First Timer’s Travel Guide to Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, Japan’s 6th largest city and the capital of Fukuoka prefecture is a modern city with a fantastic food scene. Fukuoka is the result of two cities, Hakata and Fukuoka being merged together in 1889. The city of Fukuoka has two main districts, Hakata and Tenjin, each unique with an exciting nightlife. Fukuoka was the first city I visited when traveling to Japan in 2017. Fort first timer’s, Fukuoka is a great introduction to Japan. The subway line here is easy to figure out, it’s walkable, tourist friendly, and has amazing attractions. Since the first time I visited Fukuoka, I’ve been back here a half dozen times at least. This is my travel guide to Fukuoka for first timer’s. I’ve outlined everything you need to know about visiting Fukuoka from eating amazing Hakata style ramen to visiting the Giant Wooden Buddha.
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Fukuoka is the capital of the prefecture that shares the same name, Fukuoka prefecture. Fukuoka is on the Japanese island of Kyushu just south of the main Japanese island of Honshu. For reference, Fukuoka is about a 5 hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo and about a 1-1.5 hour Shinkansen ride to the city of Hiroshima.
Best Time to Visit Fukuoka
I’ve been to Fukuoka during all seasons in Japan and practically every month. My favorite time to visit Fukuoka is during either Sakura Season or the season of Fall.
Sakura Season in Fukuoka is not to be missed and I feel Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most underrated cities for Sakura Season. We visited Fukuoka this past April, specifically for Sakura and it did not disappoint. To catch Sakura trees in bloom, I recommend starting at Tochoji Temple and then walk to Shofukuji to catch some of the Sakura Trees near the temples.
After visiting Tochoji Temple, head toward to Ohori Park and visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins for some of Japan’s most spectacular views of Sakura Trees.
The Fall season in Fukuoka is also a perfect time to visit. Around late September to early December the temperature begins to cool off and the weather is just perfect. You have to head to the surrounding hills to catch some of the autumn colors, but there are trees throughout the city that do change color. But I recommend Fukuoka during this time of year simply because it’s not tourist season and the weather is ideal.
Transportation in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located in the city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka Airport is a major hub in Japan and offers flights both domestically and internationally. It’s worth flying here from places like Tokyo or Osaka. Many international flights fly in and out of Fukuoka as well.
From Fukuoka Airport, there is a subway line directly to JR Hakata Station. It’s only two stops from the airport to Hakata Station.
Hakata Station is the main station in Fukuoka and is the main station for the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. You can even purchase Regional and JR Passes at Hakata Station.
For first time travelers to Japan, Fukuoka is easy to navigate and the subway system is far from difficult. In Fukuoka, there are three subway lines, the Orange, Blue, and Green lines.
Tenjin Station is a popular station and puts you in the heart of Fukuoka. For travelers visiting Japan, you can purchase day passes at both Hakata and Tenjin Station.
In the subway stations and trains themselves, announcements will be in both Japanese and English. Signs also have English translations.
I wrote a post on general train travel in Japan, in case you want to learn more about trains and train travel throughout Japan.
Recommended Places to Stay in Fukuoka
Since moving to Japan, I’ve now been to Fukuoka several times and have spent many long weekends here. Not only are hotels in Japan cheaper then what I am used to paying in the United States and Europe but they have a lot of character and bathroom supplies, like toothbrushes, combs, shower caps, razors, etc. The hotels listed below in my guide to Fukuoka are hotels that I stayed at in Fukuoka and personally recommend. None of these hotels are anything fancy or expensive. They are comfortable with all the needed amenities.
- APA Hotels – APA Hotels are always a classic chain in Japan. With APA, you always know what you are getting. Generally, the rooms are smaller but they have all the needed amenities. I always enjoy my stays at APA. APA does have a solid breakfast as well with all your classic Japanese breakfast dishes. There are several APA Hotels spread throughout Fukuoka. My last visit in April 2023, I Stayed at the APA Hotel Hakata-Ekimae near the Hakata Station.
- Montan Hakata – Because of a few unfortunate events coming back from Taiwan, I missed my Shinkansen train to Iwakuni and had to book a cheap hotel near Hakata Station. Well, Montan Hakata is a great option if you are looking for a hostel near the Hakata Station. This hostel has a great front desk area which includes breakfast, rental bikes, and they have a great selection of international beer. The rooms here are your traditional tatami rooms with floor mats. The rooms are very spacious and clean with a private bathroom.
- Riverside Inn Hakata – One of the best hotel stays I’ve ever had. Located right by Canal City and walking distance to both train stations. Breakfast was not included with this stay, but the rooms and views make up for it. The room I had was almost an entire apartment, to include a living room and kitchen. The balcony has a great overlook of the Naka River.
- Randor Residential Hotel – Another modern style Japanese hotel with all the conveniences and fun toiletries. This hotel was near a local food market and within walking distance to Canal City and Tenjin Station.
