15 Things to do in and Around Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan’s 6th largest city is located on the island of Kyushu. Known for it’s history, delicious ramen, and friendly locals, Fukuoka offers an abundance of things to do that can accommodate any visitors interests. Whether you are visiting Fukuoka to slurp down some of Japan’s best ramen or here to visit ancient temples, Fukuoka will surely impress you. This article highlights things to do in Fukuoka but also the surrounding area. Whether you are spending a day in Fukuoka or longer, there is plenty of attractions and sites to see.

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15 Top Things to do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, is one of my favorite cities in the world. Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city and the 6th largest city in Japan. Like me, prior to traveling to Japan, most people probably haven’t even heard of Fukuoka. The truth is, Fukuoka should be high on everyone’s list. There are so many attractions here and in my opinion some of the best food in Japan. Fukuoka is the first city I visited in Japan and I wrote a general post on our Trip to Fukuoka but I’ve been here at least 5 times since and have a lot more recommendations to share. Here is a list of my recommendations of 15 things to do in and around Fukuoka.

1. Board a Ferry to Nokonoshima

15 Things to do in Fukuoka — Cosmos Fields on 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.

2. Dazaifu Tenmangu

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.

3. Dine and Shop in Canal City

There are so many dining and shopping options in Fukuoka, but Canal City stands out as one of the more popular and unique places. Canal City gets its name from the canal that run through the complex. The architecture of Canal City is pretty impressive, the buildings around the canal are circular and colorful. There are over 250 shops here and many restaurants on various floors. On the 5th floor is a popular spot called Ramen Stadium that has eight different ramen restaurants.

4. Explore the Castle Ruins

A short walk from Ohori Park, lie the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. At one point, this castle was the largest on the island of Kyushu. Because of the Meiji Restoration and the one castle per territory law, this castle was torn down. Today, the castle walls and some turrets still remain. Regardless, the castle foundation is still very impressive and fun to explore.

5. Go on a Relaxing Stroll Around Ohori Park

In Japanese, Ohori means “moat.” The famous pond at Ohori Park was once a part of the moat that connected to Fukuoka Castle. Today, Ohori Park is a massive city park. In the center of the park are three islands that are all connected by bridges. There is also a 2 kilometer track that goes around the entire pond.

6. Have Fun at TeamLab

TeamLab is an indoor attraction, so perfect for rainy days. TeamLabs consists of various exhibits that displays artworks and memorizing activities through digital technology. I knew Tokyo had a TeamLab but was unaware of the one in Fukuoka until Jill mentioned it. Apparently there are several TeamLabs in Japan and a few in other countries around the world.

The TeamLab we went to in Fukuoka had a forest where we downloaded an app used to catch and collect animals throughout the forest. It was actually pretty informative, if you collect an animal species, the app would show a brief description of the animals habitat, location, and diet.

Other exhibits at TeamLab Fukuoka consisted of the Sphere Caterpillar House which was full of squishy balls that change color as you walk on them. There was the soft terrain and Granular Topography Room which was a 3-D room with a trampoline floor. Afterwards there is a room with balance stepping stones followed by the Shifting Valley. The Shifting Valley was a large room with uneven floors where flowers and animals appeared on the floors and walls. Our favorite exhibit was the Typhoon Balls room. This room was full of gigantic ovoid’s which were extremely light and float around. Both Jill and I felt like kids here, it was fantastic!

7. Hop on a Train to see the Reclining Buddha

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.

8. Pet Hedgehogs and Owls at the Owl Cafe Tenjin

After a days walk, why not relax and have a drink with a few owls, hedgehogs, or both! Near the Tenjin Station there is an owl and hedgehog café. Visitors pay ¥1800 ($18) can grab a drink and then sit down and play, cuddle, or just relax with these adorable animals.

The owls are quite intimidating at first, but once you know how to pet them it is pretty calming. The hedgehogs on the other hand are just adorable. They are small enough to curl up in your hand and they just pass out cold. Toward the end, I had a little owl sit on my shoulder while I had a hedgehog in one palm and a baby hedgehog in my other hand.

9. Ramen, Ramen, Ramen

Hakata Ramen otherwise known as Tonkotsu Ramen is a style of ramen that originated in Fukuoka. Tonkotsu Ramen is by far my favorite style of ramen. As of now, I’ve been to nine different Tonkotsu Ramen restaurants in Fukuoka and can’t wait to come back to try more.

