We’ve got simply arrived from one other journey in Fukuoka. We regularly hear different vacationers say there’s nothing to do in Fukuoka besides eat ramen. However that couldn’t be farther from the reality. On this submit, we’re debunking the parable by displaying not simply 10, not simply 15, however 25 sights, proving that Fukuoka is greater than only a ramen vacation spot.
From illuminated castles and nostalgic port cities to pottery villages and fruit farms, listed here are the finest issues to do in Fukuoka Prefecture. Which of those sights have you ever visited earlier than? Or when you haven’t been to Fukuoka but, that are you most wanting ahead to expertise. Tell us within the feedback part under!
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you may also go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our advisable accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve got a compilation for locations all over the world.
1. Yanagawa River Cruise
Yanagawa, additionally known as the town of water, is an previous citadel city, situated 50 minutes away from Hakata Station. It’s surrounded by canals (moats) that turned one of many primary vacationer sights the place guests take pleasure in a scenic boat experience down the canals. Autumn and spring are the very best instances to go to for the autumn colours and the cherry blossoms. You can too lease and put on conventional kimono whereas exploring! You’ll be able to guide a tour with the native journey businesses on the positioning or on-line.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE A KIMONO HERE
2. Historic Hakata Tour
Hakata, as soon as a significant port metropolis and buying and selling hub, is among the oldest cities in Japan. Within the early 1800s, it was a separate metropolis from Fukuoka, however the two cities ultimately turned one in 1889. 4 previous city districts in Hakata are Gokusho, Reisen, Naraya, and Ohama. You are able to do a D-I-Y or guide a guided tour. When you select to guide a tour, a few of the common stops are Jotenji, Tochoji, and Xie Guoming’s historic tomb.
3. teamLab Forest Fukuoka
Tucked contained in the glossy BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA complicated, you’ll discover teamLab Forest Fukuoka. Like most teamLab websites, it’s an interactive, extremely Insta-worthy museum. The second we stepped in, we felt we had teleported to a different dimension dominated by a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. Each nook reacts to your contact, footsteps, and gestures, making you’re feeling like a part of the paintings itself. It’s additionally divided into varied zones.
However what units this Fukuoka department aside from the others is its Catch and Accumulate Forest. Right here, you chase glowing digital animals or look forward to them to seem within the shifting landscapes, determine and “accumulate” them utilizing the app, then launch them again to the wild.
It additionally has the Athletics Forest, which challenges your stability and agility on luminous flooring and interactive slopes.
However our favourite factor to do at any teamLab website is drawing our personal plant or animal on paper, scanning it, and watching it come to life and bounce across the room, which appears to be like extra like a colourful dream than a workshop. teamLab Forest all the time succeeds in reconnecting me with my sense of surprise or that feeling of awe that we lose someplace between deadlines and every day routines.
Handle: teamLab Forest Fukuoka, 5F BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, 2 Chome−2−6, Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Entrance Price: JPY 2400
Learn how to Get to teamLab Forest Fukuoka: From the primary ground of Hakata Bus Terminal, board Bus 306 to Kyushu Iryo Heart (Hospital) bus cease. Then stroll for about 5 minutes.
4. Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine is among the oldest in Fukuoka, relationship again to 757 when Hakata had its golden days as a port metropolis, serving retailers and diplomats. Thought to be an important shrine in Fukuoka, this Shinto shrine is fondly known as by the locals “okushida-san”. It homes a fountain of longevity and Chikara Ishi.
The shrine can be the center of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Competition, the most important competition in Fukuoka which is well known from early to mid July.
Location: Kushida Shrine, 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Every day, 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Nearest Station: Eight minutes on foot from both Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Gion Station on the subway.
5. Ohori Park
Ohori Park affords a inexperienced, peaceable escape in the midst of the metropolis. The park was initially a part of the moat of Fukuoka Fort and now options a big pond surrounded by strolling paths, bridges, and comfortable cafés. Locals jog, picnic, or simply chill right here with espresso in hand whereas geese glide throughout the water.
You’ll additionally discover the Fukuoka Artwork Museum and the Fukuoka Fort Ruins close by. The ruins themselves are largely stone foundations now. However whether or not you’re up for a jog, a date, or simply some quiet reflection, Ohori Park is a slice of calm within the coronary heart of the town.
Handle: Ohori Park, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Learn how to Get to Ohori Park: From Hakata Station, take the Airport Line to Ohori Park (Fukuoka Artwork Museum).
