Now we have simply arrived from one other journey in Fukuoka. We frequently hear different vacationers say there’s nothing to do in Fukuoka besides eat ramen. However that couldn’t be farther from the reality. On this put up, we’re debunking the parable by exhibiting not simply 10, not simply 15, however 25 sights, proving that Fukuoka is greater than only a ramen vacation spot.
From illuminated castles and nostalgic port cities to pottery villages and fruit farms, listed here are the greatest issues to do in Fukuoka Prefecture. Which of those sights have you ever visited earlier than? Or in case you haven’t been to Fukuoka but, that are you most trying ahead to expertise. Tell us within the feedback part beneath!
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you may as well go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our beneficial resorts and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. Now we have a compilation for locations around the globe.
1. Yanagawa River Cruise
Yanagawa, additionally known as the town of water, is an outdated citadel city, positioned 50 minutes away from Hakata Station. It’s surrounded by canals (moats) that grew to become one of many principal vacationer sights the place guests get pleasure from a scenic boat trip down the canals. Autumn and spring are the perfect instances to go to for the autumn colours and the cherry blossoms. It’s also possible to lease and put on conventional kimono whereas exploring! You’ll be able to e-book a tour with the native journey companies on the location or on-line.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE A KIMONO HERE
2. Historic Hakata Tour
Hakata, as soon as a serious port metropolis and buying and selling hub, is likely one of the oldest cities in Japan. Within the early 1800s, it was once a separate metropolis from Fukuoka, however the two cities ultimately grew to become one in 1889. 4 outdated city districts in Hakata are Gokusho, Reisen, Naraya, and Ohama. You are able to do a D-I-Y or e-book a guided tour. When you select to e-book a tour, a few of the standard stops are Jotenji, Tochoji, and Xie Guoming’s historical tomb.
3. teamLab Forest Fukuoka
Tucked contained in the modern BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA complicated, you’ll discover teamLab Forest Fukuoka. Like most teamLab websites, it’s an interactive, extremely Insta-worthy museum. The second we stepped in, we felt we had teleported to a different dimension dominated by a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. Each nook reacts to your contact, footsteps, and gestures, making you are feeling like a part of the paintings itself. It’s additionally divided into numerous zones.
However what units this Fukuoka department other than the others is its Catch and Accumulate Forest. Right here, you chase glowing digital animals or watch for them to seem within the shifting landscapes, determine and “gather” them utilizing the app, then launch them again to the wild.
It additionally has the Athletics Forest, which challenges your stability and agility on luminous flooring and interactive slopes.
However our favourite factor to do at any teamLab web site is drawing our personal plant or animal on paper, scanning it, and watching it come to life and bounce across the room, which appears extra like a colourful dream than a workshop. teamLab Forest at all times succeeds in reconnecting me with my sense of surprise or that feeling of awe that we lose someplace between deadlines and every day routines.
Deal with: teamLab Forest Fukuoka, 5F BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, 2 Chome−2−6, Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Entrance Price: JPY 2400
Methods to Get to teamLab Forest Fukuoka: From the primary ground of Hakata Bus Terminal, board Bus 306 to Kyushu Iryo Heart (Hospital) bus cease. Then stroll for about 5 minutes.
4. Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine is likely one of the oldest in Fukuoka, relationship again to 757 when Hakata had its golden days as a port metropolis, serving retailers and diplomats. Thought to be a very powerful shrine in Fukuoka, this Shinto shrine is fondly known as by the locals “okushida-san”. It homes a fountain of longevity and Chikara Ishi.
The shrine can also be the guts of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Pageant, the most important competition in Fukuoka which is well known from early to mid July.
Location: Kushida Shrine, 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Every day, 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Nearest Station: Eight minutes on foot from both Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Gion Station on the subway.