Must See Attractions in Fukuoka
Fukuoka is definitely one of Japan’s most underrated cities. In the grand scheme of things, Fukuoka has it all, amazing food, historical sites, modern architecture, and great transportation. Visitors can easily spend upwards to 3 days in Fukuoka, there is that much to see and do. My guide to Fukuoka lists some of the must see attractions for first timers visiting Fukuoka from a building covered in a forest to a very impressive Wooden Buddha statue at Tochoji Temple and everything in between.
ACROS Building
Talk about going Green! The Acros Building, near Tenjin Station is a futuristic structure where one side of the building is forested. Acros is well worth a visit, mainly just to see the outside. Visitors can take stairs at the front of the building and actually walk through the forested area of Acros. The view from on to of the building is spectacular. Visitors are greeted by 360° views of Fukuoka. You can walk into the building, but there is nothing worthwhile, perhaps just a quick toilet break if anything. More buildings need to adopt what Acros did. The additional plants on the outside of the buildings contributes to cleaner air, limits the urban heat island affect, it keeps temperatures in the building cooler, not to mention it is pleasant to look at.
Canal City
Canal City is a modern shopping mall with dining, shops, and an intense light/water show. Canal City is a must when visiting Fukuoka and is in every travel guide to Fukuoka. There are several stories here full of unique shops and delicious restaurants. The main attraction at Canal City is definitely the shallow river that flows through Canal City and the light/water show. I’ve seen the light show three times now and each show had a different theme just as exciting and intense as the last light/water show.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
After or prior to visiting Ohori Park, it is recommended to visit Fukuoka’s Castle Ruins. Just a short walk from the park lie the ruins of this enormous castle site. Unfortunately, outside from the recreated gates along the moat, there is no structures remaining of the castle. But the foundation is still in place and the city of Fukuoka does a nice job at maintaining the site. Fukuoka Castle was built in the 17th century as a result of Sekigahara Battle. The castle stood for hundreds of years only to be torn down during the Meiji Restoration era. Fukuoka Castle can be visited all year long but it is absolutely beautiful during Sakura Season.
Fukuoka Tower
At 234 meters, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest structure in the city of Fukuoka and considered to be Japan’s tallest seaside tower. For ¥800 visitors can take the elevator to Fukuoka Tower’s observation deck. You truly can see the entire city of Fukuoka from here and you fantastic vis of Hakata Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade
Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade is an old arcade street in Fukuoka within walking distance from Canal City. There are hundreds of shops varying from selling local souvenirs to antique shops. Kawabata Sotengai Shopping Arcade is 400 meters long and fully covered, which is perfect on a rainy day.
Ohori Park
A huge city park and just a few stops from Tenjin Station is Ohori Park. with a lake in the middle. Ohori is a beautiful park where there is always something going on. Ohori Park is most notable for the large lake with a trail that cuts through the middle of the lake. There is a running track around the lake, playgrounds, and facilities. You can even rent a swan boat and paddle around the lake. In the area, visitors can also visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park Japanese Gardens.
Ohori Park Japanese Garden
I stated earlier that Fukuoka is the ideal destination for first time visitors to Japan because you get the whole Japanese experience in an easy and manageable city. People around the world are familiar with Japanese Gardens and Fukuoka has a beautiful Japanese Garden right at Ohori Park. Ohori Park Japanese Garden is your traditional garden with ponds, Koi fish, stones crossing rivers, pine trees, and fabulous views.
Admission and Hours
Admission
Adult – ¥250
Child – ¥120
Hours
May – September: 9:00 – 18:00
October – April: 9:00 – 17:00
Closed on Mondays
For more information, visit the Ohori Park Japanese Garden Website.
Tenjin Underground Mall
This was the most fascinating underground shopping network I’ve ever seen. This mall was linked to several subway stations hosting shops and restaurants. What was truly unique about this underground mall was the looks and style of it. It was just beautifully done! Again, if you are looking for things to do in Fukuoka, especially on a rainy day, the Tenjin Underground Mall is the perfect place to stay dry.
Hakata (Tonkotsu) Ramen in Fukuoka - Simply the Best Style of Ramen
Fukuoka is known as the birthplace of Tonkotsu Ramen. Throughout Japan, various cities or regions have some style of Ramen. Tokyo has their shoyu ramen, Sapporo is known for miso ramen, and Fukuoka is famous for Hakata Ramen also know as Tonkotsu Ramen.
Ramen in Fukuoka is what Lobster is to Maine, what Beer is to Bavaria, what Paella is to Spain, uh ok we get it now! Ramen can be found on every street corner in Fukuoka. Some of the more popular ones have long lines, while some of the best are kept secret, tucked away far from any major attraction.
So why is Hakata Ramen so unique?