6. Kokura Fort
If you wish to see a Japanese citadel in Fukuoka, journey to the town of Kitakyushu’s Kokura district. Kokura Fort is among the most placing historic landmarks in northern Kyushu. Initially inbuilt 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki, a samurai lord underneath Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the citadel served as a strategic stronghold between Honshu and Kyushu.
Like many Japanese castles, it was destroyed and rebuilt a number of instances over the centuries, with the present construction being a 1959 reconstruction. Regardless of that, it superbly retains its feudal-era allure with its layered roofs, white plaster partitions, and sweeping views over the town of Kitakyushu.
It’s an awesome spot to go to any time of the yr, however it’s particularly spectacular from late October to early November, when the citadel grounds are illuminated by numerous bamboo lanterns. The Kokura Fort Bamboo Lantern Competition creates an environment that’s so tranquil that it nearly looks like strolling by way of a fairytale. It was magical, and undoubtedly not one thing you anticipate from a metropolis most vacationers overlook.
After exploring the citadel, we stayed for the sunshine present within the citadel backyard. The efficiency mixed conventional Japanese aesthetics with lasers and different lights. Between the music and the cool night breeze, it was a mesmerizing expertise that proved Kitakyushu’s mix of previous and new will be extremely enchanting.
Handle: Kokura Fort, 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Fort Tower Working Hours: April to October: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; November to March: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Station: Kokura Station and Nishi-Kokura Station
7. Tanga Market
If you would like a style of native life in Kitakyushu, head to Tanga Market, a 100-year-old meals market that has been serving locals because the Taisho period. It began as a small riverside buying and selling space and advanced right into a bustling maze of over 120 stalls and eateries. Even after a devastating fireplace in 2022, the market continues to thrive, with many distributors rebuilding their outlets.
We wandered by way of the aisles full of the odor of marinated fish and simmering oden. We have been informed that locals used to have the ability to purchase rice at one stall and toppings from others, making a DIY donburi expertise and an interactive approach to eat. However the rice stall was not open on the time.
Stretching adjoining to the market is Uomachi Gintengai, one of many oldest coated purchasing arcades in Japan and extensively believed to be the primary to ever use the time period “ginten-gai”, which roughly interprets to “silver-covered avenue.” It dates all the best way again to the postwar interval, when locals rebuilt their companies underneath a protracted roof to guard customers from the rain.
At this time, it stays the beating coronary heart of downtown Kitakyushu, stretching for a number of blocks filled with outlets, cafés, and eating places. We had dinner at one of many izakayas right here, and we’ll characteristic it in our subsequent submit showcasing Fukuoka’s meals spots.
Handle: Tanga Market, 4-2-18 Uomachi (魚町) / 4-2-8 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: They differ by retailer, however the typical opening is 10:00 AM to 17:00/18:00. Closed or various retailer hours on some days.
Nearest Station: Kokura Station
8. Mojiko Retro
Additionally situated in Kitakyushu, however fostering a really totally different environment is Mojiko Retro. As quickly as we arrived, it felt like we have been transported right into a steampunk model of Europe. Jogged my memory a little bit of Fullmetal Alchemist, however seaside. This historic port space thrived within the early 1900s when Moji served as considered one of Japan’s main worldwide buying and selling hubs. At this time, the superbly restored Western-style buildings and retro lampposts create a captivating time-slip expertise.
We started our stroll at Mojiko Station, considered one of Japan’s oldest prepare stations, reopened in 2019 after years of restoration. Its picket interiors and classic signage made us really feel like time vacationers. From there, we noticed the Former Moji Mitsui Membership, the place Albert Einstein stayed when he visited Japan.
We then walked by way of the Flea and Vintage Market, the place all types of merchandise are bought, from kitchenware to equipment to motion figures!
After which we reached Blue Wing Moji, and it’s truly Japan’s largest drawbridge for pedestrians. However what actually makes it particular is its romantic repute. Locals name it the Lovers Bridge due to a captivating legend: if a pair crosses it collectively, their love will final endlessly.
After witnessing the opening and shutting of the bridge, we strolled alongside the waterfront, admiring landmarks just like the Outdated Moji Customs Constructing and Kaikyo Plaza, which homes outlets, cafés, and the area’s well-known “banana-themed” treats.
