol, and modern Japanese artists.
Fukuoka Art Museum Address: 1-6 Ohori Koen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0051
Official site: www.fukuoka-art-museum.jp/english/index.html
10.) Boat or Walk around the pond in Ohori Park (in Maizuru Park)
Fukuoka has a lot of large public parks worth exploring. This large garden was inspired by the West Lake in China. It was once the moat of Fukuoka Castle. You can walk out on a bridge, on the trails, and in Japanese gardens surrounded by the beautiful pond. You can see the park’s gardens and dog walkers, rent a swan boat, or visit a coffee shop. There’s the Ohori Park Japanese Garden with a zen garden and tea house. Nearby, is the Fukuoka Art Museum with 11th century and modern art.
Ohori Park Address: 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0051, Japan (〒810-0051 福岡県福岡市中央区大濠公園１)
11.) Visit the wooden torri gate in Gokuku Shrine (outside of Maizuru Park)
Gokoku Shrine is near Ohori Park’s Japanese Garden and the Castle Ruins. It has a massive wooden torii gate and gold colored building.
Fukuokaken Gokoku Shrine Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Japan (〒810-0044 福岡県福岡市中央区六本松１丁目１−1)
EXTRA: U.S. Embassy/Consulate
If you’re American, just keep in mind there’s a US Embassy here. The employees were friendly, polite, and processed things quickly for me.
U.S. Consulate Address: 2 Chome-5-26 Ohori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0052, Japan (〒810-0052 福岡県福岡市中央区大濠２丁目５−26)
12.) Go up Fukuoka Tower and see Momochi Beach
Check out Fukuoka’s seaside or have a meal in Fukuoka Tower. It is 234 meters tall, and has three observation decks with 360-degree views of Fukuoka city. It ss also decorated with 8,000 half mirrors. If you’re a couple, also check out the tower’s Lover’s Sanctuary. The observatory deck costs 800 JPY per adult and a 20% discount for foreigners.
Fukuoka Tower Address: 2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan (〒814-0001 福岡県福岡市早良区百道浜２丁目３−26)
13.) Momochi Seaside Park
The beach behind Fukuoka Tower is Momochi Seaside Park. This beach has some bars, restaurants, a boardwalk, and lifeguards. It is so pretty and picturesque that I even saw some ladies in a bridesmaids’ photoshoot!
Momochi Seaside Park Address: 3 Chome-2 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan (〒814-0001 福岡県福岡市早良区百道浜３丁目２)
14.) Visit NHK Broadcasting Fukuoka
NHK is the Japanese national public broadcasting organization, so this building serves as a “museum” for public visitors. You can easily visit the studios of some TV shows, collect stamps of the NHK mascots, and learn the history of NHK for free admission.
NHK Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0044, Japan (〒810-0044 福岡県福岡市中央区六本松１丁目１−10)
15.) Fukuoka City Museum & Fukuoka City Public Library
At the Fukuoka City Museum, you can see contemporary exhibits on Fukuka’s history, including the King of Na gold seal. It is closed on Mondays.
Fukuoka City Museum Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan (〒814-0001 福岡県福岡市早良区百道浜３丁目１−1)
16.) Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Yafuoku! Dome
You can easily walk by the Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Dome or visit a local baseball game to see the Fukuoka Hawks.
17.) Rent a bike on Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Across from Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Seaside Beach, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the large park on the peninsula-land. Uminonakamichi Park is only 4 kilometers long, so you could walk or rent a bike for exploring it. It also has:
17b.) Sea Animals at Marine World (in Uminonakamichi Park)
The park is made up of several different areas including Marine World, flower gardens, playgrounds, an amusement park with a ferris wheel, sports fields, a water park, a zoo and large open spaces perfect for picnicking.
17c.) Fukuoka Municipal Zoo and Botanical Garden (in Uminonakamichi Park)
After exploring the surrounding Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, visit the Fukuoka Municipal Zoo and Botanical Garden for displays of seasonal flowers and see the wild or domestic animals in the zoo.
See my YouTube video of Uminonakamichi Seaside Park & Zoo.
Official site: www.marine-world.co.jp/english/index.html
18.) Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine (in Dazaifu)
Dazaifu Shrine, dedicated to the god of education, is another well-known large shrine about 30 minutes from Fukuoka downtown city in Dazaifu. Many beautiful Shinto shrines, gardens, ponds, and a museum are here. About 6,000 plum trees bloom in early Spring. You can easily walk from Dazaifu Station, through the shopping gift street, pass a unique-designed Starbucks, see the Goshingyu bronze bull, and walk on Taiko Bridge. Lastly, there’s a low-key amusement park in the trees, perhaps for students. Use Dazaifu Station.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Address: 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan (〒818-0117 福岡県太宰府市宰府４丁目７−1)
18b.) Kanko History Museum & Kyushu National Museum (in Dazaifu)
If you visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, this art and history museum is a sleek, contemporary designed museum on the top of the mountain; but don’t worry, there are escalators so you don’t have to walk far at all! This museum covers Japan’s history, even from prehistoric times, and has a gift shop. Use Dazaifu Station.
19.) Must-visit the Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha (in Kasuya District, Fukuoka)
I absolutely recommend visiting the Nanzoin Temple. It is located just 15 kilometers east of Fukuoka is the Nanzoin Temple. Along the shady hillside trail, there are many souvenir shops, Buddhist temples, shrines, 4,4000+ nototsudo statues, and the 41m-long reclining Buddha statue! Use Kidonanzoin-Mae Station.
See my post on traveling to Buddha of Nanzoin Temple
Nanzoin Temple Address: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-2405, Japan (〒811-2405 福岡県糟屋郡篠栗町大字篠栗1035)
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Next time I visit Fukuoka or Kyushu Island, I also want to visit:
20.) Chikuzen Sumiyoshi Shrine
I wish I visited this area. Canal City is sandwiched between this and Kushida Shrine. There looks like a lot of Shinto statues and shrine buildings with a wooded park.
Chikuzen Sumiyoshi Address: 3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan (〒810-0075 福岡県福岡市中央区港３丁目３)
21.) Atago Shrine
I wish I visited this area. I thought it looks quite far away, it is on the other side of the Fukuoka Tower. It is a historic fire-protection shrine on a hill, with ornate sculptures, steep stairs & city views & the local Atago Park nearby.
Atago Shrine Address: 2 Chome-7-1 Atago, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0015, Japan (〒819-0015 福岡県福岡市西区愛宕２丁目７−1)
22.) the Aso-Kuju National Park (2.5 hours from Hakata Station)
23.) Yanagawa Canals Fukuoka’s “Venice” (an hour from Hakata Station)
24.) Hot Springs: Harazuru Onsen or Kurokawa Onsen (near Aso-Kuju National Park)
25) Visit Huis Ten Bosch – A Dutch theme park in Nagasaki
Thanks for reading!
If there are other Fukuoka favorite places of yours, please leave a comment so that other people can know about it!
