One of Japan’s largest cities and Kyūshū’s cultural hub, Fukuoka is a fine foodie place, with a rich mix of historic temples, gorgeous green parks and shopping malls galore.
From Fukuoka’s famous ‘yatai’ food stalls (open outside no matter what the weather) to historic castle ruins, there are plenty of things to do in Fukuoka, Japan – not to mention catching a baseball game at the Fukuoka Dome.
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Be sure to visit Nanzoin Temple and see Japan’s largest Reclining Buddha high in the hills or simply go shopping at Canal City Hakata or at the classic, covered Kawabata Shopping Arcade.
From teamlabs to observation towers, museums to Melody Bridge, these are the best things to do in Fukuoka, Japan in 2024.
Japan checklist
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For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
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How to get around Fukuoka
Fukuoka has a fantastic public transport network with buses, trains and 3 subway lines so getting around the city is easy.
There is also an open top sightseeing bus with three different guided sightseeing tour routes around the city. Each tour costs 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children, find out more on their official website >
Fukuoka Accommodation
Budget ($)
WeBase HAKATA
Highly rated hostel with both private rooms and dorms, located a 3 minute walk a subway station. Facilities include a co-working space, kitchen and laundry. Check rates and availability for WeBase HAKATA
Mid-Range – Expensive ($$)
Amistad Hotel Fukuoka
3-star aparthotel with large rooms and fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Check rates and availability for Amistad Hotel Fukuoka
Luxury ($$$)
Miyako Hotel Hakata
Stylish and modern 5 star hot spring hotel located a 2 minute walk from Hakata train station. Facilities include an onsite restaurant, cocktail bar, cafe and a rooftop pool with hot tub. Check rates and availability for Miyako Hotel Hakata
Check out the best hotels in Fukuoka via Booking.com >
Things to do in Fukuoka
1. Nanzoin Temple
A beautiful Buddhist temple in Fukuoka, Nanzoin Temple is best known for its big bronze Reclining Buddha, which is possibly the largest bronze statue in the world.
Founded in 1889 and located in lush woodland a short train ride away from Fukuoka, Nanzoin Temple is a peaceful place with lots of smaller shrines, torii gates and woodland walks to discover.
Over 40 metres long in length and weighing over 300 tonnes, here is our guide to visiting the Nanzoin Temple including directions >
Try this – Top 10 Fukuoka tours with Viator or Klook
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2. Go to a Fukuoka Baseball Game
Baseball in Fukuoka is big business and the city’s most popular sport. So if you happen to be visiting Fukuoka during the Japanese Baseball season (usually March to October), you must purchase SoftBank Hawks tickets and make a home-run to Fukuoka Mizuho PayPay Dome.
Fukuoka baseball tickets can easily be bought by foreigners or visitors online or in person at the Fukuoka Dome Box Office.
We watched the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks play at the Mizuho PayPay Dome buying our tickets from Klook and it was one of our best nights in Japan.
From ticket prices to food and drink plus live entertainment and mascots, here is our guide to getting Fukuoka baseball tickets plus what to expect at the Fukuoka Dome >
You might also like our guide to Tokyo baseball tickets and going to the Tokyo Dome >
3. Fukuoka Yatai street-food stalls
Head to Nakasu at night to enjoy an epicurean experience in these famous Fukuoka street-tents and outdoor food stalls, open until the wee small hours.
Found on the riverbanks in all weathers just next to Nakasu Island (plus scattered all over the city), the yatai stalls are synonymous with Fukuoka’s food scene.
The riverside ones are the most frequented; expect to queue up for the more popular stalls with a menu to browse whilst in line.
From yakitori skewers to fresh seafood plus winter warmers like ramen and oden, the Fukuoka yatai stalls usually open around dusk until after midnight – as ever, all the food is best served with cold beer or sake. Kanpai!
You might like – Our guide to Japan’s 35 top tastiest foods >
4. Fukuoka Tower
For the best views of Fukuoka from up high, head up to the 120 metre high observation deck, part of the 240 metre tall Fukuoka Tower.
Providing panoramic views of Hakata Bay with Marizon island and sandy beach below, we really lucked out when we visited Fukuoka Tower as the weather was perfect and we could see all along the coast.