Sure, you learn that proper: bananas! Mojiko is obsessive about them! You’ll discover banana muffins, banana beer, and banana souvenirs throughout city. You’ll be able to have a selfie with this life-size banana-man statue. And a tiny banana fortune teller may even ship a glimpse of what the longer term holds for you. It’s bizarre, it’s enjoyable, it’s bananas!
However why are they going bananas over bananas? It’s historical past. Throughout the port’s heyday, it turned the principle entry level for imported bananas, resulting in the native “Banana no Tatakiuri” custom, whereby distributors theatrically shouting and slicing banana bunches for purchasers.
And it’s finest symbolized by the marker, which learn “the birthplace of bargain-priced banana gross sales”. Fairly unassuming, however this can be a Japanese Heritage Website. Apparently, this was the spot the place the Japanese collect in big crowds to buy bananas imported from different nations, and most of them got here from – you guessed it — the Philippines!
There’s your Mojiko-Philippine connection for you. And it’s bananas!
Handle: Mojiko Retro, Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: The port complicated is open 24/7. As for the vacationer spots throughout the port, the opening schedule varies, however the common is from 9:00 AM to five:00 PM. In the meantime, the Mojiko Retro Statement Room is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Nearest Station: Mojiko Station
9. Miyajidake Shrine
Situated in Fukutsu Metropolis, simply 40 minutes from Fukuoka Metropolis, Miyajidake Shrine is among the prefecture’s most non secular and photogenic spots. It’s devoted to the legendary Empress Jingu and is known for having Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), taiko drum, and bell, all proudly displayed throughout the shrine grounds. Every of them symbolizes safety, power, and connection between heaven and earth.
We started our go to exploring the shrine itself, marveling on the intricate woodwork and the sheer scale of the sacred rope. Then we adopted the trail behind the principle corridor, lined with vermillion inari gates. The quiet rustle of leaves and mushy temple drumming made it really feel nearly meditative.
The shrine can be well-known for its Path of Gentle, a wide ranging phenomenon that occurs twice a yr (February and October), when the setting solar aligns completely with the street main from the torii gate to the ocean. We visited within the morning, so we didn’t catch it, however standing there imagining that glowing path stretching to the horizon was magical sufficient. There are additionally images of it in every single place, so that you don’t even have to think about.
Afterward, we walked all the way down to Miyajihama Seaside to see the final torii gate up shut, standing proudly towards the ocean backdrop!
Handle: Miyajidake Shrine, 7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Shrine grounds – 24/7; Shrine Workplace/Amulet Space – Every day, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Miyajidake Shrine: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Fukuma Station. Then switch to Bus 1-1 and alight at Miyajidake Jinja-mae Cease.
10. Tsuyazaki Sengen Outdated City
Tsuyazaki Sengen is usually skipped by vacationers, however it is stuffed with nostalgic allure. The city as soon as flourished as a port for sake brewing and salt manufacturing, and plenty of of its Edo- and Meiji-era buildings are nonetheless standing to at the present time.
To make issues much more enjoyable, the city has provide you with a “stamp rally” expertise that lets guests accumulate stamps from varied outlets whereas exploring the realm.
We began on the Vacationer Info Heart (Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi), the place we obtained clean canvas tote luggage to brighten with the stamps we’d accumulate alongside the best way. Our first cease was the Chikuzen Tsuyazaki Ningyo Kobo, a doll retailer and workshop the place we painted our personal Moma owl whistles. Mine was in cobalt blue and Vins’s in grey. Afterward, we stamped our little owls onto our tote luggage as a memento.
From there, we wandered by way of slender streets and popped right into a flower store, a former sake distillery, and a memento retailer to gather extra stamps. Every cease had its personal story and allure, making the expertise really feel like a leisurely treasure hunt by way of time. By the tip, our tote luggage had was dwelling scrapbooks of our stroll by way of Tsuyazaki’s previous, a useful memento!
Handle: Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi, 3 Chome-17-3 Tsuyazaki, Fukutsu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Fukuma Station. Then switch to Bus 1-1 and alight at Tsuyazaki-Sengen and Nagomi Bus Cease. When you’re coming from Miyajidake Shrine, you may simply take Bus 1-1 to the identical cease.
11. Toho Village
Within the quiet mountains of japanese Fukuoka lies Toho Village, a spot well-known for its pottery custom. Earlier than heading to the kilns, we stopped at Koishiwara Roadside Station (Michi no Eki) to browse Koishiwara ware, a mode of pottery with greater than 350 years of historical past. Acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Property, Koishiwara ware is thought for its earthy tones, easy magnificence, and rhythmic patterns created utilizing carving and brush methods.