5. Ohori Park
Ohori Park provides a inexperienced, peaceable escape in the course of the metropolis. The park was initially a part of the moat of Fukuoka Fortress and now options a big pond surrounded by strolling paths, bridges, and comfortable cafés. Locals jog, picnic, or simply chill right here with espresso in hand whereas geese glide throughout the water.
You’ll additionally discover the Fukuoka Artwork Museum and the Fukuoka Fortress Ruins close by. The ruins themselves are largely stone foundations now. However whether or not you’re up for a jog, a date, or simply some quiet reflection, Ohori Park is a slice of calm within the coronary heart of the town.
Deal with: Ohori Park, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Methods to Get to Ohori Park: From Hakata Station, take the Airport Line to Ohori Park (Fukuoka Artwork Museum).
6. Kokura Fortress
If you wish to see a Japanese citadel in Fukuoka, journey to the town of Kitakyushu’s Kokura district. Kokura Fortress is likely one of the most putting historic landmarks in northern Kyushu. Initially in-built 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki, a samurai lord below Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the citadel served as a strategic stronghold between Honshu and Kyushu.
Like many Japanese castles, it was destroyed and rebuilt a number of instances over the centuries, with the present construction being a 1959 reconstruction. Regardless of that, it superbly retains its feudal-era allure with its layered roofs, white plaster partitions, and sweeping views over the town of Kitakyushu.
It’s a terrific spot to go to any time of the 12 months, nevertheless it’s particularly spectacular from late October to early November, when the citadel grounds are illuminated by numerous bamboo lanterns. The Kokura Fortress Bamboo Lantern Pageant creates an environment that’s so tranquil that it virtually appears like strolling by a fairytale. It was magical, and positively not one thing you anticipate from a metropolis most vacationers overlook.
After exploring the citadel, we stayed for the sunshine present within the citadel backyard. The efficiency mixed conventional Japanese aesthetics with lasers and different lights. Between the music and the cool night breeze, it was a mesmerizing expertise that proved Kitakyushu’s mix of outdated and new might be extremely enchanting.
Deal with: Kokura Fortress, 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Fortress Tower Working Hours: April to October: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; November to March: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Station: Kokura Station and Nishi-Kokura Station
7. Tanga Market
If you’d like a style of native life in Kitakyushu, head to Tanga Market, a 100-year-old meals market that has been serving locals for the reason that Taisho period. It began as a small riverside buying and selling space and developed right into a bustling maze of over 120 stalls and eateries. Even after a devastating fireplace in 2022, the market continues to thrive, with many distributors rebuilding their retailers.
We wandered by the aisles stuffed with the scent of marinated fish and simmering oden. We had been informed that locals used to have the ability to purchase rice at one stall and toppings from others, making a DIY donburi expertise and an interactive method to eat. However the rice stall was not open on the time.
Stretching adjoining to the market is Uomachi Gintengai, one of many oldest coated purchasing arcades in Japan and broadly believed to be the primary to ever use the time period “ginten-gai”, which roughly interprets to “silver-covered road.” It dates all the way in which again to the postwar interval, when locals rebuilt their companies below an extended roof to guard customers from the rain.
As we speak, it stays the beating coronary heart of downtown Kitakyushu, stretching for a number of blocks filled with retailers, cafés, and eating places. We had dinner at one of many izakayas right here, and we’ll characteristic it in our subsequent put up showcasing Fukuoka’s meals spots.
Deal with: Tanga Market, 4-2-18 Uomachi (魚町) / 4-2-8 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: They differ by retailer, however the typical opening is 10:00 AM to 17:00/18:00. Closed or various retailer hours on some days.
Nearest Station: Kokura Station
8. Mojiko Retro
Additionally positioned in Kitakyushu, however fostering a really totally different ambiance is Mojiko Retro. As quickly as we arrived, it felt like we had been transported right into a steampunk model of Europe. Jogged my memory a little bit of Fullmetal Alchemist, however seaside. This historic port space thrived within the early 1900s when Moji served as certainly one of Japan’s main worldwide buying and selling hubs. As we speak, the superbly restored Western-style buildings and retro lampposts create an enthralling time-slip expertise.
