Fukuoka is located in the northernmost part of Kyushu. It is a major transportation hub, serving as the gateway from Honshu to Kyushu and from Asia to Japan.
It has two ports, Fukuoka Airport and Kitakyushu Airport, and Fukuoka Airport in particular is one of the most accessible in Japan, being only a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Station.
The city is home to temples, shrines, and historic sites with rich history and traditions, halls with some of the best facilities in Japan, museums with a wide range of exhibits, one of the largest shopping malls and outlets in western Japan, World Heritage sites, and national parks, making it a good place for sightseeing on a specific theme.
Fukuoka is also rich in food, with fresh seafood from the Genkainada Sea, Hibikinada Sea, Suonada Sea, and Ariake Sea, agricultural products from the mountains and plains, and fruit cultivation, including strawberries known as “Amao,” as well as local cuisine such as ramen, udon, mizutaki, and motsunabe, all unique to Fukuoka.
Ohori Park
This large park, established in 1929, is a 5-minute walk from Ohori Koen Station in Hakata. It has a Japanese garden in the Chikusan-Rinsen-Kaiyu style with 3,000 azaleas, a 2 km round-the-world path, and Ukimido-Do, which stands over a pond.
There are also many trees, plants, and flowers, and rare wild birds inhabit the area, making bird-watching and strolling popular.
There are also many locals who go running, etc., and it is recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy sightseeing.
Canal City Hakata
Next up is Canal City Hakata, a shopping mall that has become a staple of the city. This shopping mall in Hakata has everything you need. If you are wondering what souvenirs to buy, this might be a good place to go!
As you can see from the name Canal City, this shopping mall has a canal running through it. Also, there is a stage in the center where shows are held most days, so you can enjoy yourself while shopping.
Not only the shopping but also the show at the fountain plaza is a sight to behold!
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower towers majestically as the symbol of Fukuoka. Climbing the observatory, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Hakata.
The illumination changes depending on the season, so you can also enjoy the night view while driving around.
Visiting at night is recommended. From the observation deck, you can see the night view of Hakata, and from outside the tower, you can see Fukuoka Tower lit up with lights.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the tomb of Sugawara Michizane, known as the “god of learning. The shrine attracts as many as 8 million visitors a year from all over Japan and abroad, including students preparing for entrance exams to pray for success.
There are many attractions within the shrine precincts, including the gorgeous Momoyama Period-style main shrine.
The shrine is also famous for its ume plum blossoms, and the white plum blossoms, famous for the “legend of flying plum trees,” are a must-see.
KITTE Hakata
KITTE Hakata is a commercial complex with Hakata Marui on the 1st through 7th floors as its main tenant. It is the second KITTE building after Tokyo, and is managed and operated by Japan Post Co.
There is a UNIQLO and a clinic on the 8th floor and a wedding hall, on the top floor.
The 9th, 10th, and basement floors are restaurant areas called “Umaito,” where more than 20 restaurants have opened for the first time in Kyushu. The restrooms on the upper floors are as beautiful and stylish as the sightseeing space with a view.
Website URL: http://kitte-hakata.jp/
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E-ZO FUKUOKA which opened in July 2020 next to PayPay Dome, is a seven-story entertainment building filled with world-class innovative content, including three types of spectacular attractions and a state-of-the-art interactive museum.
In addition to the attractions and museum, the building also offers a variety of gourmet spots, including a food hall with a collection of popular restaurants and Kyushu’s first MLB-approved restaurant.
Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine, nicknamed “Ogushida-san,” is the main shrine of Hakata. Hakata Gion Yamakasa, the summer festival of Hakata, is dedicated to the shrine, and decorated Yamakasa floats are permanently displayed in the shrine grounds (except in June). Other highlights include “Kushida no Ginko,” a symbol of longevity that is said to be over 1,000 years old, and “Meoto Ginko,” which is believed to bring good luck to couples who wish to marry.
Kushida Shrine is a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Gion Subway Station, past the Kawabata shopping street.
Hakata City
JR Hakata City is the station building of JR Hakata Station. The rooftop garden “Tsubame no Mori Hiroba” has a railroad shrine to pray for safe travels, an observation terrace with a panoramic view of downtown Hakata, and the miniature train “Tsubame” that is very popular among children.
This large-scale commercial facility is also a great place for shopping and dining.
