Fukuoka travel blog — The fullest Fukuoka travel guide for a great trip to Fukuoka on a budget for the first-timers

After panoramic view of the whole city of Fukuoka, let’s go to Momochi Park located next to Fukuoka Tower. Momochi Park is located next to the beach gradually becoming an entertainment area of the city people and including tourists.

The park has both library, museum and restaurant. Not only bathing, fun activities also attract people from windsurfing to playing volleyball on the beach, playing football …

Every night, the lights from Fukuoka Tower, the city’s buildings illuminate the park, creating a romantic scene that attracts many lovers.

Address: Japan, 〒814-0001 Fukuoka, Sawara Ward, Momochihama, 2丁目、4丁目地先
Phone: +81 92-822-8141

Hakozaki Shrine

This is one of the 3 largest Hachiman-gu in Japan, after “Usajin-gu” in Oita, and “Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu” in Kyoto. The shrine built to worship Emperor Ojin but the process of building the shrine dates back to a long time and also has many theories.

In the spacious campus, there are important structures such as “Honden”, “Haiden”, “Romon”, “Ichonotorii” … have been designated as important cultural properties.

In addition, there are many rituals and crowds of visitors coming every year. For example, the New Year festival called “Tamaseseri”, in this festival the men in the costume are a loincloth that will scramble the ball made of wood to predict the ill-omened, auspicious of a year.

Or it is a ritual called “Hojoya” take places in the autumn, in this rite the fish and birds, animals that have been captured will be released to nature in order to criticize the killing.

If Hase Shrine in Kamakura city has a hydrangea garden, at Hakozaki-gu Shrine also has a flower garden like that with about 3.500 plants and in June, the whole shrine is filled with hydrangeas.

In addition, the shrine also has a Japanese traditional garden for visitors to walk while learning more about Japanese garden architecture.

Address: 1 Chome-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0053, Japan
Phone: +81 92-641-7431

Nanzo-in Temple

Highlighted by the world’s largest copper-lying Buddha statue, Nanzo-in Temple is always a favorite destination for tourists. Most visitors visit this spiritual site to admire the beauty of this large Buddha statue. The temple grounds also have walkways, the outstanding Torii gate to explore.

Address: 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-2405, Japan
Opened: 1899
Phone: +81 92-947-7195
Hours: Nanzoin is open year-round, 9 am-5 pm.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

Located on the top floor of the Fukuoka center building, the museum displays unique artworks from many countries in Asia at special exhibitions. The museum is built and decorated in a traditional style but also a highlight spot in the city. The museum includes contemporary works of 23 countries, from East Asia to Pakistan, including mainly oil paintings, some sculptures and some contemporary creations and available information in English.

Address: Japan, 〒812-0027 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Shimokawabatamachi, 3−1 リバレインセンタービル7・8F
Hours: 10AM–7:30PM / Wednesday: Closed
Phone: +81 92-263-1100

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is a Fukuoka tourist destination for cultural lovers. It recreated a Hakata nagare (neighborhood unit) from the end of the Meiji era. The buildings models here reconstruct Hakata’s traditional architecture and culture. Every year at the museum, there are festivals, a place for sale of handicrafts, art shows are welcomed by many people.

Address: 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039, Japan
Hours: 10AM–6PM
Phone: +81 92-281-7761

Fukuoka City Museum

This museum showcases local artifacts and a place to keep the city’s culture. The museum prouds with an ancient artifacts collection with a 108 gram of gold seal and a line of words that illustrate the historical relationship of Japan – China.

Address: 3 Chome-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, 814-0001, Japan
Opened: October 1990
Hours: 9:30AM–5:30PM
Monday: Closed
Phone: +81 92-845-5011

Shōfuku-ji Temple

Shofuku-ji is a Zen temple founded in 1195 by Eisai, who introduced Zen and tea to Japan. From the outside, you will see a beautiful tree-lined stone path.

Address: 6 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan
Phone: +81 92-291-0775

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Fukuoka Castle was built in 1608 by the first Governor of Fukuoka, Mr. Kuroda Nagamasa and it was not completed until seven years later. The whole castle is shaped like a dancing crane, so the people of Fukuoka also call it Maizuru-jo (dancing crane castle). With its history and unique architecture, Fukuoka Castle has been recognized as a National Historic Site.

Inside the castle has many diverse architectures such as Yagura watchtower, Tenshu-dai main tower. Tenshu-dai main tower is considered one of the important buildings of the castle and is built on high ground, surrounded by a series of stone walls.