We started our stroll at Mojiko Station, certainly one of Japan’s oldest prepare stations, reopened in 2019 after years of restoration. Its wood interiors and classic signage made us really feel like time vacationers. From there, we noticed the Former Moji Mitsui Membership, the place Albert Einstein stayed when he visited Japan.
We then walked by the Flea and Vintage Market, the place all types of merchandise are bought, from kitchenware to equipment to motion figures!
After which we reached Blue Wing Moji, and it’s really Japan’s largest drawbridge for pedestrians. However what actually makes it particular is its romantic repute. Locals name it the Lovers Bridge due to an enthralling legend: if a pair crosses it collectively, their love will final endlessly.
After witnessing the opening and shutting of the bridge, we strolled alongside the waterfront, admiring landmarks just like the Previous Moji Customs Constructing and Kaikyo Plaza, which homes retailers, cafés, and the area’s well-known “banana-themed” treats.
Sure, you learn that proper: bananas! Mojiko is obsessive about them! You’ll discover banana truffles, banana beer, and banana souvenirs throughout city. You’ll be able to have a selfie with this life-size banana-man statue. And a tiny banana fortune teller may even ship a glimpse of what the longer term holds for you. It’s bizarre, it’s enjoyable, it’s bananas!
However why are they going bananas over bananas? It’s historical past. Through the port’s heyday, it grew to become the primary entry level for imported bananas, resulting in the native “Banana no Tatakiuri” custom, whereby distributors theatrically shouting and slicing banana bunches for purchasers.
And it’s greatest symbolized by the marker, which learn “the birthplace of bargain-priced banana gross sales”. Fairly unassuming, however it is a Japanese Heritage Web site. Apparently, this was the spot the place the Japanese collect in enormous crowds to buy bananas imported from different international locations, and most of them got here from – you guessed it — the Philippines!
There’s your Mojiko-Philippine connection for you. And it’s bananas!
Deal with: Mojiko Retro, Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: The port complicated is open 24/7. As for the vacationer spots throughout the port, the opening schedule varies, however the standard is from 9:00 AM to five:00 PM. In the meantime, the Mojiko Retro Commentary Room is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Nearest Station: Mojiko Station
9. Miyajidake Shrine
Situated in Fukutsu Metropolis, simply 40 minutes from Fukuoka Metropolis, Miyajidake Shrine is likely one of the prefecture’s most religious and photogenic spots. It’s devoted to the legendary Empress Jingu and is legendary for having Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), taiko drum, and bell, all proudly displayed throughout the shrine grounds. Every of them symbolizes safety, power, and connection between heaven and earth.
We started our go to exploring the shrine itself, marveling on the intricate woodwork and the sheer scale of the sacred rope. Then we adopted the trail behind the primary corridor, lined with vermillion inari gates. The quiet rustle of leaves and mushy temple drumming made it really feel virtually meditative.
The shrine can also be well-known for its Path of Mild, a wide ranging phenomenon that occurs twice a 12 months (February and October), when the setting solar aligns completely with the highway main from the torii gate to the ocean. We visited within the morning, so we didn’t catch it, however standing there imagining that glowing path stretching to the horizon was magical sufficient. There are additionally images of it in every single place, so that you don’t even must think about.
Afterward, we walked all the way down to Miyajihama Seashore to see the final torii gate up shut, standing proudly in opposition to the ocean backdrop!
Deal with: Miyajidake Shrine, 7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Shrine grounds – 24/7; Shrine Workplace/Amulet Space – Every day, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Methods to Get to Miyajidake Shrine: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Fukuma Station. Then switch to Bus 1-1 and alight at Miyajidake Jinja-mae Cease.
