Fukuoka is a beautiful and peaceful port city located in the Western part of Japan, in the Kyushu area, with lots of greenery, parks, and mini islands to visit along the Hakata bayside, like Nokonoshima, Ainoshima (Fukuoka’s famous cat island), and Shikanoshima. Fukuoka is famous for two things–––their mentaiko speciality (pollock roe) fusion dishes like mentaiko chicken wings, pasta or even mentaiko ajillo with french bread, and their Hakata style ramen with rich mouthwatering broth paired with firm noodles.
Here are the top six things to do in Fukuoka, which are convenient and exclusive to the region!
1. Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Fukuoka. This Shinto shrine is named after a Heian period poet and scholar called Sugawara no Michizane, who was known as the “God of learning.” This is why Daizaifu is revered for bringing good fortune and academic success in studies. So don’t be surprised when you see lots of students milling around!
When you arrive at the Daizai-fu bus or train stop, you’ll see a street filled with boutique stores, niche food shops with mouth watering savoury snacks and sweets, as well as a variety of souvenir stores like a special Japanese umbrella store with the prettiest designs.
Walking along Dazaifu Monzen machi during peak hours (usually afternoon) and off-peak hours (early morning from 6 or 6:30am or evening) is truly a different kind of experience and not to be missed!
There is also a local speciality, called the 梅ヶ枝餅 (umegae mochi), sweet rice cakes with red bean paste filling, served warm and crispy on the outside with a smooth, not too sweet red bean paste. 傘の家 (kasa no ie) is a popular store to try this but there is also another calmer store just at the beginning of the street on the right hand side, which serves a matcha set with the umegae mochi. It’s a bit hidden but located in a pretty Ghibli like location.
Fukuoka is also known for their unique mentaiko (pollock roe) speciality fusion dishes, for instance, this 明太だし巻き串 (mentaiko dashi maki kushi – pollock roe omlette skewers) or 明太しゅうまい (mentaiko shuumai – pollock roe dumplings), or even 明太アイス (mentaiko aisu – pollock roe flavoured ice cream).
The main part of the shrine is located farther in. Once you walk up the Daizaifu Monzen machi, you will see the main 鳥居 (toriii) gate, and just up ahead, the guardian bull statue. Right before you enter, there will be a 手水や (Temizuya), where you can wash your hands, face, and rinse your mouth. This shrine has a stunning vermillion bridge alongside dreamy matcha ponds and fountains milling with fishes and turtles that you might just catch a glimpse of. Once walking across, you will arrive at the the 本殿 (honden), where you can clap your hands twice, toss a coin or two and pray. There are plenty of different お守り (omamuri), charms for different purposes like good health, academic success, relationships, or for dreams to come true. Most are around 1000 yen. You could also draw an 御神籤 (omikuji) and read your fortune!
Location
- Name: Dazaifu Tengmangu Shrine
- Address｜4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜4 mins walk from Dazaifu Station
- Opening Hours｜6:30 to 19:00
- Official Website｜https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/
- Paying Methods｜Cash (only accept JPY)
2. Visit Kamado Shrine if you’re a Kimestu No Yaiba (Demon Slayer) fan
Just a 10 min bus ride from Dazaifu, Kamado shrine can easily be accessed. Once you arrive at the Uchiyama bus stop, you will walk up a short corridor of steps towards the 本殿 (honden), reminding one of the scene from the Hashira training arc where the Wind Hashira is walking down the stairs and catches the demon’s eyeball. Kamado shrine is the birthplace of the Kimetsu No Yaiba anime, having inspired not only the character of Kamado Tanjiro himself but most especially the settings seen throughout the show. The shrine itself encapsulates the vibe of Demon Slayer in terms of atmosphere–––the crisp air, the earthy scent of mossy water, stone, grass, and wood, and the serene stillness of the path surrounded by natural beauty. It also evokes the lingering sense that something powerful lies just beyond.
The shrine itself is small and is recommended to visit in the autumn season with the bronze and orange leaves. You could also draw an 御神籤 (omikuji) and read your fortune here or buy an お守り (omamuri) in the nearby store. Just around the corner, there is a sightseeing spot where you can view the city at a high vantage point. The view is beautiful here!
Afterwards, grab a matcha ice cream from the small corner store run by a friendly elderly woman for just 400 yen!
Location
- Name: Kamado Shrine
- Address｜883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0115｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜10 mins bus ride from Nishitestu Dazaifu Bus Station
- Opening Hours｜24 hours
- Official Website｜https://kamadojinja.or.jp/
- Paying Methods｜Cash (only accept JPY)
3. Visit Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Castle Ruins
During the day, you can walk around Ohori Park or rent a bike and ride around the body of water, feeling the comfortable breeze if your feet are tired. There are plenty of ChariChari (rental bike) stations in Fukuoka city, unlike Tokyo, so you will easily be able to find one. The mechanical ones are 7 yen per minute and the electric ones with the white line are 17 yen per minute. In Ohori Park, there is also a path down the middle, where you can cross the bridge––perfect for photos! The park is also a sight to see in the nighttime when it’s illuminated. Strolling around the park whilst listening to the locals busking would be a perfect way to end the day.
