Sightseeing
Fukuoka, Japan, is a great place to explore and sightsee. There are numerous places to go and things to see, and it will be a sightseeing experience you won’t soon forget! Sites like the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Castle, and Marine World Uminonakamichi are perfect for taking in the true beauty of Fukuoka.
Let’s dive into sightseeing in Fukuoka and get a better look at all the attractions:
Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was established in 919 to commemorate the scholar Sugawara no Michizane. Since then, it has been a significant pilgrimage site in Japan, and people still come to pay their respects to this beloved deity. Visitors can also explore the Natural Monument Foxtail Millet, which grows around this shrine.
The shrine complex covers an area of around 156,000 square meters. It comprises over 20 structures, including its impressive main shrine, several secondary shrines, and other smaller buildings dedicated to different gods and goddesses. In addition, there are several gardens full of exotic plants and trees, a pond with a bustling ecosystem, outdoor sculptures, and more. All of these features make the shrine complex an ideal spot for sightseeing.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is also famous for its yearly festivals from March-April (Hina Matsuri), April (Tenjin Festival), and November, among many others. Visitors can get close to these beautiful shrines and religious rituals during these festivals – an unforgettable experience for those who want to learn more about Japanese culture and history or see something unique!
Explore the Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Fukuoka Castle Ruins is one of the must-visit destinations in Fukuoka, Japan. Located in the city’s center, the ruins of this historic castle offer a great view over Fukuoka and provide interesting stories to tell. It was founded by Otomo Sorin in 1586 and was initially known as Maizuru Castle until its renamed Fukuoka Castle in 1619.
The site offers visitors access to Fukuoka Castle Park, where you can explore the grounds of what used to be a powerful and strategic military ground with 100-meter-high stone walls. Here, you’ll find the reconstructed tower keep ‒ Hikohanemaru ‒ which is currently open as one of Japan’s most renowned museums dedicated to samurai history. You can further explore the nearby ancient moat site with its green spaces and walking trails, perfect for spending an afternoon outing at this tranquil spot.
Be sure also not to miss Kakushin-the Garden. Ninomaru garden planner Satomi Masami designed this invaluable Japanese garden around 1949 on the location of the Otomo clan’s private residence during their rule period. The vast park stretches over 10,000 square meters. It offers visitors picturesque landscapes from all angles infused with subtle, refined Japanese aesthetic senses throughout its layout design, accentuated by various seasonal flowers blooming all year round for your ultimate enjoyment!
Check out the Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower stands high over the Fukuoka skyline, and its iconic view has been broadcast worldwide. Located in Momochihama, its 123-meter observation decks provide an unparalleled 360-degree view of Hakata Bay, Hakata City, and its surroundings.
At night, the illuminated glass panels help create an elegant atmosphere with a rotating beacon on the roof designed to move as if it were alive. During the day, you can take in the stunning beauty of Fukuoka City on clear days up to 80 kilometers away. Be sure to bring a camera and capture an unforgettable moment!
The Interior Observation Floor elevators travel at two meters per second, and it only takes 45 seconds to reach the top. The facility also has a cafe, gift shop, and skywalk for visitors to enjoy refreshments or browse for souvenirs after their visit.
In addition to unparalleled views of Fukuoka City from above, you can take a glass lift from the Lobby Floor down through a beautiful aquarium filled with tropical fish while viewing them from all angles. It is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Japan!
Fukuoka Tower is open 365 days a year, so if you’re visiting Fukuoka, be sure not to miss out on checking out this amazing landmark!
Shopping
Fukuoka is one of the most dynamic shopping destinations in Japan. From traditional markets and trendy shopping malls to luxury boutiques, you will find something to suit your taste and budget.
Here are some of the best places to shop in Fukuoka that you should not miss out on:
Shop at Canal City Hakata
Canal City Hakata is the symbol building of Fukuoka and is located in the Tenjin district near JR Hakata Station and Kuko Subway Station. It is one of Japan’s largest shopping complexes, with over 250 stores selling Japanese and international brands. Shopping, dining, leisure, entertainment, and cinema are all available at Canal City.
