Do you want to come to Kyushu Island via the main city of Fukuoka? Then you have come to the right place!
Indeed, you should know that I had the opportunity to visit Fukuoka 2 times.
The first time I had the opportunity to do Kumamoto and Kagoshima that I recommend during your trip to Kyushu. I stayed exactly 1 week in the prefecture.
The second time was to leave in the direction ofOkinawa Island for 1 week.
So these two times I went to Fukuoka, I took the opportunity to visit the main tourist sites as well as places remote enough to get off the beaten track a bit.
I really enjoyed this city, which I appreciate so much for its conviviality and a really friendly population.
I am going to give you my best places to visit as well as my advice to allow you to make the most of the city, which in my opinion is one of my favorites.
Throughout this article, some links are affiliate links. By booking your tickets or accommodations through my links, I receive a commission, but in no way affects the price you pay.
So if you want to support me so that I can help you in your future trips to Asia, I would be very happy!
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What to do in Fukuoka
Before we get into the details for each recommendation, here's a list of things to do in Fukuoka:
- Kushida Shrine
- Canal City Hakata
- Tochoji Temple and the surrounding neighborhood
- Ohori Park
- The Forest Fukuoka teamLab
- Dazaifu Shrine
If you are the type of person who visits places quickly, then 2 days will be enough to see everything. If not, I recommend staying 3 full days to really enjoy your visits at your own pace.
Kushida Shrine
Kushida-jinja, as it's called here, is mostly known for the festival Hakata Gion Yamakasa, one of the most spectacular events in the region. Every year in July, teams of men transport beautifully decorated floats through the streets.
The sanctuary itself is steeped in history and traditions. Founded in 757, it is dedicated to Amaterasu and Susano, important deities of Shintoism. At the entrance, you will be greeted by a magnificent torii gate and majestic ancient trees.
Despite its popularity, Kushida-jinja remains a quiet place where you can recharge your batteries. Locals often come to pray for good fortune, health, and success in their businesses.
Solo Backpacker review : I recommend visiting at night because there are a lot fewer people, especially since the calm allows you to better enjoy the atmosphere of the sanctuary. Besides, the next time I come back, participate in the festival HAkata Gion Yamakasa is on my to-do list!
Canal City Hakata
Canal City Hakata is a bit like a city within a city. Imagine a gigantic shopping center with stores for all tastes, from international brands to local shops. But what makes it truly unique is the artificial canal that runs through the complex, adding a touch of charm to the place.
One of the particularities that deserves to come and visit the place is the fountain show that takes place every hour. The water jets dance to the rhythm of the music and the lights. It's super fun to watch, especially at night when everything is illuminated.
Solo Backpacker review : The night visit is also preferred, because the atmosphere is really nice. Locals often come here to shop and hang out with friends. Right next door you have the canal with the stands called Yatai on an entire street. This is an opportunity to see the neighborhood on its big evenings with the illuminated decorations making the visit even better!
Tochoji Temple and Gion District
If you like to discover new temples and stroll through the traditional streets of Fukuoka, then Tochoji Temple and the Gion district are among the things to visit at least once.
Founded in 806 by the monk Kobo Daishi, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Fukuoka.
It is located in the heart of downtown and overlooking the main street.
Also, don't miss the temple's five-story pagoda, a magnificent example of traditional Japanese architecture.
Right next door is the Gion district. It is an old neighborhood that has retained its charm of yesteryear. As you stroll through the alleys, you will discover small craft shops, quaint cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy local dishes.
Not far from the neighborhood is a local ramen restaurant where only locals come to enjoy the peace and, of course, for its famous Fukuoka ramen: it happens in”In the 39th district”.
Solo Backpacker review : If you want to enjoy a good meditative walk in peace, I advise you to go early in the morning. You can then enjoy every moment of your visit without tourists bothering you.
Ohori Park
Ohori Park is a huge green space that surrounds a beautiful lake. It is a real haven of peace in the city center, ideal for escaping the urban hustle and bustle.
Similar to New York's “Central Park”, it is the largest park in Fukuoka City.
You can go for a walk or bike ride, go pedal boating on the lake or enjoy having a picnic when the weather is nice.
There is also an arched bridge that crosses the middle of the lake so you can stroll with a magnificent view at the end of the city.
To get there, take the subway and Get off at Ohori Park Station (Fukuoka Art Museum).
Solo Backpacker review : For now, I really recommend going there, just to relax for a coffee break for example. I left at night because my Japanese friend took me there to talk while walking. It is a very quiet place where locals come to jog.
The Forest Fukuoka teamLab
You have certainly already seen a very famous experimental museum in Japan on the Internet or on social networks. As soon as you enter, you are immersed in a world of light, color, and movement.
This museum is not only present in Tokyo, but also in Fukuoka! Many tourists who come to Japan necessarily pass by this museum for its futuristic side.
Do not wait until you are there to get your tickets, because in the vast majority of cases, the tickets sell out very quickly.
So I recommend buying them in advance on Klook. It is a famous platform in Asia offering outings and activities for tourists.
In this case, Klook offers you here to book your tickets for TeamLab Forest Fukuoka in advance for a price of €14.
How do I get there? : take the subway and Get off at Tojinmachi station.
Solo Backpacker review : It was a museum that I wanted to do but due to lack of time, I had to resign myself to having to review my plans at the last minute. But from what little I heard thanks to the meetings I had in the guesthouse, many recommended that I do it after doing it. It's something you have to do at least once in a lifetime.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure venerated as the god of literature and education. As soon as you arrive, you are greeted by a majestic torii gate and an alley lined with plum trees.
