A Guide to Traveling Fukuoka, Japan
Our first stop in Japan is Fukuoka!
Fukuoka is the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture. It is the sixth largest city in Japan and is known for its abundance of ancient temples, beaches, and modern shopping malls, including Canal City.
If you are short on time, there is an option to get a Fukuoka Tourist Pass. The Fukuoka Tourist Pass is only available to foreign visitors on a short-stay visa.
This pass will allow you to ride unlimited buses, trains, subways, and ferries around Fukuoka! The pass also gives you discounts on various attractions such as museums, parks, gardens, etc. (A total of 21 discounts!) The current price for the pass is 1500 yen/ per day. You can get this pass at certain locations, and be sure to bring your passport as well. We didn’t think this was necessary unless you are really cut for time or you will be in Fukuoka for a day trip.
Places to visit:
Canal City - Canal City Hakata is a large shopping center in the city of Fukuoka. The name means "city within the city”. The ‘city’ has plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, a movie theater, a game center, and even two hotels!
1 Chome-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018
Fukuoka Castle - The castle itself is not erect, but as you walk around the area, you are able to see the remains of what is left. This area has been designated as a historical site by the Japanese government.
1 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043
Ohori Park and Maizuru Park - a big park that lies in the middle of Fukuoka. Locals and tourists all gather here to enjoy nature. You can rent swan pedal boats or a row boat.
1-4 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043
Tōchō-ji Temple - In Hakata Old Town lies this beautiful temple. It is one of the oldest Shingon temples on the island of Kyushu. Inside you are able to see the “the Great Buddha of Fukuoka”, the largest class wooden statue of a seated Buddha in Japan, 10 meters long!
2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037
Tenjin Park - Where locals and tourists all gather here to see the cherry blossoms. During summer months many people have picnics under the trees!
1 Chome-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001
Where we stayed:
Fukuoka Guesthouse SHIP - a guesthouse that sleeps 18 guests per day. This guesthouse has a friendly, cozy atmosphere. The guesthouse is a little further than the city center, but it was nice to come back to a quiet area and end our day. Book directly for the cheapest rates. Click here to go to their website!
They also have another location: Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE.
Local Foods:
Motsunabe - This local dish was created in the Fukuoka Prefecture sometime around 1945. This dish is essentially a stew made with guts portions of various types of meat, prepared in a Japanese nabe pot. Motsu is used to refer to internal organs in Japanese. These include the liver, heart, and small intestines.
Fukuoka Ramen - also known as Hakata Ramen is one of the most famous ramen styles here in Japan. The broth component is Tonkatsu, a creamy pork broth. The noodles are also key… ultra-thin ramen noodles.
Hakata Udon - a specific udon from Fukuoka is all the craze as well. You may think the ramen takes first place in the noodles of Fukuoka, but locals say the udon is best! The noodles are thicker than ramen, and the broth is made from dashi - Japanese soup stock.
Coffee:
Manu Coffee - a hip coffee shop, serving various coffees.
〒810-0041 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Daimyo, 1 Chome−1−3 1F
Basking Coffee - 5km out from the city center, this place has a really great specialty coffee selection. One of the staff also spoke very good English.
4 Chome-10-1 Chihaya, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 813-0044
Alu - a block down from the guesthouse we stayed at was a beautiful white building that served coffee, matcha, and desserts. They also offer seating on the second and third floors.
3-28 Taihakumachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0033
Moment Coffee - A nice specialty coffee shop! May have some differing hours from what it says on its website.
2 Chome-3-10 Maizuru, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0073
Drinks:
BEER HOLIC (Far Yeast Brewing Company) - A cashless craft brewery. They also offer various canned beers you can choose from! A great atmosphere! All kinds of different eats.
3 Chome-1-2 Arato, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0062
It was a wonderful time for us to visit Fukuoka as it was cherry blossom season. The locals and tourist all enjoying their picnics at the many parks that Fukuoka had to offer was one of our best memories there. We would definitely recommend Fukuoka, to those who are into shopping, coffee, and local foods!