For fashion lovers, Canal City offers dozens of international fashion brands like UNIQLO and GAP for contemporary casuals and exclusive designer labels KENZO and ARMANI JEANS for classier dresses or suits. In addition, many unique shops also represent Fukuoka’s specialty at ‘Fukuoka 100’ located inside Canal City. Furthermore, it is a great place to find traditional handmade crafts, such as lacquerware made from local materials or clothing influenced by Japanese cultures, like kimonos or obi belts.
Aside from shopping, the complex has many attractions, such as a theater with all-ages features; a variety of restaurants ranging from stylish cafes to trendy fast-food chains; video games for older children; and two luxurious movie theaters equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories (an additional fee applies). Lastly, there are two beautifully landscaped roof gardens for visitors to enjoy sweeping views over Fukuoka city. Therefore Canal City Hakata offers something for everyone, and it is worth visiting if you want to experience different entertainment experiences in one place!
Visit the Hakata Machiya Furusatokan
Experience a piece of Fukuoka’s past and visit the Hakata Machiya Furusatokan. This outstanding historical landmark is located in the Hakata area of Fukuoka, just a few minutes from the main shopping and entertainment district. The Furusatokan comprises an old-style Japanese grocery store, several Japanese souvenir shops, and a traditional restaurant serving delicious local food.
Take some time to visit this unique landmark. Inside the restored wooden house, you will find a rare collection of antiques, ceramics, and kimonos dating back to 1882. Then, wander through the shelves filled with Japanese snacks, teas, and spices that reflect Japan’s culture and tradition. You will also be able to try out your bartering skills at the souvenir shop – bargaining with the friendly owner for a bargain!
Stop by for lunch or dinner at Finette-ya – an authentic restaurant serving delicious Fukuoka specialties such as tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko udon, and steamed pork buns. Each meal has complimentary tea and a fantastic view from its rooftop terrace.
To round off your day, why not pick up some sweet treats like sugar pancakes or sweet bean paste from Myojinmae Ohagi Shop to take home as souvenirs?
Whatever you decide to do, your experience at Hakata Machiya Furusatokan will surely be enjoyable!
Browse through the Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall
Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall is a great place to shop in Fukuoka. Located directly beneath the Tenjin Core shopping mall, this underground shopping destination offers locals and tourists various shops, eateries, and leisure spots.
The mall is composed of four different zones, including:
- Tenjin Core Hall with major stores such as Yahoo! Shopping, UNIQLO, and ABC Mart.
- Fukuoka Food Hall, where you can buy food products directly from local producers.
- Premium Place, which houses many upscale boutiques.
- Lifestyle Place offers visitors services like bars, cafes, and karaoke houses.
In addition to commercially available items such as clothes, household goods, and electronics, the underground mall also features unique products from local artisans only found in Fukuoka. So whether you’re looking for souvenirs or unusual items to take home, Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall will surely have something to offer!
Food
Fukuoka is known for its delicious food, so it is a great place to go if you want a food experience. From traditional dishes like ramen and tonkatsu to street food like motsunabe, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fukuoka.
Let’s explore the many options available to you in this vibrant city:
Try the Hakata Ramen
Fukuoka in Japan is famous for its Hakata ramen, made with pork bone-based soup, thin noodles, and various toppings. The signature taste of Fukuoka ramen comes from the combination of these flavorful ingredients and the unique blend of lightly seasoned toppings like green onions, pork chashu, and bean sprouts.
The base broth of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is usually prepared over several hours on the stove. As it cooks, collagen from the pork bones breaks down into gelatin, giving the broth its distinctive taste and texture. Toppings are added afterward, depending on individual preferences.
Hakata ramen has become so popular around Japan that it can also be found in many convenience stores. However, nothing beats trying a bowl at one of the local shops to truly appreciate its distinct taste!