However in fact, we didn’t come all the best way right here to only observe. We needed to get our fingers soiled, too — actually. We visited Tsurumi Kiln (Tsurumigama), a family-run workshop that makes a speciality of a particular model of pottery that includes delicate spirals of tiny indentations. We had the pleasure of assembly Yoshihiro Wada, the proprietor and grasp potter at this store. Watching him at work was mesmerizing. He made it look really easy. However in actuality, it was robust, which turned fairly apparent when it was our flip.
Sitting on the wheel, fingers coated in clay, I created my first ever piece — an ideal little ramen bowl. Besides, it was imagined to be a cup! LOL. My hand’s strain was an excessive amount of. Yoshihiro-san stored telling me to “Straightforward, simple.” However I used to be at my “best.” I didn’t understand how a lot simpler I may nonetheless go. Vins was laughing at me, however then, when it was his flip, he mainly broke his cup!
It was each nerve-wracking and therapeutic. However all’s nicely that ends nicely. We nonetheless ended up with fairly decent-looking cups. The completed merchandise can be glazed and shipped to us later, a memento for all the nice instances we had right here in Toho Village.
Handle: Tsurumi Kiln, 2514-3 Koishiwaratsuzumi, Toho Village, Asakura District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Toho Village: Finest reached by automobile. You’ll be able to lease a automobile in Fukuoka and drive all the best way to Toho Village.
12. Ringo to Budou no Ki
Fruit lovers, this one’s for you. Ringo to Budou no Ki (actually “The Tree of Apples and Grapes”) is a family-run farm and café that lets guests take pleasure in fruit selecting and do-it-yourself sweets. Relying on the season, you may decide apples, grapes, and persimmons.
We spent the morning wandering by way of the orchards, baskets in hand, filling them with juicy apples and crisp persimmons. I used to be significantly enthusiastic about persimmons as a result of they’re so unusual right here within the Philippines. There’s one thing extremely satisfying about harvesting your personal fruit, particularly when the house owners are so heat and welcoming. He would additionally decide one and slice it for everybody to take pleasure in on the spot. We have been then led to the winery to select grapes!
After working up an urge for food, we headed to their café for what is likely to be the very best apple pie of our lives. Granted, we haven’t had that many apple pies, however this one set the bar excessive. The crust was crisp, the filling mushy and candy, and it paired completely with a cup of sizzling espresso. It was a kind of easy moments that felt like the right snapshot of rural Japan.
Handle: Ringo to Budou no Ki, Yamada, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Ringo to Budou no Ki: From Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Futsukaichi Station. Change to Bus 40 sure for Haki and get off at Sanrensuisha-no-sato Cease. Stroll for 14 minutes to the orchard.
13. Triple Water Wheels
Additionally in Asakura, the Triple Water Wheels is a logo of Japanese ingenuity and rural life. In-built 1789, these three interconnected wheels are nonetheless operational, channeling river water into close by rice fields utilizing conventional strategies. They’re among the many oldest functioning water wheels in Japan and have been designated as an Necessary Cultural Property.
Sure, it’s nonetheless operational, however solely in sure months of the yr. And our go to didn’t fall inside that interval, so we didn’t get to see it in motion. However there’s one thing awe-inspiring about seeing centuries-old know-how nonetheless getting used at the moment.
After admiring the wheels, we took a brief stroll to a close-by lotus and koi ponds and a bee farm, established by Fujii Yohojo. Inside is a mini-museum and a store, promoting varied forms of native and imported honey. You could possibly pattern them, too. I actually loved the honey produced by bees right here in Asakura, in order that’s what I took dwelling with me. We additionally had honey-coated candy potato chunks.
Agriculture-based sights are sometimes not everybody’s cup of tea, however we actually loved our time right here. It was a quiet, countryside expertise that felt worlds away from the bustle of Fukuoka Metropolis.
Handle: Triple Water Wheels, Hishino, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Learn how to Get to Hishino Triple Water Wheels: If from Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 400 to Nakamuta. Then Bus 40 to Hishino Bus Cease. In the meantime, if from Ringo to Budo No Ki, you may simply stroll all the best way to the wheels for 21 minutes.
14. Yoshii White Partitions District
Welcome to my form of city! As somebody who calls himself Yoshi, I already determined I might like it from the get-go!