As you’d expect, as well as views and telescopes to peer through, there are lots of kitsch attractions in the viewing deck like selfie spots or a love heart where you can add your own padlock (at a price).
There is also a small cafe and seating area at the top should you want some brews with views. Fukuoka Tower admission price is quite reasonable costing 800 Yen per adult.
Skip the queue and get your Fukuoka Tower admission tickets here >
5. Kushida Shrine
Founded in 757 AD (and mainly rebuilt in the 1580s), Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka’s top temples with huge grounds and several halls to explore. We were also lucky enough to visit during sakura season / cherry blossom time so the shrine looked pretty in pink.
One of the most unique features is the huge tower that holds the colorful Hakata Gion Yamakasa parade floats, one of Fukuoka’s biggest religious festivals which takes place during the first two weeks of July.
There are seven parade floats in total, which seem to be on display in various parts of the city (we saw another in the Kawabata Shopping Arcade).
Inside Kushida, there are lots of smaller statues (including a peeing boy – how very Belgian!) plus shops where you can buy religious items and random fortunes.
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6. Canal City Hakata Shopping Mall
Located by the river, this is the largest shopping mall in Fukuoka. Whilst the Canal City Hakata mall feels quite dated, it is a good place for big international brands and Japanese chain shops, from a super cute Studio Ghibli Donguri Republic store to a Namco Bandai Cross gachapon store.
Fashion brands include GAP, Levis, ABC Mart and Muji, plus there are lots of local and Japanese chain restaurants to choose from.
The naffness continues with a regular light show and fountain display at Canal City Hakata (possibly the worst fountain show we’ve ever seen – so only watch if you already happen to be there).
Canal City Hakata is open daily from 10am to 9pm for shopping, and from 11am to 11pm for food and drink / restaurants. Individual business opening hours may vary.
Read more in our guide to Canal City Hakata mall >
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7. Tochoji Temple
A big and beautiful five storey pagoda is the landmark feature of Tochoji Temple, established in 808AD and the oldest Shingon shrine in Kyushu.
As well as a magnificent main hall which is free to visit, Tochoji Temple is also famous for the Fukuoka Great Buddha (‘Daibutsu’) which is almost 11 meters high and the tallest seated Buddha in Japan.
If you planning on seeing the Reclining Buddha in nearby Nanzoin Temple, this is a nice companion piece to visit.
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8. Ohori Park
We adore Ohori Park – a huge park and pond area close to Fukuoka Park Museum. You can walk around the water on pathways with ornate bridges or hire a swan pedalo and explore on the water.
We didn’t rent a swan pedalo ourselves but they are incredibly popular, although some locals seem to have trouble navigating them, running aground on a nearby bank – so get pedaling fast.
Popular with local families for picnics plus full of joggers and ramblers, Ohori means ‘moat’ in Japanese and this park was once part of nearby Fukuoka Castle’s moat network.
As well as lots of birds and wildfowl, there are also several piers and pagodas over the lake which make for nice photo points or snacking spots.
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9. Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park
Free to visit, Maizuru is a sprawling park that was once home to Fukuoka Castle, but now lies in ruins with lots of walls still up that you can climb up (great views of the Fukuoka skyline too).
Most of the remaining buildings are the castle towers or guards’ quarters plus the foundations of an old ancient guest house were recently uncovered.
The original Fukuoka Castle was built in the early 1600s but eventually torn down in the 1870s in protest at the Japanese feudal system and commencement of the Meiji Era.
Maizuru Park itself still has a waterway that was part of the Fukuoka Castle moat system and is a cherry blossom hotspot in the spring months.
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10. Momochihama Beach
Best combined with Fukuoka Tower (which also offers incredible views of the beach below), Momochi Seaside Park is a pleasant coastal stroll with small but sandy beaches and several beachfront bars and restaurants.
Fukuoka on sea, Momochihama Beach is perhaps best known for Marizon, an island popular for weddings plus several restaurants and food kiosks on the pier out front – the ice creams here were very popular.
From the ferry port here, you can go across the bay to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and ride on the peninsula bicycle track there.
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11. Shofukuji Temple
A blissful Buddhist temple in Fukuoka, Shofukuji was established in the 12th century and is said to be Japan’s first Zen temple.
