Explore Fukuoka, Japan’s all-in-one destination

Sprawled on the northern coast of Kyushu, Fukuoka prefecture teems with superb nature, culture, and nightlife spots. It’s a region where traditional temples and shrines exist in harmony with modern spaces like mega shopping malls. Its lively culinary scene is best known for the Hakata ramen which can be savored in yatai street food stalls and restaurant chains.

Each day, Fukuoka will greet you with endless activity options, whether that’s relaxing on beautiful beaches, partaking in cultural workshops, or visiting ancient gems such as the famous Fukuoka Castle. With all that and more to offer, Fukuoka is undoubtedly a destination that deserves to be visited and revisited. The question is: when are you coming?

As Fukuoka borders the sea on three sides, it boasts sublime beaches and ocean views. Rivers emerge from lush mountains, flowing through countryside towns to the plains below. The scenery changes with the season, allowing you to marvel at new colors each visit, from the spectacular reds of autumn to the verdant greens of summer.

Bask in a picturesque backdrop for activities in nature such as surfing, hiking, and cycling. Embrace the great outdoors the way you love it—whether that’s cruising down the Yanagawa River, climbing waterfalls in the Kaho Alps, fishing in the Genkai Sea, or strolling through a canopy of wisteria in Kawachi Fuji Garden.

Due to its strategic location, Fukuoka has played a role as Japan’s getaway to Korea, China, and the rest of Asia since ancient times. While it functioned as a base for foreign trade and cultural exchange, Fukuoka developed a distinct character. These days, it continues to thrive as Kyushu’s hub for culture, food, and fashion.

Get hands-on in Fukuoka as you immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Practice calligraphy, don a kimono, and learn about furoshiki, the art of wrapping objects with a piece of cloth. Visit the town of Hoshino to meet farmers that produce gyokuro, a premium class of Japanese green tea. And if you’re a fashionista, spend a day in Canal City, a massive shopping complex with a canal running through it.

While it’s entirely feasible to plan an independent trip to Fukuoka, adding some tours to your itinerary helps you maximize your time and explore the region in a hassle-free way. Led by expert guides, these tours offer valuable insider knowledge and enrichen your experience with a local perspective.

Pick small group tours to popular attractions or private tours for a custom itinerary that prioritizes your interests. Gear up for explorations on foot, on a mountain bike, or even on boats. Below are some fun tours to unwrap the beauty and essence of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka’s culinary scene has a multicultural twist thanks to influences from outside Japan. The result is a delicious spread of original flavors that leave you spoiled for choice throughout the cities and towns that make up the prefecture.

Fukuoka’s the birthplace of Hakata ramen, a noodle dish with creamy tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and thin noodles. It’s also the home of Ippudo and Ichiran, two world-famous Japanese ramen chains. Of course, Fukuoka’s not just about the noodles—it’s also a paradise for fresh seafood such as mackerel, eels, oysters, and squids.

Taste quintessential Japanese foods and local sake by patronizing the dining spots below. Some regional specialties include mentaiko (spicy pollack roe) and motsunabe (offal hot pot). After closing hours, seek out the nearest late-night yatai serving street foods such as yakitori (chicken skewers) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

After a day of explorations, you deserve to rest and recharge in a comfortable hotel. Fukuoka has no shortage of accommodations with spacious rooms, a convenient location, hospitable services, and excellent amenities that contribute to high customer ratings.

On top of that, hotel prices in Fukuoka are generally lower compared to Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can easily score a bang for your buck whether you’re looking for a modern hotel near the train station or an intimate ryokan, which are Japanese-style inns complete with tatami rooms and onsen baths.