Yagura watchtower is the place to take care of observation. Built in the highest place in the castle to watch out for an enemy attack.

Every year, when spring comes, when 1000 cherry blossoms begin bloom, it is time for people to come here to watch the flowers and cheerfully welcome Sakura Matsuri festival. At this time, the whole castle will lights up at every night, the white background of the walls will blend with the pink of the cherry blossoms, making it more vibrant and attracting more tourists coming here to watch the flowers.

If you want to learn more information about the castle, go to Fukuoka-jo Mukashi Tanbokan Museum. Through the models, maps and videos of the construction process, the change through each historical age of Fukuoka castle will help you gain more useful knowledge about this famous architecture.

Address: 1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Founder: Kuroda Nagamasa
Phone: +81 92-711-4784
Admission: free

Kyushu National Museum

If you want to learn about Japanese culture and explore one of the 4 largest islands in Japan, go to the Kyushu National Museum. Kyushu Museum was built in 2005 in Fukuoka, providing a great place to visit and learn about Japanese history and culture. Artifacts exhibits at the museum are found everywhere on Kyushu Island, dating from prehistoric times, to Edo period. Some short films are shown in a small theater at the museum to cater to visitors.

Address: 4 Chome-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0118, Japan
Opened: October 16, 2005
Hours: 9:30AM–4:30PM / Monday: Closed
Tickets: ¥130–430
Url: https://www.kyuhaku.jp/en/

Nokonoshima Island Park

Nokonoshima Island Park is one of Fukuoka’s highlighted natural destinations. This is a great place to visit for spring, when many flowers bloom beautifully. Visitors coming to the park will breathe the fresh air, watch the natural scenery, and relax.

With just 15 minutes by ferry from Fukuoka, this place has a blend of nature and man-made. Nokonoshima is famous as a beautiful park island with many wildflowers, swimming beaches, interesting with semi-craft huts and a deep waters sea. You can rent a bicycle to stroll around the island with English maps for a better itinerary.

Address: Japan, 〒819-0012 Fukuoka, Nishi Ward, 能古島
Hours: 9AM–5:30PM
Phone: +81 92-881-2494
Url: http://nokonoshima.com/en/

Ōhori Park

Ohori Park is an area with many small ponds along with 2 km way for walking, exercising. Here you see the most peaceful city view, away from the bustle of crowded city.

Address: 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0051, Japan
Hours: 8:30AM–5PM
Phone: +81 92-741-2004

Fukuoka travel guide blog: What and where to eat?

With its beautiful nature, long standing history, combine with attractive local dishes that make Fukuoka truly an ideal tourist destination. Below are some delicious foods in Fukuoka you should try.

Hakata Ramen: A trip to Fukuoka could not be considered as an end if the visitors did not enjoy all the unique local dishes. A very favorite dish here is Hakata ramen. The noodles are thin and tough, adding a few chopped green onions and put a few slices of grilled pork on top.

Motsunabe and Karashi Mentaiko are the next 2 specialties not to be missed. Motsunabe is a signature hotpot of Fukuoka with three main ingredients: beef, cabbage and leeks. The delicious taste from the meat pieces will make you eat without feeling full. Soft sliced beef and light sweetened broth will help you regain your spirit and health after a long day of fun in Fukuoka.

Karashi Mentaiko is the dish made from cod fish eggs marinated in spices and especially indispensable peppercorns. Enjoying Karashi Mentaiko with hot rice is nothing more great and if you come to Fukuoka, don’t miss this dish.

Tonkotsu ramen: Noodles are one of the famous dishes of Fukuoka, prepared according to many different recipes. It is easy to find noodle shops when traveling around Fukuoka, you will easily choose for yourself a delicious noodles dish. But to feel the best taste of noodles, choose Tonkotsu Ramen to enjoy. This is a traditional noodle with a delicious, unforgettable taste.

Goma Saba: Mackerel is a great fish, especially in the cold months, the becomes fatter when eaten. One of the best dishes made from mackerel can be found in Fukuoka is Goma Saba. Fresh mackerel will be sliced, mixed with sesame, soy sauce, sweet rice wine, sake and added with some chopped scallions, or chopped perilla. The fresh taste in each slice of fish combined with spices will make you unforgettable.

Udon: Udon noodles is one of the typical, familiar dishes that you will find in all restaurants throughout Japan. But in Fukuoka, Udon noodles are softer, even you don’t need to chew. This is the special thing of Udon noodles in Fukuoka, so don’t forget to taste this delicious food when you come to the city.