Very different from any other temple we’ve been to in Fukuoka, Shofukuji is a very tranquil spot with simplistic design and paved gardens and little ponds. Whilst you are free to explore the outer area, the main temple itself is closed to the public.
The Shofukuji Temple has several huge wooden gates to enter / exit through, the largest of which is the Sanmon Gate. When we visited, we only saw one other couple the whole of the time we were there so we found it very quiet during the week.
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12. Shin Shin Famous Fukuoka Ramen
Fukuoka is the birthplace of ramen in Japan and there are many rather refreshing ramen restaurants (try saying that after several sakes!) in Fukuoka.
However, perhaps the most famous ramen restaurant in Fukuoka (with several branches) is Shin Shin Ramen, with a rich bone broth and flavourful bowls of noodles.
In fact, it is so popular that we once witnessed a queue outside a ShinShin ramen statue at lunch that was probably an hour long, with students and salarymen rubbing shoulders, in their desire for delicious ramen and their signature dish, Hakata Shin Shin Ramen.
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13. Hakata Farmers market
Our trip to Fukuoka coincided with the monthly Hakata Farmers Market, held for four days each month (Wednesday to Sunday – usually the middle of the month) outside Hakata JR train station.
The station concourse is transformed into a Fukuoka farmyard of stalls, with around 60 kiosks and vans selling fresh produce, artisan food and delicious drinks.
Incidentally, if the Hakata Farmers Market isn’t during your trip, there are lots of fine restaurants to enjoy inside Hakata JR Station.
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14. Kawabata Shopping Arcade
A covered historic parade of shops, izakayas and food stalls, Kawabata Shopping Arcade has been around for almost 140 years and comprises around 150 businesses all under one roof.
Here you’ll find everything from traditional Hakata cuisine and fine Fukuoka food at restaurants like Isomaru Suisan Nakasu Kawabata and Takenoya Kawabata (yum yum yakitori) to souvenir and second-hand thrift stores.
Inside Kawabata Shopping Arcade, you’ll also see one of the colourful and huge Hakata Gion Yamakasa floats being stored (which is paraded around the city in July) next to a cute little coffee shop – talk about a cool co-working space!
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15. Fukuoka Art Museum
Located near the water’s edge in Ohori Park, Fukuoka Art Museum hosts temporary exhibitions alongside permanent galleries, a rich mix of traditional Buddhist and Asian artworks alongside more ‘surreal’ paintings like Dali.
Since the museum opened in 1979, it has acquired over 17,00 pieces and is one of Japan’s foremost art museums.
Inside as well as a cafe and restaurant, you’ll find a gorgeous gift shop plus a children’s play space, “Seeds of Life” created by artist Ohgi Kanae.
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16. Sumiyoshi Jinja shrine
A sublime Shinto shrine, this is a popular place to get married (we saw such a wedding blessing taking place) and one of the lesser visited Fukuoka shrines.
It was established around 2,000 years ago and is the oldest Sumiyoshi shrine in Japan (there are several).
The current main shrine was rebuilt in 1623 and the site is very peaceful, with trees, torii gates plus several stalls to buy blessings and random fortunes.
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17. Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum
Built in 1909 and a former life insurance building, take a step back in time at the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum (AKA the Fukuoka Akarenga Cultural Center).
This is a free to visit museum and heritage site that is quite small but with super friendly staff (we communicated in smiles).
It only took us about 5 minutes to look at all the rooms but it is well done with a cute cafe and old workshop on the first floor and several preserved meeting rooms upstairs.
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18. Tenjin Underground Shopping Center
We visited Fukuoka in spring time and we found the weather to be quite hit and miss – lovely and sunny some days, rainy and miserable the others.
Luckily, Fukuoka has several underground shopping malls which are ideal for all weather shopping including Tenjin Underground Shopping Center, the largest underground mall in Fukuoka (and the whole of Kyushu).
Tenjin Underground Shopping Center has a dozen avenues and streets of shops, kiosks, cafes and restaurants – it is huge!
What we really liked about this particular underground mall in Fukuoka is the ornate ceilings and the Italian glass roof structures and decorations which were manufactured in Milan – swish!
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19. Mandarake Fukuoka
Mandarake stores in Japan are otaku heaven – from second hand games to retro toys, Mandarake is one of Japan’s most famous second hand and used good shops.