Fukuoka City Museum
This museum is located in Seaside Momochi so you can combine your trip here with Fukuoka Tower and perhaps some time at the beach.
The museum’s permanent exhibits include the gold seal, a national treasure, and artifacts excavated from Korokan, as well as a special exhibition room and a hands-on learning room.
In the permanent exhibition on the second floor, the “Golden Seal” is displayed just outside the entrance.
Visitors can also learn about Fukuoka’s intersting history and culture. There are many items related to the Kuroda family, the old fudal lords of the Fukuoka domain on display.
The bus from Hakata Tenjin Bus Terminal to the bay area. Although it is a local bus, it normally runs on Fukuoka Urban Expressway. To get to Fukuoka City Museum, get off at the museum south exit. The museum is located on the right side of Sazae-san Street, which leads toward Fukuoka Tower
River Cruise
In the area near Canal City Hakata, we recommend a cruising experience on a sightseeing boat. Departing from Fukuhaku Deai Bridge, you can enjoy the sights of Hakata, including Canal City, from the water, perfect for sightseeing in Fukuoka!
Daytime and nighttime courses are available, and in addition to the Naka River Cruise, there is also the Hakata Bay Circumnavigation Course. Why not spend an elegant evening of sightseeing in Hakata with a cruising experience?
This daytime/nighttime course allows you to enjoy the lively cityscape of Fukuoka from the water. This course offers a panoramic view of Nakasu, Kyushu’s busiest shopping district, the food stalls lining the river, Canal City Hakata, a popular sightseeing spot, and the magnificent nature of Hakata Bay.
Hakataza Theater
Hakataza Theater has a seating capacity of approximately 1,500. Large theater exclusively for theatrical performances
Located in Hakata Riverain, it is a theater dedicated to theatrical performances. It has approximately 1,500 seats, one of the largest theaters in Kyushu dedicated to theater. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy kaiseki and kappo cuisine using seasonal ingredients, boxed lunches, and a store selling limited-edition performance goods.
Marine World Uminonakamichi
At Marine World Uminonakamichi On the first floor, there is a large tank “Kyushu’s Outer Ocean” with a depth of 7m that reproduces the marine environment of southern Kyushu, Kyushu’s Deep Sea where creatures that evolved under the harsh nature of the deep sea reside, and a tank for “Fukuoka’s Familiar Dolphins”.
Enjoy Fukuoka’s gourmet food!
Fukuoka Prefecture is known as the food capital of Japan, with its unique cuisine using richly seasoned, sweet soy sauce. Many people say, I came here just to enjoy Fukuoka’s food!
So, when you come to Fukuoka, here are some gourmet foods that you must try!
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Fukuoka is famous for its tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. The rich flavor and thin noodles make it an addictive dish.
You wont have a hard time finding a ramen restaurant in Fukuoka, since there are ramen restaurants everywhere. In addition to the standard Ichiran and Ippudo, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of Hakata while eating at the famous Nakasu Yatai Street.
Motsu-nabe
Motsu-nabe is a local dish of Fukuoka Prefecture and is made with beef or pork offal (horumon).
It is richly seasoned with chives and cabbage, and the broth is flavored with soy sauce, miso, and other local ingredients.
It is a dish that is perfect for the cold winter months, and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Fukuoka.
Mentaiko
Mentaiko is seasoned pollock roe, originally imported from the Korean Peninsula, and sold as a daily side dish in Fukuoka, where trade with Korea was thriving, is said to be the origin of this specialty.
The seasoning differs from restaurant to restaurant, so it is a pleasure to find a restaurant with the seasoning you like.
Mizutaki
This is a local Hakata dish made by stewing chicken, Chinese cabbage, carrots, and other ingredients in a broth made from chicken bones.
The broth is mild and gentle, and the chicken broth is well seasoned, giving the dish a rich flavor of the ingredients.
Ingredients are dipped in ponzu (Japanese sauce made of soy sauce and citrus juice).
Seiro-mushi (eel steamed in a bamboo basket)
Seiro-mushi of eel is a famous specialty of Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Each restaurant has its own secret recipe for grilling, steaming, and seasoning the eel, and you can enjoy it in the unique style of Yanagawa.
Eels are said to be good for tonic, so they will heal your fatigue and make you feel energetic.
