Fukuoka (福岡) is Kyushu’s largest and one of Japan’s ten most populated cities. Because of its closeness to the Asian mainland (closer to Seoul than to Tokyo), Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 13th century.
Today’s Fukuoka is the product of the fusion of two cities in the year 1889, when the port city of Hakata and the former castle town of Fukuoka were united into one city called Fukuoka. Hakata remains the name of one of Fukuoka’s central districts and of the main railway station.
One of Fukuoka’s most famous attractions are the city’s Hakata yatai stalls. Over two hundred stalls are spread out through the Tenjin, Nakasu and Nagahama areas, and their cozy, lantern-lit spaces come to life in the evening, full of steam and amazing aromas. These places are where you can sample Hakata specialties like ramen, gyoza and motsu nabe, along with yakitori skewers, oden and others. Make yourself at home and enjoy talking with the customer next to you.
While Tenjin offers Kyushu’s best shopping, there are many other great points of interest in the area, such as the Mizu-kagami Temmangu shrine and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Center, with its impressive exterior of red brick and granite.
Another standout is the Sho-fuen Garden, which has tea houses and Japanese gardens that were cultivated after the war. Drop in when you need a break from shopping.
Canal City Hakata was built around a concept of a metropolitan theater. Its rounded spaces are filled with colorful buildings that contain shopping malls, movie theaters, playhouses, amusement facilities, two hotels, showrooms, offices and more.
There is a dynamic fountain show at the canal that flows through the center of the complex, and there are events at the waterfront Sun Plaza Stage every day. From November, you’ll be able to see a special show that incorporates the fountain, light, music and a 3D light display, so look forward to it!
Address: Fukuoka, Hakata, Sumiyoshi 1-2
Website: Canal City Hakata
Ohori Park got its name from the outer moat of Fukuoka Castle, which was built by filling up a part of Hakata Bay. One of the nation’s prominent water vistas, the park scenery features a wild bird forest, a Noh theater, Japanese-style gardens, islands linked by four bridges and a hall that looks like it’s floating on water. Refresh your spirit at this haven in the big city.
For more information, check out our article on Ohori Park.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Chuo, Ohori Park
Website: Ohori Park
The island of Shikanoshima, floating in Hakata Bay, is easily accessible by car or bus, and occupies an important space in Japanese history. Visitors can see historical shrines and stone monuments, which exist on Shikanoshima because the island had ties to the continent in ancient times. The island is now a resort area offering beach swimming, yachting, windsurfing and other ocean activities, as well as diving spots off the east coast. From the island’s Shiomi Observation Platform, you can get a sweeping view the islands floating in the waters of Genkai-nada and the Fukuoka cityscape.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Higashi, Shikanoshima
Website: Shikanoshima
The island of Nokonoshima is 10 minutes away from Meinohama in Fukukuoka by ferry, and Nokonoshima Island Park is 13 minutes away from the ferry terminal by bus. You can revel in the sight of seasonal flowers at the park, including rape blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in fall and narcissus in winter. Other park attractions include the mini-zoo, athletics facilities, places to try tempering and decorating ceramics, and there are 10 cottages for visitors to stay.
For more information, check out our Seasonal Flowers in Full Bloom! Nokonoshima Island Park, Fukuoka article.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Nishi, Nokoshima
Website: Nokonoshima Island Park
At a height of 234 meters and covered in 8,000 half-mirrors, Fukuoka Tower is fondly known as the Mirror Sail. Visitors can get an amazing view of Fukuoka from the fifth-floor observatory, located 123 meters above the ground. The tower is also lit up at night with displays timed to go together with seasonal events like Christmas. The first floor has a souvenir corner where you can pick up Hakata specialty items like traditional sweets and mentaiko, so drop by on your way out.
This tower is a great place to visit both during the day and during the night, and has a romantic atmosphere that couples will love. For more information, check out our Enjoy A View Of Fukuoka’s Gorgeous Scenery From Fukuoka Tower! article.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Sawara, Momochihama 2-3-26
Website: Fukuoka Tower
This man made beach park spreads out to the north of Fukuoka Tower, and the Marizon facility is located at its heart, with a variety of restaurants and marine sports shops. The park is split into two areas: Momochihama, with courts for beach volleyball and beach soccer, and Jikyohama, which hosts music concerts and other events.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Sawara, Momochihama 2-3-26
Website: https://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/
With a relaxing atmosphere tailor-made for the mature traveler, the Hakata Riverain commercial facility is home to cultural hubs, with a theater and an art museum, as well as gourmet restaurants, shopping outlets and hotels. At Hakata-za, you can enjoy more than just kabuki performances and musicals; they also have a store which handles Hakata-za original products and Hakata souvenirs. In addition, it’s directly connected to the Nakasu-Kawabata subway station, so it’s very convenient to visit.
Address: Fukuoka, Hakata, Shimokawabata-machi 3-1
Website: Hakata Riverain
Originally the mansion of a Hakata trader 100 years ago and later a Japanese inn, Rakusuien is a stunning public garden that is conveniently located near Hakata Station and the Canal City Hakata shopping center. To learn more about this garden and historical home, take a look at Enjoy Japanese Culture in Fukuoka – Rakusuien Garden By Hakata Station.
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Hakata, Sumiyoshi 2-10-7
Website: Rakusuien
Fukuoka is located in the north of Kyushu Island