10. Tsuyazaki Sengen Previous City
Tsuyazaki Sengen is commonly skipped by vacationers, nevertheless it is stuffed with nostalgic allure. The city as soon as flourished as a port for sake brewing and salt manufacturing, and lots of of its Edo- and Meiji-era buildings are nonetheless standing to this present day.
To make issues much more enjoyable, the city has provide you with a “stamp rally” expertise that lets guests gather stamps from numerous retailers whereas exploring the realm.
We began on the Vacationer Info Heart (Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi), the place we obtained clean canvas tote luggage to embellish with the stamps we’d gather alongside the way in which. Our first cease was the Chikuzen Tsuyazaki Ningyo Kobo, a doll retailer and workshop the place we painted our personal Moma owl whistles. Mine was in cobalt blue and Vins’s in grey. Afterward, we stamped our little owls onto our tote luggage as a memento.
From there, we wandered by slender streets and popped right into a flower store, a former sake distillery, and a memento retailer to gather extra stamps. Every cease had its personal story and allure, making the expertise really feel like a leisurely treasure hunt by time. By the tip, our tote luggage had became residing scrapbooks of our stroll by Tsuyazaki’s previous, a purposeful memento!
Deal with: Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi, 3 Chome-17-3 Tsuyazaki, Fukutsu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Methods to Get to Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Fukuma Station. Then switch to Bus 1-1 and alight at Tsuyazaki-Sengen and Nagomi Bus Cease. When you’re coming from Miyajidake Shrine, you may simply take Bus 1-1 to the identical cease.
11. Toho Village
Within the quiet mountains of jap Fukuoka lies Toho Village, a spot well-known for its pottery custom. Earlier than heading to the kilns, we stopped at Koishiwara Roadside Station (Michi no Eki) to browse Koishiwara ware, a method of pottery with greater than 350 years of historical past. Acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Property, Koishiwara ware is understood for its earthy tones, easy magnificence, and rhythmic patterns created utilizing carving and brush strategies.
However in fact, we didn’t come all the way in which right here to only observe. We needed to get our palms soiled, too — actually. We visited Tsurumi Kiln (Tsurumigama), a family-run workshop that makes a speciality of a particular model of pottery that includes delicate spirals of tiny indentations. We had the pleasure of assembly Yoshihiro Wada, the proprietor and grasp potter at this store. Watching him at work was mesmerizing. He made it look really easy. However in actuality, it was robust, which grew to become fairly apparent when it was our flip.
Sitting on the wheel, palms coated in clay, I created my first ever piece — an ideal little ramen bowl. Besides, it was purported to be a cup! LOL. My hand’s stress was an excessive amount of. Yoshihiro-san saved telling me to “Straightforward, simple.” However I used to be at my “best.” I didn’t know the way a lot simpler I may nonetheless go. Vins was laughing at me, however then, when it was his flip, he mainly broke his cup!
It was each nerve-wracking and therapeutic. However all’s nicely that ends nicely. We nonetheless ended up with fairly decent-looking cups. The completed merchandise could be glazed and shipped to us later, a memento for all the great instances we had right here in Toho Village.
Deal with: Tsurumi Kiln, 2514-3 Koishiwaratsuzumi, Toho Village, Asakura District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Methods to Get to Toho Village: Greatest reached by automotive. You’ll be able to lease a automotive in Fukuoka and drive all the way in which to Toho Village.
12. Ringo to Budou no Ki
Fruit lovers, this one’s for you. Ringo to Budou no Ki (actually “The Tree of Apples and Grapes”) is a family-run farm and café that lets guests get pleasure from fruit choosing and home made sweets. Relying on the season, you may decide apples, grapes, and persimmons.
We spent the morning wandering by the orchards, baskets in hand, filling them with juicy apples and crisp persimmons. I used to be notably enthusiastic about persimmons as a result of they’re so unusual right here within the Philippines. There’s one thing extremely satisfying about harvesting your individual fruit, particularly when the house owners are so heat and welcoming. He would additionally decide one and slice it for everybody to get pleasure from on the spot. We had been then led to the winery to select grapes!