Tonkotsu Ramen differs from other styles because the broth is created by boiling pork bones for several hours giving the broth a rich and creamy flavor. The ramen is generally served with Chashu (pork belly), ramen noodles, green onions, ginger, sesame seeds, and other ingredients depending on the restaurant.

In Fukuoka, Ichiran and Shin Shin are some of the more popular restaurants. But I am still a fan of Ramen Unari, it was the first ramen joint I tried and instantly fell in love.

10. Shop Around at Hakata and Tenjin Stations

If shopping is your thing, then I recommend browsing the shops at both Hakata Station and Tenjin. I am always amazed by the train stations in Japan and believe Fukuoka has some of the most impressive stations with shopping options for everyone from luxurious clothing stores to ¥100 Shops.

The Tenjin Underground Mall is absolutely beautiful, hosting 150 different stores. Hakata Station has several plaza’s and department stores. I swear there are hundreds of shops in and around Hakata Station, it’s overwhelming.

11. Take the Elevator to the Top of Fukuoka Tower

At 234 meters (768 ft), Fukuoka Tower is Fukuoka’s tallest building and considered the tallest seaside tower in all of Japan. Visitors can spend ¥800 and take an elevator ride to the observation deck. You get a 360 degree view up here and can see all of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay as far as the eye can see.

12. Tochoji Temple and the Giant Wooden Buddha

Tochoji Temple is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism of the Kyushu sect according to yokanavi.com. This temple was constructed and dedicated to the monk Kobo-Daishi. The temple grounds are gorgeous, there is a main temple, pagoda, and grave sites of lords here. But perhaps the most impressive site at this temple is the Giant Wooden Buddha. This Buddha was much bigger then expected. The Buddha statue measures 10.8 meters high and weighs around 30 tons. The Buddha was hand carved from wood. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed here, so you’ll have to Google Image the Giant Wooden Buddha at Tochoji Temple.

13. Try a "Yatai," or Mobile Food Stall

Yatai, or mobile food stalls can be found in certain areas of Fukuoka. The Yatai typically open for dinner and drinks around 6pm and can stay open as late as 2am. Each Yatai is different, but they generally have enough room for about six to eight people. The Yatai I saw all serve different dishes to include ramen, yakitori, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

14. Visit Kushida Shrine and Get a Omikuji Fortune Slip

This Shinto Shrine is located in the heart of Fukuoka. Kushida Shrine is said to have first been built in 757, although it has been remodeled since. On non-Covid years, this shrine is most famous for the Yamakasa Gion Matsuri which is Fukuoka’s biggest festival. On the festivals last day, there are seven teams that gather here and race, carrying a Kazariyama which are these giant and elaborate floats. There is one on display here at the shrine.

Omikuji Fortune slips are found at most Shinto Shrines, but both Jill and I got a fortune slip here while visiting Kushida Shrine. These fortune slips predict the near future. You can usually purchase one for ¥100. The fortune slip will show your fortune and a rank of very lucky, slightly lucky, and bad luck is listed on them. I believe these work because Jill got one that said Very Lucky, and she got a free hand dry towel from a random lady on the street and landed a dream job in Okinawa the day we got back from our trip.

15. Walk to the Top of ACROS Building

One of the more unique buildings in Fukuoka is the Acros Building. Acros is an office building that has a terraced exterior that is basically a park. Visitors can walk the stairs over the terraced sections through the park which is actually on top of the building itself. There are 35,000 plants on Acros. The park on Acros was created by Emilio Ambasz & Associates. Their vision was to keep as much green space as possible around the office building. Not only does the forested building look unique, it also provides many benefits and reduces energy consumption. Think about it, the plants provide shade meaning the inside temperatures of the building are more comfortable, the roofs here collect rainwater from runoff and it supports a generally healthy ecosystem here that generally wouldn’t exist.

Conclusion

Fukuoka is one of my favorite cities in Japan. This magnificent city offers many unique yet exciting things to do. A Few of my favorite attractions in Japan like the Reclining Buddha or Giant Wooden Buddha at Tochoji Temple can be found in Fukuoka. Additionally, my favorite style of ramen, Hakata Ramen is from Fukuoka and can be found on almost every street corner. Whether you are into history, a foodie, nature lover, or looking to experience an authentic Japanese city, Fukuoka has it all!

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