Yatai: These are the food stalls in Fukuoka every evening, also called “Yatai” (Street food stalls) from the Edo period. Although all of these dishes can be found at restaurants, but try to eat outdoors as Japanese at least once with cheaper prices will makes you more interested.

See firsthand the processing chef, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere here and have the opportunity to chat with indigenous people if you know Japanese, or interact with tourists from other countries will make you feel like Japan more than ever.

Fukuoka blog: Shopping in Fukuoka

Marinoa City Fukuoka

Built in October 2000, Marinoa shopping district has become a favorite destination for every visitor when traveling in Fukuoka.

Marinoa items are always diverse such as sporting goods, picnic goods, pet goods, cosmetics, household goods, jewelry, bags, shoes, especially fashion stores for men, women, children, babies … with cheaper prices than list prices.

Marinoa is also a place that regularly hosts important events in Fukuoka, including an entertainment center here, many restaurants such as bakery store, ice cream shop, cafe, and also restaurant with Italian food, Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine… when shopping tired we can drop by.

Address: 2 Chome-12-30 Odo, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0001, Japan
Hours: 10AM–9PM
Phone: +81 92-892-8700
Url: https://www.marinoacity.com

Canal City Hakata

This is a famous complex commercial area of Fukuoka which has been in operation since 1996, including shopping mall, cinemas, theater and hotel … Hakata Cannal City Building is colorfully decorated divided into 5 zones, in the center there is a beautiful romantic canal, this is also the highlight of this neighborhood.

Right at the canal with a fountain is a place to perform water music and hold art shows, so besides shopping, visitors can enjoy many interesting things.

In addition, the neighborhood also hosts decorations for the theme of the holidays, Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival decorations … so just walking around to see the scene is enough to satisfy you. Canal City Hakata focuses on a wide variety of shops ranging from bags, shoes, jewelry, household goods to local specialties …

After hours of sightseeing and shopping, stop at Hakata Canal City restaurants you will really be attracted to Japanese food here from fast food, traditional food, and street food and also Western food …

One of Canal City Hakata’s attractions is an entertainment complex such as a Cinema Complex, which features themed films, a theater where music shows are performed.

There are also beauty and relaxation services such as Nail Salon, Beauty Salon, Massage, Spa … so after shopping tired, visitors can freely enjoy the services.

Address: 1 Chome-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
Hours: 10AM–9PM
Phone: +81 92-282-2525

Tenjin Underground Mall

Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall prouds the largest underground shopping area in Kyushu. Stretching about 600 meters with 150 different shops from fashion, storybooks to dining and beauty areas …, they all aim to women and young people.

Coming to Tenjin you will be lost in paradise by comfortably shopping in a airy and cool space, whether sunny or rainy, you don’t have to worry because you are in Japan’s largest underground shopping area.

Address: 11 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Hours: 5:30AM–8PM
Phone: +81 92-711-1903

Fukuoka visitor guide: Festivals and events in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is also very proud of the famous festivals from hundreds of years ago.

The Hakata Dontaku Festival: Which usually takes place on May 3 and 4, has been held since the 12th century. It was originally a New Year celebration but now a big event with the participation of the local people and attract more than 2 million visitors every time the festival takes place.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival: Another local festival which takes place over the past 760 years in Fukuoka City, which takes place in the first 15 days of July. The 10-meter-tall Yamakasa statue is decorated with all the colorful figurines. The most interesting part of the festival, usually happens on the last day.

At the beginning of this section is the sound of taiko drums, then the men will carry the palanquins with a mass of about 1 ton, and race to the finish line. This scene is extremely interesting when witnessed.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Fukuoka you can refer to

• Private Fukuoka Airport (FUK) Transfers for Fukuoka City
• Private Fukuoka Airport (FUK) Transfers for Fukuoka and Surrounding Cities
• Yanagawa and Tosu Premium Outlets Day Trip from Fukuoka
• Iki Island Trip from Fukuoka
• Historical Hakata Tour
• 3/5 Day JR All/North/South Kyushu Pass (Japan Pick Up)
• Fukuoka Subway 1 or 2-day Unlimited Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more top things to do in Fukuoka: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Fukuoka food blog — Visiting Fukuoka & enjoy specialties of the Southern Japan. And The super Fukuoka travel guide: Things to see, visit & what to do in Fukuoka.