After working up an urge for food, we headed to their café for what may be the perfect apple pie of our lives. Granted, we haven’t had that many apple pies, however this one set the bar excessive. The crust was crisp, the filling mushy and candy, and it paired completely with a cup of sizzling espresso. It was a type of easy moments that felt like the proper snapshot of rural Japan.
Deal with: Ringo to Budou no Ki, Yamada, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Methods to Get to Ringo to Budou no Ki: From Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Futsukaichi Station. Swap to Bus 40 sure for Haki and get off at Sanrensuisha-no-sato Cease. Stroll for 14 minutes to the orchard.
13. Triple Water Wheels
Additionally in Asakura, the Triple Water Wheels is a logo of Japanese ingenuity and rural life. In-built 1789, these three interconnected wheels are nonetheless operational, channeling river water into close by rice fields utilizing conventional strategies. They’re among the many oldest functioning water wheels in Japan and have been designated as an Vital Cultural Property.
Sure, it’s nonetheless operational, however solely in sure months of the 12 months. And our go to didn’t fall inside that interval, so we didn’t get to see it in motion. However there’s one thing awe-inspiring about seeing centuries-old expertise nonetheless getting used at this time.
After admiring the wheels, we took a brief stroll to a close-by lotus and koi ponds and a bee farm, established by Fujii Yohojo. Inside is a mini-museum and a store, promoting numerous varieties of native and imported honey. You could possibly pattern them, too. I actually loved the honey produced by bees right here in Asakura, in order that’s what I took house with me. We additionally had honey-coated candy potato chunks.
Agriculture-based sights are sometimes not everybody’s cup of tea, however we actually loved our time right here. It was a quiet, countryside expertise that felt worlds away from the bustle of Fukuoka Metropolis.
Deal with: Triple Water Wheels, Hishino, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Methods to Get to Hishino Triple Water Wheels: If from Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 400 to Nakamuta. Then Bus 40 to Hishino Bus Cease. In the meantime, if from Ringo to Budo No Ki, you may simply stroll all the way in which to the wheels for 21 minutes.
14. Yoshii White Partitions District
Welcome to my type of city! As somebody who calls himself Yoshi, I already determined I’d find it irresistible from the get-go!
When you’re into outdated cities and conventional structure, Yoshii White Partitions District in Ukiha Metropolis is pure eye sweet. The world flourished in the course of the Edo interval as a service provider hub, and at this time it nonetheless boasts rows of white-walled kura (storehouses) and conventional wood machiya homes. They’re white as a result of after a giant fireplace that ruined the city, the folks determined to rebuild their homes utilizing plaster, which is fire-resistant.
We spent the afternoon simply strolling round, dipping into little retailers as we went. One in every of our favorites was a Japanese doll store. Other than conventional dolls, additionally they promote a wide range of cat-themed gadgets. Then, in fact, we couldn’t resist Pan no Mocca Bakery, promoting croissants and different baked items. Their pastries had been so good we purchased extra “for later”…and ate them 5 minutes after leaving.
Deal with: Yoshii White Partitions, Yoshii Shirakabe-dori Road, Ukiha Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Public Townscape – Open year-round, some retailers have personal hours; Pan no Mocca (Bread Mocca) – Tuesday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Methods to Get to Yoshii White Partitions District: From Hakata Station, take the prepare to Chikugo-Yoshii Station. Then stroll from there.
15. Ukiha Inari Shrine
Only a 10-minute drive from Yoshii, excessive on a hillside overlooking the Chikugo Plain, sits Ukiha Inari Shrine, some of the scenic in Fukuoka. It’s identified for its lengthy line of over 90 torii gates straddling 300 steps that lead all the way in which as much as the primary shrine.