The broth is made using pork bones that cook in a pot for hours. The pork bones give it a thick and creamy broth. Hakata Ramen usually consists of thin noodles with delicious chashu which is braised pork belly.
Hakata Ramen Restaurants in Fukuoka We Recommend
I’ve been to Fukuoka several times now and have made it a goal to have Hakata Ramen every night I am visiting Fukuoka. Below are some of my favorite Ramen restaurants in Fukuoka that specialize in Hakata Ramen.
Ramen Unari
Ramen Unari, hands down wins as having the best Hakata Ramen. On our first visit to Fukuoka, we arrived at our hotel a couple hours early, and asked the hotel staff if they could recommend any nearby ramen restaurants. The guy at the counter was so nice and walked us around the corner to Ramen Unari. This place was tiny, maybe enough room for ten people max. They had a huge pot of broth boiling, and the individual cooking wore a traditional hachimai (headband). We each had the traditional Hakata Ramen and the first spooful I tried, the broth was thick, creamy, and delicious!
Since our first time, Ramen Unari has expanded and there are multiple locations. Most recently we had Ramen Unari at Hakata Station at
Shin Shin
This restaurant has a few locations. We were at the Tenjin location, and there was a line out the door! Another small establishment, which is normal in Japan. We had the regular Hakata Ramen along with gyoza and a hot glass of sake! The pork in the soup was incredible and the gyoza were hand made.
Ichiran
This was the most unique dining experience I’ve had. First, you order your food and pay at a vending machine. The machine spits out a small card, where you give to your server. Here, you sit in a small individual booth. In case you are not alone, you can open he dividers. This style of eating is popular, it allows you to focus on your meal. This style of ramen was a bit different, more of a brown broth. The bowl was huge, the noodles were never ending!
Hakata Issou
Hakata Issou is located on the south east side of Hakata Station. I found this ramen restaurant on Google and walked by one day during lunch time and there was a long line out the door. I didn’t feel like waiting in line but felt that a line was a good sign. Instead I went the next day right before lunch time. The first thing I noticed was the strong broth smell coming from the restaurant. Not the best smell but thankfully the ramen tastes much better then it smells! Hakata Issou specializes in Tonkotsu Ramen and they doit very well! It’s definitely one of my favorites in Fukuoka. The broth is rich, creamy, and flavorful. The meat was tender with a nice pork flavor, and all the extra fixing in the ramen were perfect!
Worthwhile Day Trips from Fukuoka
There is so much to do and see in Fukuoka. If staying in Fukuoka for a longer period of time, it is recommended to venture outside of Fukuoka and check out some of the surrounding cities and sites. Below are a few of the day trips from Fukuoka that I personally took and recommend.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Located outside of Fukuoka City is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This shrine is one of the three great Tenjin Shrines in Japan and is dedicated to the scholar Michizane Sugawara. There is a large Torii Gate at the entrance of the shrine followed by two arched bridges crossing a pond. Once on the other side of the pond, visitors can reach the Main Hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu. The main hall is a beautiful red, white, and gold color.
Kitakyushu
20 minutes by shinkansen or an hour by car is the city of Kitakyushu. Kitakyushu is well worth a visit, especially if staying in Fukuoka for a longer period of time. Kitakyushu is known as an industrial city but there is so much to do and see here. I recommend visiting Kokura Castle, Riverwalk Kitakyushu, and the Toto Museum. The Toto Museum is one of my favorite museums in all of Japan. It’s a free museum that goes through the history of Japan’s famous toilet company.
Nokonoshima
A quick ten minute ferry ride from Meinohama Port in Fukuoka is the beautiful island of Nokonoshima. The main attraction is Nokonoshima Island Park. Nokonoshima Park is a decent sized park famous for its flowers that bloom throughout the year. We went in October to see the Cosmos flowers. The park is well paved and offers beautiful views of Hakata Bay. The island is small enough that visitors can walk to the park. To see the hours, fees, and how to get here, you can visit the Nokoshima Website.
Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple
We have wanted to see the Reclining Buddha for years and finally got a chance to visit this last time around. The Reclining Buddha is located at the Nanzoin Temple just outside of Fukuoka City. It is easiest to reach the Nanzoin Temple via train. From Hakata Station take the train to Kidonanzoin-mae, about a 26 minute train ride.
The Reclining Buddha is massive, it is 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and weighs about 300 tons. The Buddha Statue is much newer then the Daibutsu Buddha Statue in Nara and was completed in 1995.
So Why Visit Fukuoka?
Fukuoka is one of my favorite cities in Japan. I can visit here time and time again and always find something new to explore in Fukuoka. I recommend at least two days in Fukuoka and am grateful to have spent many days here. Hakata Ramen is my all time favorite style of ramen and you can find great ramen on just about any street corner in Fukuoka. Fukuoka is easy to explore and is ideal for families, solo travelers, or any type of traveler.
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