When you’re into previous cities and conventional structure, Yoshii White Partitions District in Ukiha Metropolis is pure eye sweet. The world flourished through the Edo interval as a service provider hub, and at the moment it nonetheless boasts rows of white-walled kura (storehouses) and conventional picket machiya homes. They’re white as a result of after an enormous fireplace that ruined the city, the folks determined to rebuild their homes utilizing plaster, which is fire-resistant.
We spent the afternoon simply strolling round, dipping into little outlets as we went. Considered one of our favorites was a Japanese doll store. Except for conventional dolls, additionally they promote a wide range of cat-themed objects. Then, in fact, we couldn’t resist Pan no Mocca Bakery, promoting croissants and different baked items. Their pastries have been so good we purchased extra “for later”…and ate them 5 minutes after leaving.
Handle: Yoshii White Partitions, Yoshii Shirakabe-dori Road, Ukiha Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Public Townscape – Open year-round, some outlets have personal hours; Pan no Mocca (Bread Mocca) – Tuesday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Yoshii White Partitions District: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Chikugo-Yoshii Station. Then stroll from there.
15. Ukiha Inari Shrine
Only a 10-minute drive from Yoshii, excessive on a hillside overlooking the Chikugo Plain, sits Ukiha Inari Shrine, some of the scenic in Fukuoka. It’s identified for its lengthy line of over 90 torii gates straddling 300 steps that lead all the best way as much as the principle shrine.
We climbed the steps early within the morning, the daylight filtering by way of the purple gates like a shifting highlight. Each flip revealed one other layer of countryside views — fields, rooftops, and the faint define of mountains within the distance. It was a little bit of a exercise, however the peacefulness on the prime made all of it price it.
The shrine itself enshrines Inari, the deity of prosperity, fertility, and agriculture, symbolized by foxes. Locals come right here to wish for enterprise success and good harvests. Behind the shrine is a big rock, adorned with a garland, and a small shrine with choices.
Handle: Ukiha Inari Shrine, 1513-9 Ukihamachi Nagarekawa, Ukiha Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Learn how to Get to Ukiha Inari Shrine: From Chikugo-Yoshii Station, take the Bus 吉井線 左回り, sure for Ukiha Shimin Heart. Alight at Osaka (Ukiha Inari Shrine Ent.) Bus Cease. Then stroll from there.
16. Nyoirinji Frog Temple
Now this one’s ribbiting — I imply, riveting. The Nyoirinji Temple in Ogori is famously nicknamed the Frog Temple due to its huge assortment of frog statues. It’s laborious to overlook, even from the car parking zone, the place you’ll be greeted by the big stone amphibians, the place you possibly can write your needs. In fact, we wished for extra blessings for all TPT followers!
The trail to the temple was coated with picturesque umbrellas and colourful lanterns, which was a sight to behold by itself. However if you attain the highest, it’s frog overload! There are reportedly over 5,000 frogs of all shapes, sizes, and supplies scattered all through the temple grounds. It’s a small temple, however each nook is stuffed with pleasant surprises: frogs holding umbrellas, meditating frogs, even stone frog households mid-conversation.
The temple’s connection to frogs comes from the Japanese phrase “kaeru,” which implies each “frog” and “to return.” Folks come right here to wish for protected travels and for misplaced issues or folks to return dwelling.
You’ll additionally discover a large golden frog! They are saying that when you make it by way of the mouth of the frog, you may be rejuvenated, your power and happiness shall be restored, and unhealthy luck will flip to luck. So in fact, I attempted it. I used to be a bit scared that my bulging tummy would get caught however I powered by way of! Vins, too, made it by way of efficiently.
We couldn’t assist however smile the entire time. It’s kitschy, sure, however it’s additionally heartfelt. The resident monks clearly take pleasure in curating this quirky assortment, and you permit feeling a little bit lighter and happier.
Handle: Nyoirinji Frog Temple, 1728 Yokoguma, Ogori Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Nyoirinji Frog Temple: From Hakata Station, take Nanakuma Subway Line to Yakuin Station. Switch to Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line to Mikunigaoka Station. It’s a 21-minute stroll from there.
17. Migita Fruit Farm
That is situated in Kurume, about 20 minutes away from the town. Kurume’s location alongside the Chikugo River makes it fertile and viable for fruit timber to thrive. Migita Fruit Farm is a kind of locations the place guests can take pleasure in nature and native produce like persimmons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, figs, and others. You’ll be able to go to all yr spherical, however it’s essential examine which fruit tree is within the season in your go to, particularly for fruit-picking actions (persimmon or strawberry).