We climbed the steps early within the morning, the daylight filtering by the pink gates like a shifting highlight. Each flip revealed one other layer of countryside views — fields, rooftops, and the faint define of mountains within the distance. It was a little bit of a exercise, however the peacefulness on the prime made all of it value it.
The shrine itself enshrines Inari, the deity of prosperity, fertility, and agriculture, symbolized by foxes. Locals come right here to wish for enterprise success and good harvests. Behind the shrine is a huge rock, adorned with a garland, and a small shrine with choices.
Deal with: Ukiha Inari Shrine, 1513-9 Ukihamachi Nagarekawa, Ukiha Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Methods to Get to Ukiha Inari Shrine: From Chikugo-Yoshii Station, take the Bus 吉井線 左回り, sure for Ukiha Shimin Heart. Alight at Osaka (Ukiha Inari Shrine Ent.) Bus Cease. Then stroll from there.
16. Nyoirinji Frog Temple
Now this one’s ribbiting — I imply, riveting. The Nyoirinji Temple in Ogori is famously nicknamed the Frog Temple due to its huge assortment of frog statues. It’s onerous to overlook, even from the parking zone, the place you’ll be greeted by the big stone amphibians, the place you would write your needs. In fact, we wished for extra blessings for all TPT followers!
The trail to the temple was coated with picturesque umbrellas and colourful lanterns, which was a sight to behold by itself. However if you attain the highest, it’s frog overload! There are reportedly over 5,000 frogs of all shapes, sizes, and supplies scattered all through the temple grounds. It’s a small temple, however each nook is stuffed with pleasant surprises: frogs holding umbrellas, meditating frogs, even stone frog households mid-conversation.
The temple’s connection to frogs comes from the Japanese phrase “kaeru,” which implies each “frog” and “to return.” Folks come right here to wish for secure travels and for misplaced issues or folks to return house.
You’ll additionally discover a big golden frog! They are saying that in case you make it by the mouth of the frog, you’ll be rejuvenated, your vitality and happiness might be restored, and dangerous luck will flip to success. So in fact, I attempted it. I used to be a bit scared that my bulging tummy would get caught however I powered by! Vins, too, made it by efficiently.
We couldn’t assist however smile the entire time. It’s kitschy, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally heartfelt. The resident monks clearly take delight in curating this quirky assortment, and you permit feeling a little bit lighter and happier.
Deal with: Nyoirinji Frog Temple, 1728 Yokoguma, Ogori Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Methods to Get to Nyoirinji Frog Temple: From Hakata Station, take Nanakuma Subway Line to Yakuin Station. Switch to Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line to Mikunigaoka Station. It’s a 21-minute stroll from there.
17. Migita Fruit Farm
That is positioned in Kurume, about 20 minutes away from the town. Kurume’s location alongside the Chikugo River makes it fertile and viable for fruit bushes to thrive. Migita Fruit Farm is a type of locations the place guests can get pleasure from nature and native produce like persimmons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, figs, and others. You’ll be able to go to all 12 months spherical, however you’ll want to verify which fruit tree is within the season in your go to, particularly for fruit-picking actions (persimmon or strawberry).
Location: Migita Fruit Farm, 3024, Tanushimarumachi Chitoku, Kurume Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Strawberry Season (January to April) – Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; For Persimmon Season (September to November), verify the official web site for more information.
Strawberry Choosing Charge: January to March – Grownup, ¥2300; College students, ¥1500; Kids (3-5 y/o), ¥1200; April – Grownup, ¥1600; College students, ¥1300; Kids (3-5 y/o), ¥1000. Kids 2 years outdated and beneath can enter for FREE.
Nearest Station: JR Tanushimaru Station. The farm is simply 10 minutes away by taxi from the station.
18. Umi Hachimangu
Probably the most traditionally vital shrines in Fukuoka, Umi Hachimangu, dates again over 1,300 years. On the coronary heart of the shrine is the sacred statue of Empress Jingu holding child Ojin. However it is just exhibited to the general public at Shikinen Taisai, a grand competition that’s held solely as soon as each 25 years!