Sample the Local Seafood
Fukuoka is well known for its seafood, with abundant species found in its waters, given the proximity to the Genkai Sea. Much of Fukuoka’s seafood cuisine is prepared in Kyushu style, including local spices and flavors.
One great way to taste local cuisine is at a Tsukko meshi (literally meaning “seafood rice”) restaurant. Here you can sample many kinds of seafood over boiled white rice – from grilled sea bass served with salt and lemon to deep-fried scallop dumplings and various sashimi plates.
Fukuoka is also known for its rich food culture, which includes regional specialties such as:
- Beef tongue hotpot
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
- Uguisu-jiru (warbler soup)
- and many more.
It’s worth a visit to sample all the delicious Japanese dishes you will find!
Enjoy the Street Food of Nakasu
Nakasu is one of the oldest sections of Fukuoka, Japan, an exciting city full of life and culture. With bustling streets filled to the brim with restaurants, shops, and other attractions, it’s no wonder many visitors flock to this area to experience all it offers.
A vibrant food scene featuring some of Fukuoka’s best street food is among it all. Try mouth-watering yakitori and takoyaki skewers directly from a grill, or try your hand at okonomiyaki – a savory cabbage pancake with toppings like shrimp or pork belly. For dessert, indulge in a freshly baked fish-shaped cake filled with custard or houjicha (roasted green tea) ice cream swirled in an artfully crafted cone.
There are plenty of stalls around Nakasu, so take your time exploring each one – or walk around and find something new! From comforting ramen noodles to chef’s specialties like foie gras sushi rolls, every bite will transport you deeper into all Fukuoka offers.
Culture
Fukuoka, Japan, is known for its culture and rich heritage. From the iconic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to the renowned Fukuoka Castle Park, Fukuoka is a destination that will impress any culture enthusiast.
In this section, we will explore the various cultural sites and activities that Fukuoka has to offer:
Attend a Sumo Tournament
Attending a sumo tournament is one of Fukuoka’s most memorable and exciting experiences. Sumo wrestling is beyond a sport – it is a part of Japan’s cultural identity and heritage.
At an official sumo tournament called Grand Sumo (Ōzumō), you can experience how it feels to watch two highly trained rikishi fight each other for pride, identity, and championship. It comprises six tournaments (honbasho) each year, held in three different cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Each tournament lasts 15 days and therefore has many tickets to sell; daily tickets are available at the venue or online.
The atmosphere of these tournaments is electric – passionate fans cheer their heroes on with loud vigor while audience members dress up in traditional garbs such as yukata or happi coats. A unique ritual also takes place before each bout, called dohyo-iri. This ceremony involves two wrestlers stepping into the ring with fabulous costumes to perform traditional yet intimidating movements while making allowances for ancient Shinto gods who are believed to oversee these events.
Whether looking for cultural enrichment or an adventure, attending an official sumo tournament in Fukuoka will prove the most rewarding!
Visit the Fukuoka City Museum
The Fukuoka City Museum is a must-see attraction in Fukuoka, Japan. Located in the Hakata area of the city, this state-of-the-art museum allows visitors to explore the vibrant culture and history of the area.
The building itself is designed to reflect both traditional and modern elements of architecture, with large glass windows offering beautiful views of the nearby mountains. In addition, visitors can discover spectacular permanent exhibitions showcasing archaeological artifacts, materials about local cultural events such as Dontaku and Kawazufuri festivals, and movies on traditional industry themes ranging from ceramics to shipbuilding.
This unique museum also boasts special exhibitions featuring rotating displays from various historical periods and temporary dramatic installations ranging from movie props to engaging art showcases. Additionally, hands-on workshops are held daily so guests can more deeply connect with each theme the museum presents.
Open from 9:30 am – 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (excluding holidays), the Fukuoka City Museum promises an unforgettable experience for tourists learning more about Japan’s rich culture and history.
Explore the Ohori Park
Ohori Park is a beautiful, sprawling urban park in Fukuoka’s center. Visitors will find a variety of attractions to explore, including several ponds and an artificial lake surrounded by trees and walking paths. Guided boat tours are available and provide idyllic views of the park’s lush greenery.
