What to do in Fukuoka
Fukuoka is located in the far north of the island of Kyushu. In 1889 the city of Fukuoka was born from the merger of the city’s port, Hakata with Fukuoka, where the castle used to be. Here you can eat excellent ramen.
In Fukuoka, one of the largest matsuri in Japan, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Matsuri, should not be missed during the summer.
Yatai are characteristic food carts, of which as many as 230 have been counted.
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Matsuri
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Matsuri is one of the most important and spectacular festivals in Japan. This traditional festival has been held from 1 to 15 July for 750 years in the Hakata district of Fukuoka. During the festival, participants bring heavy carts called ‘yamakasa’ around the city in a race of speed. The richly decorated carts are carried by teams of men in traditional costume. The main purpose is to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The festival is also accompanied by dances, processions and fireworks, creating an atmosphere of great festivity and spectacle.
Pontafon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Street food (Yatai)
Yatai’ are the famous street stalls in Fukuoka, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies. The kiosks are typical of the city, particularly in the Nakasu district, where many yatai are located on the banks of the river. Diners can choose from a wide variety of dishes, from tonkotsu ramen to takoyaki, a small and tasty octopus dish. Together with Nakasu’s lively nightlife atmosphere, yatai are an essential part of the dining experience in Fukuoka, just as ramen and tempura have become symbols of Japanese cuisine.
Eejyanaika, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| From JR Hakata Station take the bus and get off at Tenjin Subway Station (10 minutes). From here walk east for 15 minutes By underground, get off at Nakasu Kawabata Station. From here walk south for 10 minutes |
Ohori Park
Ohori Park is a green oasis located in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan. With its wide open spaces and beautiful gardens, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. It is also the site of numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions and traditional ceremonies. During the cherry blossom season, the park is transformed into a pink paradise, attracting many visitors who admire the spectacle of the blossoms.
South of the park is the Japanese Garden and the Fukuoka Art Museum.
STA3816, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| Japanese garden | |
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| 9:00-17:00 (until 18:00 from June to August) Last entry 15 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 29 December to 3 January |
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| 250 Yen | |
| 5 minutes west of metro station Ohorikoen The Japanese garden is located south of the park |
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| Fukuoka Art Museum | |
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-17:30 (until 19:30 from July to August, except Sundays and national holidays) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Monday (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) 28 December to 4 January |
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| 200 Yen (supplement for special exhibitions) | |
| 15 minutes’ walk south of Ohorikoen metro station |
Shofukuji Temple
The Shofukuji Temple is a historical gem located in Fukuoka, western Japan. Built in 1195, it is the country’s first Zen temple. The temple complex, surrounded by ancient trees, offers a feeling of tranquillity and spirituality. The historic buildings, such as the large main pavilion and the Buddha Hall, are fascinating examples of traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can participate in tea ceremonies, practise meditation and enjoy the Zen garden. The Shofukuji Temple is an enchanting place that offers a connection to the spirituality and history of Fukuoka.
Pontafon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| Always open | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 10 minutes’ walk north of Gion underground station 15 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Hakata station |
Momochi Seaside Park
Momochi Seaside Park is one of the most popular leisure destinations in Fukuoka, Japan. Located along Hakata Bay, the park offers spectacular views of the ocean and the city skyline. It is the ideal place for a stroll on the beach, a picnic with friends or outdoor sports such as beach volleyball. The park is also home to the Fukuoka Tower, a 234-metre-high observation tower with breathtaking views. Momochi Seaside Park is a place that offers relaxation, fun and a city break feeling.
tossy2379, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Fukuoka Tower | |
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-22:00 (April to September) 9:30-21:00 (October to March) Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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| Last Monday and Tuesday of June | |
| 800 Yen | |
| Take the Loop Bus Green and get off at the Fukuoka Tower-Marizon Minami-guchi stop (stop 15). From here walk north for 5 minutes 25 minutes’ walk north from Nishijin underground station |
Canal City Hakata
Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment centre located in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan. With its bright fountains, navigable canals and a wide selection of shops, restaurants and shows, Canal City Hakata is a popular tourist destination. The shopping centre also houses a large cinema and a swimming pool, making it an ideal place for families. During the Christmas season, Canal City Hakata presents a light show that attracts visitors from all over the world. Canal City Hakata is the perfect place for a day of shopping and entertainment in Fukuoka.
ぱちょぴ（pacyopi）, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 10:00-22:00 (restaurants until 23:00) | |
| No closing days | |
| 15 minutes’ walk west of JR Hakata Station 10 minutes’ walk south of Gion underground station |
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is an incredible marine park located in the city of Fukuoka, Japan. Covering an area of over 400 hectares, this park offers a wide range of attractions and activities for the whole family. Among its main attractions are botanical gardens, a marine aquarium, extensive beaches, picnic areas and scenic cycling trails. It is a great place to relax, take a nature walk and admire the beautiful coastal scenery.
そらみみ (Soramimi), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Uminonakamichi Seaside Park | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-17:30 (until 17:00 from November to February) | |
| 31 December to 1 January First Monday and Tuesday of February |
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| 450 Yen (separate tickets for the various park attractions) | |
| Marine World Uminonakamichi | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-17:30 (March to mid-July and September to November) 9:00-18:30 (late July to August) 10:00-17:00 (December to February) |
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| First Monday and Tuesday of February | |
| 2500 Yen | |
| From JR Hakata Station take the train on the JR Kagoshima line to Kashii, here take the train on the JR Kashii line to Uminonakamichi or Saitozaki (38 minutes) |
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
The ruins of Fukuoka Castle (Fukuokajō) are an important historical attraction located in the centre of Fukuoka, Japan. Built in the 17th century, the castle was destroyed during World War II, but some of its original walls, towers and moats are still standing and can be visited. The castle has been rebuilt in recent years, once again becoming an important landmark for the city. The ruins of Fukuoka Castle offer a panoramic view of the city below. It is a perfect place for fans of Japanese history and architecture.
Masgatotkaca, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official page |
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| Always open | |
| No closing days | |
| Free | |
| 15 minutes’ walk south-east of the Ohori-koen metro station |