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Prefecture capital and Designated city in Kyushu, Japan
Photo: Hideyuki KAMON from Takarazuka / 宝塚市, Hyogo / 兵庫県, Japan / 日本, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Fukuoka (福岡) is the capital of Fukuoka prefecture and the largest city on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka is a good starting point for first-time visitors to Japan. As a historic port city, Fukuoka is more welcoming of foreigners than other parts of Japan, and has significant numbers of residents and tourists from abroad, particularly from China and Korea.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This area is next to Tenjin and is Fukuoka's red-light district, with over 3500 restaurants, as well as ramen stalls (yatai), shopping, pubs, hostess bars, rooftop beer gardens in summer, one surviving movie theater, and sex trade. The neon lights on the Naka River are famous with over 60,000 visitors a day, and it has the busiest street in Kyushu.
This area has several historical shrines and Buddhist temples, including:
The 8th-century Kushida Shrine is starting point for the annual Gion-Yamakasa Festival.
It has a 10.8-m wooden Great Buddha.
Japan's first Zen temple.
The ACROS building has a terraced roof that merges with the park and contains some 35,000 plants representing 76 species. It is 809 steps to the top. Just east of ACROS is the former Prefectural Guest House, featuring turn-of-the-century architecture.
A 60 m observation deck with good views over Fukuoka.
福岡タワー
The triangular reflective tower has magnificent views of the city and Hakata Bay from its 123-meter-high observation deck. (The whole tower is 234 m; the remaining 111 m is a television mast.) In Christmas and the Star Festival (Tanabata) on July 7, this tower is decorated. During the rest of the year the view is best at night time. This is an iconic symbol of Fukuoka. There is a restaurant which commands a ¥300 sitting fee in addition to the meal. The menu is limited and the food is mediocre at best.
愛宕神社
A hidden gem near the Muromi Subway Station, with a superb view of the city and Hakata Bay from a hilltop. You can also see many storks that fly by and nest in the area. Walk west from the subway station across the Muromi Bridge until you see the Atago torii gate with the stairs heading up. Alternatively there is a side road you can walk up if you don't like stairs.
It has an observatory 70 m above the ground, allowing for a great view of the port and the streets of Fukuoka.
Tourists visiting Fukuoka should not miss this beautiful park located 2 stops west of Tenjin on the subway. The park has a 2 km jogging track that is popular with locals throughout the year. Also, next to Ohori Park is Maizuru park, featuring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and a good view of the city.
大濠公園日本庭園
This beautiful, small Japanese garden is right next to Ohori Park.
舞鶴公園
Maizuru park includes the ruins of Fukuoka Castle (福岡城, Fukuoka-jō). Also inside the park, you will find the ruins of the Korokan (鴻臚館), a reception hall built around 1,200 years ago.
The foundations of Fukuoka Castle and part of its moat are all that remains of the original complex. Work is underway to rebuild part of the castle to show what it looked like. The ruins give a good feel for the scale of the original castle though, and form an attractive park. Additionally, you may drop by the Fukuoka Castle Ruins Visitor Center to rent a tablet PC providing an augmented reality visualization of what the castle used to look like as you walk around the park. Visitors who ascend the steps towards the top are rewarded with excellent views of the city, including of the lake in Ohori Park (which in the past used to extend to and surround the castle).
西公園
A hilltop park with quiet walking trails, a shrine, an ocean and city view, and in springtime with over 3000 cherry trees is one of the finest places to see cherry blossoms in Kyushu.
The park behind Solaria Plaza, Kego Koen, is a great place to go to experience Tenjin's youth culture and do some people watching. Don't be surprised if some of these kids try to approach you for a bit of random conversation.
福岡市博物館
Permanent exhibition of city history and changing temporary exhibitions.
博多町屋ふるさと館
gives you a glimpse of the Hakata way of life.
This gallery hosts temporary exhibitions from Kyushu and all around Asia. It has a good shop.
This art gallery has an excellent permanent collection, and hosts temporary exhibitions.
For a view of the bay, check out the Bayside Place Hakata Pier:a marine terminal for the regular service ferries for Tsushima Island and Hakata Bay cruise boats. The terminal building has an 8-m-tall aquarium, with 6,000 fish.