This web site is alleged to be the birthplace of Emperor Ojin, whose mom, Empress Jingu, safely delivered him right here after coming back from a navy expedition. Due to that, the shrine grew to become a main pilgrimage web site for secure childbirth and little one blessings. Expectant moms come to wish for a straightforward supply, and also you’ll usually see households providing child bibs and tiny charms.
One other factor we additionally positively observed was the sheer variety of stones with writings on them. Apparently, these praying for a child or a secure supply may get a stone from the shrine and take it house with them. When they’re blessed with a child, they return to the shrine with two stones bearing the identify and start date of the kid.
The ambiance right here is calm and reverent, with historical camphor bushes towering overhead. And by historical, we imply over 2000 years outdated, so claimed the shrine. The 2 largest listed here are known as “Yufuta’s Forest” and “Kinukake’s Forest”. There’s additionally one that’s virtually hole. Whereas guests aren’t normally allowed to enter the tree, we requested and got permission. And once we seemed up, lo and behold, we noticed a coronary heart shining down on us.
By the way in which, simply outdoors the shrine grounds, there’s a stunning pastry store known as Tokinose, well-known for its wagashi or conventional confectionery. We grabbed a few pastries, they usually had been actually good.
Deal with: Umi Hachimangu, 1 Chome-1-1 Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Methods to Get to Umi Hachimangu: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 32 sure for Kami Umi. Get off at Umi Hachiman-mae Bus Cease. It’s simply in entrance of the shrine. Journey time is 38 minutes.
19. Sakurai Futamigaura
If Fukuoka Metropolis is the bustling coronary heart of Kyushu, then Itoshima is its laid-back beachy soul. Simply 40 minutes from downtown, this coastal space is a neighborhood favourite for browsing, cafés, and photogenic seaside views. It’s the place Fukuoka people escape once they want a break from metropolis life.
The spotlight for us was Sakurai Futamigaura, house to the well-known “wedded rocks” — two giant stones related by a sacred rope, symbolizing concord and marriage. They sit offshore, with a white torii gate framing them completely. It’s stated that those that go to are blessed with a wholesome marriage or love life.
Deal with: Sakurai Futamigaura, Shima, Sakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1304, Japan
Methods to Get to Sakurai Futamigaura: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take a West Coast Liner Bus (ウエストコーストライナー) to Futamigaura. Journey time ia 1 hour and 10 minutes.
20. Nanzoin Temple
A lot nearer to Fukuoka Metropolis lies Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, the place you’ll see certainly one of Japan’s largest bronze reclining Buddhas. After we say giant, we imply gigantic. The statue is 41 meters lengthy and 11 meters excessive, even larger than the one in Thailand’s Wat Pho. It represents Buddha coming into Nirvana.
We visited this years in the past, and I nonetheless keep in mind it fairly vividly. We approached the temple by a peaceable forest path lined with smaller statues and prayer wheels. As quickly as the large Buddha got here into view, we simply stood there speechless for some time. It’s so colossal that it feels virtually unreal. You’ll be able to even contact the Buddha’s ft, stated to carry good luck.
The temple itself is a part of the Sasaguri Pilgrimage.
Deal with: Nanzoin Temple, 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Methods to Get to Nanzoin Temple: From Hakata Station, take the Fukuhokuyutaka Line to Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. Journey time is 24 minutes.
21. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
No Fukuoka journey is full with out visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu, devoted to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto god of studying. The shrine is likely one of the most vital Tenmangu shrines in Japan, drawing hundreds of thousands of scholars annually who come to wish for good grades and tutorial success.
We walked throughout the well-known vermilion bridges resulting in the primary corridor, surrounded by plum bushes that Michizane liked throughout his lifetime. When you go to in late February, all the space bursts into pink and white blossoms, making it some of the stunning plum-viewing spots in Kyushu.