For visitors looking to experience the park on foot, plenty of trails loop around the lake, taking in wooden bridges and traditional Japanese temples. For those feeling adventurous, Ohori Park also has a walking pond path stretching around it that takes approximately one hour to complete.
Finally, visitors can finish their exploration by strolling through Ohori’s picturesque Japanese gardens, which feature thousands of vibrant blooming flowers in springtime, or enjoy its seasonal firework displays on summer nights.
Nightlife
Fukuoka has a lively nightlife, with plenty of options for visitors. If you want a lively izakaya, a delicious yakitori, or a high-end sushi restaurant, Fukuoka can provide it all. There are also plenty of bars, clubs, and other venues to explore, making Fukuoka an excellent destination for nightlife.
Here, we will discuss the best nightlife spots to check out in Fukuoka and what to expect:
Party at the Fukuoka Red Light District
Fukuoka, Japan, is famous for its vibrant nightlife and numerous entertainment spots, particularly the red light district. The area has an exciting mix of nightclubs and bars that come alive after dark, providing fun options for anyone looking to party or let loose. So whether you’re an old hand in the industry or just getting your feet wet in the adult entertainment scene, this unique neighborhood provides plenty of opportunities to sample a different kind of nightlife.
The Fukuoka Red Light District is a lively place known for its bar-hopping and clubbing culture. There are several distinct areas depending on your interests: the Shinsekai area for its trendy clubs, the Nakasu nightlife center full of clubs, wild bars, and Latin-American restaurants; and Tenjin, where you can find upscale hostess clubs and exotic tea houses with live DJs playing amplified music at excessive volumes.
No matter what time or where people prefer to spend their night in Fukuoka’s Red Light District, they can always find something to do. From all-night clubbing events at unique venues that transform into full-blown dance parties that don’t stop until morning dawns; Karaoke bars and other lively establishments along Nakasu – there are plenty of ways to ensure visitors have a memorable evening no matter what it is they’re looking for!
Go Bar-hopping in Tenjin
Tenjin is the city center of Fukuoka, Japan, and it’s a great place to go bar-hopping. A lively area filled with hip, trendy restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs – there’s no shortage of choices for a great time.
One of Tenjin’s most famous bar streets is the Nakasu district, full of small standing bars called “izakaya.” Here you can find a variety of drinks at low prices, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a night out on the town. Moving away from Nakasu and towards Tenjin Subway Station are several larger bars that appeal to more mature customers. You will find more elegant drinking spots, live music performances, and sophisticated cocktails here.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a unique experience, check out Kawabata Street – home to quirkier establishments! From karaoke bars featuring adults busting out ABBA hits to arcade game sites complete with claw machines – this street provides plenty of special evening activities.
Whether looking for an unforgettable night or browsing around to see what catches your eye – Tenjin has something fun waiting around every corner!
Enjoy a Night at the Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome
The Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome is the city’s premier sports and entertainment destination. Located just next to the city center, this 33,000-seat dome is home to various events and often hosts top international performers. Enjoy the best of Japanese baseball at a home game for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, cheer on your favorite teams or musicians from around the world, or take in a show of up-and-coming talent from Japan and abroad.
As well as its sporting program, you’ll also find shopping within the venue, including an opportunity to purchase souvenirs and event merchandise. Plus, with its ample parking reserve around the facility’s exterior, it is also an accessible destination for those in cars! And if you’re feeling hungry during your evening, there are plenty of food options, including fan favorites such as churros and takoyaki (octopus balls).
The atmosphere in this area at night is electric: with thousands gathering together to celebrate their common cause, there’s no better place than here to experience Fukuoka’s exciting nightlife. Whether it be music fans gathered to sing along to their favorite tunes or baseball fanatics paying homage to their beloved team, you will surely be captivated by what you see here regardless of why you visit!
So come down and experience one of Japan’s most iconic nightlife spots – the Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome – it won’t disappoint!