福岡市科学館
Cotains Robosquare on its 5th floor. You can see and play with different kinds of robots and watch some of the engineers at work. Despite the imposing sounding name, Robosquare is one medium sized-room with a few robotics exhibits and some toy robots and is primarily aimed at children. Some English explanations are now available.
Ichiran no Mori
Ichiran is one of the largest chains of Hakata ramen restaurants, with locations all across Japan and in several other countries. At this factory, you can learn about the ramen-making process and view their factory where they make noodles. At the end is a small restaurant with a weekly special dish. The museum is entirely in Japanese.
マリンワールド海の中道
It is an aquarium and you can watch shows of various marine life, and there are also various hands-on activities, such as feeding dolphins. There is also a park outside the aquarium.
板付遺跡・板付遺跡弥生館
Itazuke Ruins and Yayoi-kan Museum is an important archaeological site associated with the Yayoi period, when wet-rice agriculture and new technologies transformed Japanese society. The site contains the remains of an early rice-farming settlement, including reconstructed houses, a moat and rice paddies. Archaeological discoveries include pottery, stone tools and evidence of rice cultivation. The nearby Yayoi-kan Museum explains the excavations and displays artefacts from the site, helping visitors understand how the settlement was organised and how its inhabitants lived. Itazuke is particularly significant because it provides evidence for the early development of wet-rice agriculture in northern Kyushu, a region that played a key role in the introduction of continental technologies and cultural influences to Japan.
Hakata-za
An experience worth checking out. Check times and prices at the Hakata-za near Nakasu. If you don't want to stay for the whole show, or don't have so much money to spend, you can watch part of a show for about ¥800; see here for details. Half price student/young (~25) adult tickets may be available day of performance to be released 20 minutes prior to the show; see here for details.
A cultural experience that some may not want to miss. There is a Noh theatre in Ohori Koen. Many of the performances are free, get more information at the Rainbow Plaza (IMS building 8th floor). Don't worry, if you fall asleep during the play, it's almost expected. It's all part of the Noh experience.
Winning the Japan Series seven times between 2011 and 2020, the Hawks was undoubtedly Japan's strongest team in the 2010s. Check out a baseball game at the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, which is about 15 min walking distance from Tōjinmachi subway station. Ticket prices vary by day, but you can get an outfield unreserved seat from ¥1,000.
博多どんたく
Japan's largest festival, drawing well over 2 million people during the Golden Week holidays. The name "Dontaku" comes from Dutch "zondag" meaning Sunday. The festival features traditional dance.
博多祇園山笠
Fukuoka's second-largest festival, drawing up to a million spectators, is famous for the Oiyama parade float race. The elaborately-decorated yamakasa floats, around 5 m tall and weighing up to 1 t, have no wheels; they're picked up and carried by teams of loincloth-clad men, each team representing one of the seven historic districts of Hakata. The race takes place on July 15; teams line up around 01:00, and at 04:59, drums signal teams to begin in 5-minute intervals. The 5-kilometer race takes about half an hour for the fastest teams. Much larger kazariyama floats, which are up to 13 m tall, are on display at street corners across the city, and are displayed indoors for the remainder of the year.
A stretch of beach where visitors can enjoy a bit of swimming and sun. While the water isn't as clean as the waters further west and east in Fukuoka, you can still take a refreshing dip. There are a few lovely patio restaurants and bars which are an ideal location to watch the sun set. The area behind the Seahawk Hotel is good. It's less crowded during the summer.
能古島
A small (about 12 km around) island in the middle of Hakata Bay and offers some splendid hiking, swimming, and camping. It is easily reached by a 10-minute ferry ride from the Meinohama Port. The ferry departs every hour usually at 15 minutes past the hour from 05:15 in the morning to 23:00 at night, with service every half hour during the morning and evening rush (07:15-08:15 and 17:15-18:45).
Has several well manicured gardens and fields of flowers that vary by the season.
Famous for Hakata's Nagahama ramen, with stalls (yatai) that get set up daily to handle the locals who are proud of their ramen. You will most likely smell it before you see it, and if you want a true Fukuoka experience is definitely worth a look if not a full meal.
A few places offer Happy Hour from 17:00-19:00, if you are looking for some refreshment before dinner.