Earlier than leaving, we sampled umegae mochi, a grilled rice cake stuffed with candy pink bean paste. It’s the native specialty, and the scent alone will lure you in.
Deal with: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Methods to Get to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: From Hakata Bus Terminal (1F), take the direct native bus to Dazaifu Station. Then stroll for 4 minutes.
22. Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Backyard
Kawachi Fujien and the subsequent merchandise on this listing are two flower parks that we haven’t visited but due to dangerous timing, however these two have at all times been on our bucket listing as a result of, nicely, we love flowers!
They are saying that few locations in Japan can rival the fairytale fantastic thing about Kawachi Fujien in Kitakyushu. This personal backyard is house to certainly one of Japan’s most well-known wisteria tunnels, a walkway draped in cascading purple, pink, and white blossoms. It’s sometimes open to the general public solely throughout wisteria season (late April to early Might), and tickets promote out quick. And that’s the reason, regardless of a number of journeys to Fukuoka, we nonetheless haven’t seen it.
Deal with: Kawachi Wisteria Backyard, 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: For Wisteria season – Late April to early Might, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; For Autumn foliage – Mid-November to early December, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23. Nokonoshima Island
Only a brief ferry trip from the town, Nokonoshima Island is understood for its Nokonoshima Island Park, the place huge fields of flowers bloom year-round — sunflowers in summer time, cosmos in autumn, and poppies and cherry blossoms in spring! And sure, we need to go to it in spring throughout Sakura season, nevertheless it has but to occur.
Deal with: Nokonoshima Island Park, 能古島, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
24. Fukuoka Meals Journey
However one factor we by no means fail to do when in Fukuoka? Eat. A Fukuoka things-to-do listing with out meals? That’s felony! Now we have to speak about meals. Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, that wealthy, creamy pork-bone broth that’s consolation in a bowl. Whether or not it’s on the legendary chain like Ichiran or a neighborhood favourite ramen-ya like Shin Shin, one slurp and also you’ll perceive why this metropolis takes its noodles so significantly.
However don’t cease there. At evening, head to the yatai, open-air meals stalls that pop up alongside the riverbanks, particularly in Nakasu. Right here you may eat like a neighborhood, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, having fun with yakitori, tempura, and ramen below the evening sky.
Meals is the heartbeat of the prefecture. So sure, come for the ramen…however keep for every little thing else. And we’ll be sharing with you a few of the greatest meals locations we tried in our subsequent put up.
25. Buying
We will’t finish this listing with out purchasing. Retail remedy in Japan is at all times enjoyable and rewarding, and the identical holds true for Fukuoka. Inside the metropolis correct, you’ll discover malls and malls, however maybe essentially the most iconic is Canal Metropolis Hakata, an enormous leisure complicated usually known as a “metropolis inside a metropolis.” It’s bought every little thing — retailers, eating places, a theater, a fountain present, even a small river flowing proper by the center. You’ll be able to actually eat ramen, store luxurious manufacturers, and catch a light-weight present with out stepping outdoors.
One factor we haven’t set foot on but however is on our to-visit listing is The Shops Kitakyushu, an open-air complicated that includes prime manufacturers at discounted costs.
And in case you didn’t have time for purchasing, you may perhaps nonetheless do it on the newly renovated Fukuoka Airport’s Obligation Free retailers. It has been expanded to about 4 instances its earlier measurement, reaching roughly 6,000 m². There’s a robust give attention to Japanese manufacturers.
The place to Keep in Fukuoka
The town has two main wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with eating places, purchasing institutions, and lodging. A lot of the sights are discovered on Hakata facet, whereas lots of finances resorts are positioned in Tenjin. Listed below are the highest finances resorts/hostels in Fukuoka as rated by vacationers on-line.
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Updates Log
2025 11 26 – First uploaded
Enhancing and extra writing by: Asta Alvarez
Photographs by: Yosh Dimen, Vins Carlos, and Asta Alvarez