Location: Migita Fruit Farm, 3024, Tanushimarumachi Chitoku, Kurume Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Strawberry Season (January to April) – Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; For Persimmon Season (September to November), examine the official web site for more information.
Strawberry Selecting Charge: January to March – Grownup, ¥2300; College students, ¥1500; Kids (3-5 y/o), ¥1200; April – Grownup, ¥1600; College students, ¥1300; Kids (3-5 y/o), ¥1000. Kids 2 years previous and under can enter for FREE.
Nearest Station: JR Tanushimaru Station. The farm is simply 10 minutes away by taxi from the station.
18. Umi Hachimangu
One of the traditionally vital shrines in Fukuoka, Umi Hachimangu, dates again over 1,300 years. On the coronary heart of the shrine is the sacred statue of Empress Jingu holding child Ojin. However it’s only exhibited to the general public at Shikinen Taisai, a grand competition that’s held solely as soon as each 25 years!
This website is alleged to be the birthplace of Emperor Ojin, whose mom, Empress Jingu, safely delivered him right here after coming back from a navy expedition. Due to that, the shrine turned a main pilgrimage website for protected childbirth and youngster blessings. Expectant moms come to wish for a simple supply, and also you’ll typically see households providing child bibs and tiny charms.
One other factor we additionally undoubtedly observed was the sheer variety of stones with writings on them. Apparently, these praying for a child or a protected supply may get a stone from the shrine and take it dwelling with them. When they’re blessed with a child, they return to the shrine with two stones bearing the identify and delivery date of the kid.
The environment right here is calm and reverent, with historic camphor timber towering overhead. And by historic, we imply over 2000 years previous, so claimed the shrine. The 2 largest listed here are known as “Yufuta’s Forest” and “Kinukake’s Forest”. There’s additionally one that’s nearly hole. Whereas guests should not often allowed to enter the tree, we requested and got permission. And after we regarded up, lo and behold, we noticed a coronary heart shining down on us.
By the best way, simply exterior the shrine grounds, there’s a stunning pastry store known as Tokinose, well-known for its wagashi or conventional confectionery. We grabbed a few pastries, and so they have been actually good.
Handle: Umi Hachimangu, 1 Chome-1-1 Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Umi Hachimangu: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 32 sure for Kami Umi. Get off at Umi Hachiman-mae Bus Cease. It’s simply in entrance of the shrine. Journey time is 38 minutes.
19. Sakurai Futamigaura
If Fukuoka Metropolis is the bustling coronary heart of Kyushu, then Itoshima is its laid-back beachy soul. Simply 40 minutes from downtown, this coastal space is a neighborhood favourite for browsing, cafés, and photogenic seaside views. It’s the place Fukuoka of us escape after they want a break from metropolis life.
The spotlight for us was Sakurai Futamigaura, dwelling to the well-known “wedded rocks” — two giant stones linked by a sacred rope, symbolizing concord and marriage. They sit offshore, with a white torii gate framing them completely. It’s mentioned that those that go to are blessed with a wholesome marriage or love life.
Handle: Sakurai Futamigaura, Shima, Sakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1304, Japan
Learn how to Get to Sakurai Futamigaura: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take a West Coast Liner Bus (ウエストコーストライナー) to Futamigaura. Journey time ia 1 hour and 10 minutes.
20. Nanzoin Temple
A lot nearer to Fukuoka Metropolis lies Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, the place you’ll see considered one of Japan’s largest bronze reclining Buddhas. Once we say giant, we imply gigantic. The statue is 41 meters lengthy and 11 meters excessive, even larger than the one in Thailand’s Wat Pho. It represents Buddha getting into Nirvana.
We visited this years in the past, and I nonetheless keep in mind it fairly vividly. We approached the temple by way of a peaceable forest path lined with smaller statues and prayer wheels. As quickly as the large Buddha got here into view, we simply stood there speechless for some time. It’s so colossal that it feels nearly unreal. You’ll be able to even contact the Buddha’s ft, mentioned to carry good luck.
The temple itself is a part of the Sasaguri Pilgrimage.
Handle: Nanzoin Temple, 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Learn how to Get to Nanzoin Temple: From Hakata Station, take the Fukuhokuyutaka Line to Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. Journey time is 24 minutes.
21. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
No Fukuoka journey is full with out visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu, devoted to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto god of studying. The shrine is among the most vital Tenmangu shrines in Japan, drawing hundreds of thousands of scholars annually who come to wish for good grades and educational success.
We walked throughout the well-known vermilion bridges resulting in the principle corridor, surrounded by plum timber that Michizane liked throughout his lifetime. When you go to in late February, your complete space bursts into pink and white blossoms, making it some of the stunning plum-viewing spots in Kyushu.
Earlier than leaving, we sampled umegae mochi, a grilled rice cake full of candy purple bean paste. It’s the native specialty, and the odor alone will lure you in.
Handle: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Learn how to Get to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: From Hakata Bus Terminal (1F), take the direct native bus to Dazaifu Station. Then stroll for 4 minutes.
22. Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Backyard
Kawachi Fujien and the subsequent merchandise on this record are two flower parks that we haven’t visited but due to unhealthy timing, however these two have all the time been on our bucket record as a result of, nicely, we love flowers!
They are saying that few locations in Japan can rival the fairytale great thing about Kawachi Fujien in Kitakyushu. This non-public backyard is dwelling to considered one of Japan’s most well-known wisteria tunnels, a walkway draped in cascading purple, pink, and white blossoms. It’s usually open to the general public solely throughout wisteria season (late April to early Could), and tickets promote out quick. And that’s the reason, regardless of a number of journeys to Fukuoka, we nonetheless haven’t seen it.
Handle: Kawachi Wisteria Backyard, 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: For Wisteria season – Late April to early Could, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; For Autumn foliage – Mid-November to early December, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23. Nokonoshima Island
Only a quick ferry experience from the town, Nokonoshima Island is thought for its Nokonoshima Island Park, the place huge fields of flowers bloom year-round — sunflowers in summer time, cosmos in autumn, and poppies and cherry blossoms in spring! And sure, we wish to go to it in spring throughout Sakura season, however it has but to occur.
Handle: Nokonoshima Island Park, 能古島, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
24. Fukuoka Meals Journey
However one factor we by no means fail to do when in Fukuoka? Eat. A Fukuoka things-to-do record with out meals? That’s prison! We’ve got to speak about meals. Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, that wealthy, creamy pork-bone broth that’s consolation in a bowl. Whether or not it’s on the legendary chain like Ichiran or a neighborhood favourite ramen-ya like Shin Shin, one slurp and also you’ll perceive why this metropolis takes its noodles so significantly.
However don’t cease there. At night time, head to the yatai, open-air meals stalls that pop up alongside the riverbanks, particularly in Nakasu. Right here you may eat like a neighborhood, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, having fun with yakitori, tempura, and ramen underneath the night time sky.
Meals is the heartbeat of the prefecture. So sure, come for the ramen…however keep for all the things else. And we’ll be sharing with you a few of the finest meals locations we tried in our subsequent submit.
25. Purchasing
We are able to’t finish this record with out purchasing. Retail remedy in Japan is all the time enjoyable and rewarding, and the identical holds true for Fukuoka. Throughout the metropolis correct, you’ll discover malls and shops, however maybe probably the most iconic is Canal Metropolis Hakata, a large leisure complicated typically known as a “metropolis inside a metropolis.” It’s received all the things — outlets, eating places, a theater, a fountain present, even a small river flowing proper by way of the center. You’ll be able to actually eat ramen, store luxurious manufacturers, and catch a lightweight present with out stepping exterior.
One factor we haven’t set foot on but however is on our to-visit record is The Retailers Kitakyushu, an open-air complicated that includes prime manufacturers at discounted costs.
And when you didn’t have time for purchasing, you may perhaps nonetheless do it on the newly renovated Fukuoka Airport’s Responsibility Free outlets. It has been expanded to about 4 instances its earlier measurement, reaching roughly 6,000 m². There’s a powerful concentrate on Japanese manufacturers.
The place to Keep in Fukuoka
Town has two main wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with eating places, purchasing institutions, and lodging. Many of the sights are discovered on Hakata facet, whereas plenty of funds accommodations are situated in Tenjin. Listed below are the highest funds accommodations/hostels in Fukuoka as rated by vacationers on-line.
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Updates Log
2025 11 26 – First uploaded
Modifying and extra writing by: Asta Alvarez
Pictures by: Yosh Dimen, Vins Carlos, and Asta Alvarez