一蘭
A well known ramen chain, dedicated solely to perfecting tonkotsu. Buy a ticket from the vending machine outside (just hit the big top button) and take a seat at the counter. Each seat has a curtain in front and dividers on the side, so nothing distracts you from the noodle experience that awaits. Cellphones, children or conversation are not allowed. Hand over your ticket, receive a questionnaire on how you like your noodles (available in English at some outlets), and choose the middle option (基本 kihon, or "standard") for everything. In under a minute, a bowl of noodles will appear. If you want more noodles or an egg, press the button and ask for kaedama or tamago respectively.
This celebration of ramen offers 8 restaurants with every style of ramen between Kyushu and Hokkaido. Ballots collected at the center determine a monthly favorite.
Tasty ramen and late night hours off the streets of Oyafukodori. Cut through the park behind the police box and you're sure to find it. Yama-chan is the owner.
Pot stickers, steamed rice, miso soup and beer.
鉄なべ
There is another restaurant of similar name located in Nakasu, but the Hakata one seems to be the most popular. Be aware though that when you enter, you will be expected to be quick with your order as the place is usually very busy.
Has a fabulous lunch menu, most dishes around ¥700-800. Tasty wrap tacos and other Latin-American style food is on available. On weekends, there is often live guitar music in the afternoon. In the evening the restaurant also opens the floor to dance: salsa, bachata, merengue and the cha-cha-cha all make their appearance at some point. Usually a ¥500 charge.
A chain restaurant that does Champon (a kind of Chinese noodle dish with seafood and vegetables). Some branches have a system where you put your money in a machine, push the button under the dish of your choice and give your ticket to the staff. Other branches you just order from the menu.
It is a restaurant where you can eat fresh yakiniku.
It is a restaurant that specializes in alcohol snacks such as Japanese gyoza dumplings and gopchang.
炭焼き とりこ
Great spot for delicious yakitori.
신신라면
A restaurant specializing in Japanese ramen noodles
ウサギよりカメ もんじゃ焼き 春吉
It is a restaurant that sells monjayaki and okonomiyaki in Chuo Ward. Indoor smoking is available.
梅山鉄平食堂 本店
It is a restaurant that sells Japanese home-cooked meals. You can enjoy Japanese home-cooked meals at an affordable price.
麺屋 いしヰ
This is a udon restaurant located around Hakata Station. It is famous for its udon and pollack udon.
A beer bar for beer-lovers. Features numerous, hard-to-find American and European imports by a very interesting American expatriate. An entertaining time is guaranteed for all.
Run by a friendly American expatriate and is a favorite with navy personnel passing through the region. Serves a great hamburger, but don't expect it to come too quickly. Happy hour from 18:00-20:00 everyday.
The de facto hang-out for foreign rock bands playing in the area. The proprietor, Moses, ensures a good time in this multi-level indie hangout. Also has an 8th floor beer garden, which is a great place to kick back on summer evenings. Thursdays are ¥300 Corona beer night.
Ignore the suggestive name; this is a popular crowded spot for locals and gaijin alike. The British expat owner is very friendly.
Does Happy hour from 17:00-19:00. Guinness, Old speckled Hen ¥590 a pint, and cocktails are half price. Fish and chips. Around the corner from the KFC on Nishidori. Open from 17:00. One of four Morris pubs in the same part of town.
Bar/restaurant is a great place to meet interesting locals, variety of shochus and a wide range of western style foods. Guinness is served on tap. Eclectic mix of local Fukuokans.
This hostel is part of the Japan Youth Hostels group and seems very new. No check-in until 16:00, but they'll let you put your bags in the room while you wait.
The hostel in Fukuoka city. Dorm from ¥2,500. Free Wi-Fi. There are free Wi-Fi and luggage storage services.
Internet cafe with multiple locations, e.g. in the Bus Terminal building next to Hakata station as well as in Tenjin. An internet cafe that offers free drinks, razors, toothbrushes, and a shower. Check in between the hours of 22:00-08:00 with options of staying 5-10 hr.