Fukuoka Castle ruins is easily accessible by walk from Ohori Park. There are signs pointing the way to it, so you will easily be able to find it even without google maps! You will be able to see the turrets, castle walls, the base of where the main castle used to be as well as the gates. There are also benches and restrooms inside so you can take a break whenever you need to. Closer to Ohori park station, you will be able to see the castle surrounded with water lilies, which is especially beautiful.
Location
- Name: Ohori Park
- Address｜〒810-0051 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Ohorikoen｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜3 mins walk from Ohori Park (Fukuoka Art Museum) Station
- Opening Hours｜24 hours
- Official Website｜www.ohorikouen.jp/
- Name: Fukuoka Castle
- Address｜1-1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜9 mins walk from Ohori Park
- Opening Hours｜9:00 to 17:00
- Official Website｜https://fukuokajyo.com
4. Shop at Parco or Canal City Hakata
There are two major shopping malls near by Tenjin station, one is Parco, which offers a range of lifestyle and luxury brands, anime and merch stores, reminiscent of Shibuya’s Tower Records and 109 in one, as well as food and dining options. A shop that stands out is this vintage store which has truly a vibrant and stunning collection of pieces for vintage lovers!
Depending on the season, there might be pop up stores that you might just stumble upon, like this Haikyuu one!
Canal City Hakata is a nice place to spend the day to shop and eat, with different seasonal events and campaigns going on and tax free stores. Recently, they are doing a passport campaign for foreigners visiting Japan, overseas travellers, or Japanese nationals living abroad and temporarily returning to Japan. During the day time, you might be able to catch a music or idol show, and during the night time, there is a fountain show. Canal City Hakata is unique in that it has the Venice feel, especially walking on the ground floor with the canal that runs through the brick red walls of the mall.
Location
- Name: Canal City Hakata
- Address｜1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜2 mins walk from Kushisa Shrine Station
- Opening Hours｜10:00 to 21:00
- Official Website｜https://canalcity.co.jp/
- Paying Methods｜Credit and cash (only accept JPY)
- Name: Fukuoka PARCO Tenjin
- Address｜ 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜2 mins walk from Tenjin Station
- Opening Hours｜10:00 to 20:30
- Official Website｜https://fukuoka.parco.jp/?utm_source=mybusiness
- Paying Methods｜Credit and cash (only accept JPY)
5. Eat at the Yatai food stalls
福岡なら屋台!
Fukuoka is famous for its Yatai food stalls which open at night time. Locals will be buzzing around, getting a drink or two with fresh, hot food served right at the vendors. There is a long line of Yatais along the canal which you can stroll alongside, with a range of options from yakitori (grilled vegetables or meat), oden, mentaiko fusion dishes like fried mentaiko or mentaiko ajillo with french bread, or mentaiko cheese gratin, and so much more. There is no shortage of drinks to choose from with a range of beers, highballs, and fruit sours like kiwi, cherry, watermelon sours and more!
6. Try the Hakata style ramen at Shin Shin Ramen or Ichiran Ramen
The Hakata style ramen is a local special characterised by its rich creamy broth simmered in pork bones for over 8 hours! It should be enjoyed at the one and only Shin Shin ramen or Ichiran Ramen, where the “Gokaku Ramen” is served in pentagon shaped bowls. There are usually long lines at these places but Shin Shin Ramen is open from 11am to 11pm (Tenjin branch) or 1am (Hakata branch) and most branches of Ichiran Ramen are open 24 hours!
Location
- Name: Shin Shin Ramen (Main Branch)
- Address｜3 Chome-2-19 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜6 mins walk from Tenjin Station
- Opening Hours｜11:00 to 3:00
- Official Menu｜http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/menu_tenjin01
- Paying Methods｜Credit, QR, and cash (only accept JPY)
Location
- Name: Ichiran Ramen Sando (Dazaifu Branch)
- Address｜2 Chome-6-2 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117｜Google Map Link
- Transportation｜1 min walk from Dazaifu Station
- Opening Hours｜9:00 to 19:00
- Official Menu｜https://ichiran.com/ramen/gokaku-ramen.html
- Paying Methods｜Credit, QR, and cash (only accept JPY)
Good To Know
The main train stations in Fukuoka are Hakata and Tenjin station, from which there is a direct airport line, taking either 6 mins or roughly 20 mins respectively to get to the airport! As for buses, they can usually be 5 to 15 mins late due to traffic, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly.
There are typically plenty of seasonal events happening in the city, so do check them out! You could also hop on a short ferry ride to Nokonoshima for just a round trip of 440 yen or a 水上タクシー (on the water taxi) for a round trip of 1000 yen (during off-peak hours as the ferries are every hour). Different flowers bloom on the island based on the season. Lastly, you could also purchase a betting ticket to watch the boat race just 15 mins away from Tenjin station!
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I’m a travel and content writer, occasionally publishing pieces and short stories on Medium. I love to travel within and outside Japan as well as eat good food, dance, and read!
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