6 Reasons Why Fukuoka Should be Your Next Japan Destination

Straddling the lower East coast of Japan is the nation’s fifth-biggest city, Fukuoka. While the port city isn’t as commonly known as other cities, it stands out as a flourishing hub of culture and history.

As the capital of Kyushu (Japan’s third-largest island), its distance from other major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya and closeness to wider Asia has resulted in a unique local culture that continues to thrive.

In this article, we share six reasons why Fukuoka should be next on your Japan bucket list; from amazing local food stalls to island hopping adventures, the city features all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable trip.

Ever wondered where the world-famous Ichiran Ramen came from, the ramen shop that is such a must-try that people line up for hours for a warm, hearty bowl of noodles and pork? Look no further than Fukuoka - the home of Ichiran.

Hakata ramen, also known as tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, hails from the city, which is located in Kyushu’s Hakata Bay. So, if you’re a fan of this iconic chain, you can make a pilgrimage to their original shop, which only has 13 seats, so line up early!

Other iconic food includes mentaiko (spicy cod roe) - which are fish eggs mixed with spices. If you want to try it, visit Fukutarotenjinteruraten, a famous trade company founded in 1909 that now specializes in mentaiko. Want something a little bit more filling? Why not go for a serving of motsunabe, a type of Japanese hot pot that is one of the local specialties? What makes motsunabe different is their meat. They use offal (the translation of motsu). One of the best places to eat this delicacy is Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka’s Hakata Branch.

Another claim to fame is Fukuoka’s seafood, which you can try at Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba, one of Hakata’s famous fish markets. Also known as “the pantry of Hakata”, it’s been the home of fresh fish sellers since 1916.

Another amazing aspect of Fukuoka is its culture. Known to some travelers as Tokyo’s “laidback cousin”, the city has an activity for every type of culture seeker but in a more accessible and easygoing environment.

Interested in temples and shrines? First on your list should be Kushida Shrine, built in 757. Now regarded as the temple guardian of the city, it holds an annual summer festival called the Yamasaka Gion Matsuri. 10 meter-tall floats are paraded around the neighborhood, and on the final day, men race with the floats adorned on their backs.

Next, go and visit Daizafu Tenmangū Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane. The ninth-century scholar is enshrined as Tenjin — the Shinto deity of learning and culture. Depending on when you visit, you can see many students come to pray for good fortune in their tests and exams.

Are you looking for something more contemporary? You’ve got lots of options for museums and galleries. Located in Ohori Park is the Fukuoka Art Museum, which features artworks from artists such as Basquiat, Warhol, Dali, and more. If you’re keen to explore more interactive arts, the teamLab Forest, located two kilometers away, is also a great choice.

One of the best things about Fukuoka is its proximity to a diversity of destinations and monuments. Here are three easy day trips that you can make from the city.

The first is Nanzoin Temple that is home to one of (if not) the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. Measuring 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and over 300 tonnes - it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area.
Second on the list is Dazaifu, previously serving Kyushu’s administrative capital for 500 years. While it no longer holds this role, it was a crucial point of coordination for communication and defense between Japan and other nations. This is also the home of the aforementioned Daizafu Tenmangu Shrine, other shrines and temples, and the Kyushu National Museum which covers the island’s history and culture.

Next is Yanagawa, often called the “Venice of Kyushu” due to its network of canals and waterways. Once used for irrigation, they now serve as roads for boatmen bringing visitors along the canals, pushed along by bamboo poles in their donkobune (flatboats). Other things to do include visiting the Tachibana Clan’s former home and sampling Yanagawa’s signature food: unagi (eel).

Lastly, there are two different islands, Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima. Nokonoshima is accessible by ferry from Meinohama Noko Tosenba passenger ferry terminal and is a popular spot for swimming in the summer and seasonal flora. There are also several historical landmarks and parks for visitors to explore here. Shikanoshima, on the other hand, is accessible via land and sea. As a small island with a circumference of 12 km, its size makes it easy to cycle the island to explore its picturesque views, cafes, and hot springs.

For those who are worried that Fukuoka won’t have the same shopping opportunities as the major cities, don’t be. There are various malls, shopping streets, and districts that you can visit to get your fill of brands and goods.

In the Hakata Old Area is the Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Filled with over 130 different vendors and spanning over 400 meters, this more traditional shopping arcade is excellent for those seeking a more relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere.

Extending for almost 600 meters underground is the Tenjin Chikagai Underground Shopping Mall. Furnished with iron, brick, and stone, the mall was inspired by 19th-century European materials. This underground mall boasts over 150 different shops and restaurants and is a great place to escape the weather above ground.

And if those two areas aren’t enough, then check out the Tenjin and Daimyo areas for more shopping and commercial spots.

As the sun sets and the day fades away, a new energy rises within the city: Yatai. Yatai are mobile food stalls set up on Fukuoka's streets that serve a range of snacks, meals, and drinks. With cooler evening air and people coming off work, yatai creates a sociable atmosphere whereby people are invited to come, eat, and chat with people who are enjoying the evening alongside them.

They mainly appear in the Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama areas, but there are always exceptions.

Last but not least is the ease of getting to Fukuoka! Fukuoka Airport runs dozens of flights per day between domestic destinations and international airports - making it a great place to start or end your trip in Japan.

If you prefer not to fly, the Shinkansen reaches Fukuoka and beyond, so you’re never inconvenienced if you’re trying to get in or out of the city. If you plan on using Fukuoka as your starting point to explore Kyushu Island, then you can get the JR Kyushu Rail Pass available in four different types.

Interested in visiting Fukuoka? Have a look at the top-rated hotels in the city for your trip.