ホテルキャビナス福岡
No women, or tattooed customers, allowed (you might get away with it if you have small/nonobvious tattoos, but it's a rule and they could throw you out for it if spotted). Big, clean and nice facilities. A standard capsule is ¥3,800, and capsules located in their own private rooms cost more; conversely various discounts can be used (buying a membership card, showing the "Offers" page on their website on your phone when you check in) to get the price down to around ¥2,900. There are some English speaking staff, but it seems most of them know a lot of basic hotel-related nouns in English. Free Internet available on the 1st floor (2 PCs) and 2nd floor (5 or so PCs, plus Ethernet sockets where you can plug your own in). Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is before 11:00. If you book the next day's stay when you check out, they'll let you leave your luggage in your locker all day. Checking out late will cost you ¥500/hr (¥700/hr after 4 hours). All services within the hotel (restaurant food/drinks; massages/body care) are paid for using your capsule number/key wristband, you settle your bill when you check out.
フローラルイン西中洲
Small but clean and quiet rooms, free Internet in lobby. Triples from ¥7800. There is a free curry and pillow selection service, comic book rental, and tea service.
Rooms start at from ¥6,000. Free Internet (Ethernet cable in room), breakfast included. Smoking rooms are smoky, but non-smoking rooms are not. There are free Wi-Fi and free breakfast services.
エスペリアホテル博多
It is a quiet and clean hotel, and you can choose a bathtub or shower booth type.
A Ryu Kosaka designed upscale boutique resort. Italian dining, Japanese nabe, bar scene, rooftop outdoor spa and an intimate private stay guest lounge. The rooms are spacious and elegant with private balconies, stocked with a complementary mini-bar. English speaking staff.
Large bathrooms. Guests can use free fitness and swimming pools.
Free fitness and free Wi-Fi are available. Responses are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
It is easy to find thanks to the Apple store on the corner with Kokutai Dohro. The area to your left is Daimyo, full of funky little boutiques and shops. There are also a countless number of restaurants, lunch time being a great time to try out their specials.
This uniquely designed mall houses a wide range of stores, but is somewhat faded with the main action having moved to the new malls attached to Hakata Station. Nevertheless, it includes clothing stores, restaurants, rare character shops - including a Studio Ghibli goods shop - and even a well-appointed theatre. If you have time, be sure to catch one of the hourly fountain shows held in the centre of the bowl-shaped complex. There are also lots of food stores, including the 'Ramen Stadium' with several ramen outlets, but the quality is mediocre.
A long, old-fashioned shopping streets with a variety of shops selling traditional Japanese goods among other items. Good for picking up souvenirs and other randomness.
Another large shopping area is the Hakata Station area. It includes over 230 shops, restaurant floor, and roof observation deck. With regards to gift-giving, if you're pressed for time, take a quick look around the craft and boutique stores in Hakata Station before leaving. Many carry the white clay Hakata dolls that are unique to Fukuoka. Prices range from under ¥1,000. Prices comparable to those found in Tenjin.
For cameras, computers or other electronics, there is a huge Yodobashi Camera store right outside of Hakata station. Go out to the eastern side of the JR station (Chikushi Gate), go down 2 blocks and it will be on your right.
木の葉モール橋本
While perhaps not worth a special trip all the way there, it's worth a look if you happen to be anywhere near the area.
Don't miss out on the ¥100 shop. A great place to shop for souvenirs (although many items are made in China), dishes, toys and everything else you didn't think you needed. There is one located in the bus centre building next to Hakata Station. Another is in Daiei, in Tenjin behind the MINA building.
マークイズ福岡ももち mākuizu...
160-shop shopping center, opened in November 2018.
Buy past soccer uniforms and vintage clothes.
アミュプラザ博多
It is an integrated shopping mall in Hakata. There are various brands and there are also many good restaurants.
By train
Fukuoka's main station is named not "Fukuoka Station" but rather Hakata Station (博多駅); remember to use this name when searching for train routes.
By bus
Many overnight bus services run into Fukuoka from other parts of the country.
By boat
By public transport
The Fukuoka City Subway consists of 3 lines.
On foot
Downtown is small and compact enough to potentially wander around on foot.
By taxi
Taxis are available; they start from about ¥550, not the cheapest way to go.
By bicycle
If you can get a hold of a bicycle, it is probably the best way to get around.
By car
It is not a good idea to visit Fukuoka by car. Aside from dense traffic, roads in Fukuoka are generally narrow, especially in alleys. It is not an easy job to find a parking space either.
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