Mandarake is one of the biggest second-hand retailers in Japan with shops in all the big Japanese cities including Kyoto, Sapporo, Osaka and Tokyo.
Of all the Mandarakes we went to in Japan (and it was a lot!), this had one of the best retro movie and TV collections of anywhere we’d been, from James Bond to Gremlins.
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20. teamLab Forest Fukuoka
The digital art museum teamLab Planets is one of Japan’s most famous immersive experiences so make sure you check out teamLab Forest Fukuoka, one of the best things to do in Fukuoka (especially with families).
Using state of the art projection mapping and digital technology, immerse yourself in two themed, interactive zones. The Forest of Motion where awesome artwork comes to life or “Catch and Collect Forest”, where visitors can use an app to capture then release cute creatures.
Located inside the “Boss E.ZO FUKUOKA” complex at MIZUHO PayPay DOME Fukuoka, this could be a good one to combine with a Fukuoka Softbank Hawks baseball game who also play at the dome.
Skip the queue and get your teamLab Forest Fukuoka tickets with Klook >
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21. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
A little way out of downtown Fukuoka on its own ‘island (well, peninsula)’, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a cute place to explore with seasonal displays of flowers and beautiful blooms.
It is easily one of the best places for cherry blossoms in Fukuoka – happy hanamai hunting!
With admission costing 450 Yen, the best way to explore Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is by bicycle or tandem around the dedicated cycling course. A great view to enjoy the ocean breeze and get your vitamin ‘sea’, the loop takes about 30 minutes to cycle around.
To get to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, it is a short walk from JR Saitozaki Station, which takes around 40 mins from Hakata Station (change at Kashii Station).
22. Nakasu Entertainment District
One of Fukuoka’s more naughty and hedonistic night-time areas, Nakasu is the heart and soul of the area’s dive bars and go-go bars in Fukuoka at night.
Best described as a heady mix of sass and seediness, a lot of the bars in the Nakasu area are quite ‘adult focused’ and many (but not all) of the clubs have girls dressed in outfits beckoning you in or handing out flyers.
Be aware that many bars in Fukuoka Nakasu have an admission fee or minimum spend. Whilst nothing on the scale of say Shinjuku / Kabukicho in Tokyo, it does seem a bit on the seedy side (lots of ‘red lights’) and it got tiring trying to be enticed in.
There is lots of security outside most ‘entertainment’ establishments so it is fairly safe but still best to be aware of your surroundings if walking through here at night.
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23. Fukuoka’s Xylophone Bridge / Melody Bridge at Nanzoin
One of the more unusual things to do in Fukuoka, next to Nanzoin Temple, there is a xylophone bridge known as the Melody Bridge (メロディー・ブリッジ) which goes across the local Tatara River.
If you want to play it (musical eh), be sure to bring your own ‘mallets’ as we couldn’t see any on our visit – each of the metal musical pieces have the notes etched on the side.
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24. Don Quijote Fukuoka – various branches
Don Quijote Japan discount department stores are home to thousands of items generally at low prices, from Pocky to fake food, Hello Kitty to Kit Kats (plus more interesting ‘adult sections’ featuring TENGA).
There are a couple of branches in downtown Fukuoka – Don Quijote Nakasu and Don Quijote Fukuoka Tenjin Honten, plus a bigger Mega Donki on the outskirts – MEGA Don Quijote Fukuoka-Nakagawa.
These are all open 24 hours a day so they are great for shopping at night in Fukuoka.
You might like our ultimate guide to Don Quijote stores or our visit to Japan’s only Don Quijote ferris wheel in Osaka.
Do you love all things Don Quijote and Don Don Donki? Join our Donki Fans Facebook group!
Our final thing to do in Fukuoka
25. Hakata Port Tower
One of Fukuoka’s observation decks, Hakata Port Tower is 100 metres high and has panoramic port views and a fine Fukuoka cityscape at the top.
Built in 1964, the viewing deck is 70 meters up and is open from from 10am to 5pm daily except Wednesdays.
If you think it looks familiar or get a sense of deja vu, it may be because it was designed by Tachū Naitō who also was responsible for the Tokyo Tower, Sapporo TV Tower and Nagoya TV Tower.
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