One thing in particular to know about this shrine is to see students come and pray to pass their exams. They write their wishes on “ema”, these small wooden plaques, and hang them around the sanctuary.
The neighborhood around the sanctuary is just as charming. There are plenty of shops selling traditional souvenirs and local delicacies, such as Umegae Mochi, small rice cakes filled with red bean paste.
How do I get there? : Getting to Dazaifu Tenmangu may seem easy on Google Maps, but it really isn't. Indeed, you will have to take the local train from the station Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
The most complicated thing is to find the entrance to the station. Indeed, you will have to take the escalators in a large building. The signs will allow you to find the right way to the train in question.
Then, you will have to choose the train that leaves in the direction of Dazaifu Station.
Solo Backpacker review : The shrine is a recommendation from my Japanese friend. It was only during my second stay in Fukuoka that I was able to do it, and honestly, it is a very beautiful sanctuary with historical charm.
You really feel the traditional aspect that has continued over time. Many Shinto people organize events to help people discover the Shinto religion. It is not for nothing that a lot of tourists come to Dazaifu. However, I recommend going early in the morning to avoid a crowd.
Where to eat in Fukuoka?
There are lots of places to eat in Fukuoka. Given the size of the city, you'll find them on almost every corner.
So how do you find THE right restaurants in a local atmosphere?
In this section, I am going to give you my 3 favorite restaurants that I tested by myself.
Ramen 39
How not to start with what is considered to be the specialty of Fukuoka? I am talking about ramen!
Located about 15 minutes on foot from Hakata Station, Ramen 39, or”In the 39th city”, is one of the neighborhood restaurants where only locals come to eat a bowl of ramen for a very affordable price.
A Chashu Ramen (see photo above) costs 750 yen. And for a few cents more, you can ask for a runny egg, an extra portion of noodles for less than 100 yen.
It's really cheap considering the low rate at the time I'm writing this article.
Solo Backpacker review : If you want to eat Ramen 39, chances are you'll queue up, as a lot of locals come there for lunch or dinner. Unfortunately, no reservations are possible.
I advise you to stay close to the ramen if you want to be among the first and try this famous ramen. Take a look at my favorite guesthouse which is Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship.
Frisco Burger
Here we are not going to talk about Japanese food. We're going in the direction of American culture with a burger worthy of the name: it's at Frisco Burger That you have to go.
If you have already watched The video by a famous YouTuber named Tev, also known as Ici Japon, so you'll understand why I went to Fukuoka to try a burger.
Located in the lively Tenjin district, the stall is at the end of an apartment corridor and which, in my opinion, is quite difficult to see.
Take a close look for a sign with a burger logo displayed right outside the apartment.
Frisco is a small establishment that can accommodate a few people. The interior is very cozy, and you can really smell the steak cooked in a wood fire, which makes you even more hungry.
Everything is done in front of your eyes by the owner. We see him really focused on preparing the burger which makes the experience very intriguing.
In total, count about 1000 yen to enjoy this famous burger that everyone is talking about.
Solo Backpacker review : I find the burger a real success. You can really feel the taste of grilled steak, while each ingredient that makes it up blends well. It is simple and pleasant in the mouth. However, I think that a little extra sauce would be perfect to make up for the volume of salad.
The Yatai along the canal
Fukuoka is best known for its traditional dishes including Hakata ramen, Karashi Mentaiko or meat kebabs.
There are several restaurants that offer these dishes, but if you want to experience al fresco dining with the locals, head straight to the Yatai.
Sit at the counter and the cook will take your order as if you were in a bar!
Take a seat in a Yatai that seems to catch your eye and take a look at the menu. Many of them will offer you a menu in English. Then let yourself be overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere that emanates from it.
Count about 1500 yen to eat well in a Yatai: kebabs, oden, beers are among the things that are the most offered.
Don't hesitate to talk to your neighbours at the table, because there is nothing better than sharing good times over good food in a candid way!
Solo Backpacker review : The Yatai open in the evening. So I recommend walking around the city and getting close to the canal where the big shopping center Canal City Fukuoka is located. The whole atmosphere is concentrated in this area.
Where to stay in Fukuoka?
If there is one accommodation that I can recommend to you to spend your nights, it is at Fukuoka Guesthouse SHIP.
I met super welcoming staff members there until I even made a real friend later!
The atmosphere is very friendly. We come to talk around the table and have a good time getting to know each other until sometimes remaking the world. Just that.
Book Fukuoka Guesthouse SHIP for your 2-3 day itinerary
But what I appreciate above all is the cleanliness of the place, and located in a residential area. So it is a very quiet place and out of tourist areas. And that is exactly what I am looking for in a guesthouse.
Rates vary from day to day, but on average, you have to count around 3500 yen per night, which is very reasonable in view of the service we are offered.
The only downside is that the guesthouse is not next to the city center either. That is the only quid pro quo.
Conclusion
Now that you know almost everything about the things to do and the restaurants to try out, I invite you to plan your own itinerary of what you really want to do.
I made sure to show you Fukuoka in my own way and in an honest way so that you have a first idea of what awaits you if you want to spend a few days there.
In any case, I particularly like this city because I created memorable memories there by rubbing shoulders with magnificent people in the guesthouse. Perhaps that is also why I place it among my favorite cities!
