The Ultimate Guide for Fukuoka

Japan has become a popular holiday destination, and has seen a huge influx of tourists ever since the global pandemic has happened. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the usual top picks from tourists, leaving the other cities to be not so overpopulated with tourists.

However, it would be a shame to overlook the other cities, since they have a lot to offer too. Fukuoka is one of them, and it is definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary.

Here are some tips and tricks from my own personal travel experience that I wish to share, in order to make Fukuoka a fun and fulfilling trip for you.

Have a food tour

Personally, I would say that Fukuoka is the ideal city for foodies to visit. Even though Tokyo offers a wide range of different dishes and Osaka is known for street food, Fukuoka is the city is where many famous dishes were originally made from. It also has a great street food night scene, which is fun to explore too.

Here are a few dishes that originated in Fukuoka:

Motsunabe - A Japanese hotpot made with beef, pork intestines, tofu and vegetables cooked in a light broth.

Ichiran Ramen - Ichiran Ramen is a famous chain that is known for its rich Tonkotsu ramen, but it actually originated in Fukuoka.

Soba noodles - Buckwheat noodles what you dip in sauce, or you can have in a hot broth soup.

Mentaiko - This delicacy is sold as a souvenir in department stores, and as a side dish in restaurants. It is spiced and salted pollock roe.

Yatai street food - Yatai street food stalls are all over Fukuoka, and usually pop up at night.

Restaurants and food stalls to visit:

Hakatamotsunabe - 2 Chome-9-20 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0013, Japan

Original Ichiran Ramen - 5-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken, 810-0801

Kiwamiya Fukuoka Parco Store - Japan, 〒810-0001 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Tenjin, 2 Chome−11−1 福岡パルコ B1F

Yatai street food stalls: Tenjin area, Nakasu area, Nagahama area and Hakata area.

Visit Dazaifu, Yufuin and Beppu

Dazaifu, Yufuin and Beppu are not too far from main Fukuoka city, so it is best to book a group tour

It is totally worth it to do a group tour, because there are beautiful shrines to visit, picturesque villages (including a Studio Ghibli one) to explore and beautiful mountains and lakes to admire. The video above shows the attractions in these areas that many people visit, making it a necessity to add to your itinerary!

Joining a group tour makes your life easier, because everything is already organised for you, including the journey there and back. Therefore you don't have to worry about planning or missing out on any of the local spots that you'd want to visit.

Explore inside Hakata train station

Hakata train station is the largest train station in Fukuoka, making it the busiest one. It is the central hub that connects you to many different lines, including the airport train line. It also has many bus routes that can take you to famous tourist spots such as Fukuoka tower, Seaside Momochi and Canal City.

However, if you actually wander around Hakata train station, you'll also come across department stores with both Japanese and foreign brands, food halls, restaurants and izakayas that locals love, and supermarkets and souvenir stores too. It's not touristy at all, and is actually where most locals go to buy food once they finish work.

Tip: It is also convenient to book a hotel in Hakata area, since it is an area that is not too far from the airport and has many routes.

Other attractions to visit:

Tenjin undergound mall - This is linked to the main train station and is known for it's beautiful architecture. It has many boutiques, restaurants and cafes. It is huge and perfect to explore when the weather is hot outside.

Nanzoin Temple - This Buddhist temple has a gorgeous mountainous backdrop, and has the longest bronze Buddha temple in the world.

Seaside Momochi - A cute small beach just beside Fukuoka Tower. It is great to visit if you want to relax and hear the sound of the waves, or watch the sunset.

Fukuoka Tower - This tall glass building offers a 360 degree view of the whole city. It is best to visit during sunset, that way you can get some picture worthy shots.