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"Hidden Fukuoka: 35 Must-Visit Spots and Foodie Finds!"
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If you're planning a trip to Fukuoka, here are some must-visit tourist spots and local food. With nearly 100 charming retro street stalls and fresh seafood, Fukuoka is brimming with attractions. We also introduce hidden gems and surprising local delicacies!
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Table of Contents
- 【tourist spot】
- 1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- 2. Yanagawa River Cruise (Tour of the Moat)
- 3. Mojiko Retro
- 4. Akizuki Castle Ruins
- 5. Shiraito Falls
- 6. Aso Oura House
- 7. Kawachi Fuji Garden
- 8. Miyajidake Shrine
- 9. Nanzoin Temple
- 10: Raizan Sennyoji Temple
- 11. Mount Sarakura
- 12: Ohori Park
- 13: Genjin Shrine
- 14: Senbutsu Cave
- 15: Kushida Shrine
- 16: Kokura Castle
- 17: Sunset Road
- [Gourmet]
- 18: Original Hakata Mentaiko-ju (Mentaiko)
- 19: Fukuoka Hakata Yatai
- 20: Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka (Motsunabe)
- 21: Vinegared Offal
- 22: Milk Oyster Toyohisamaru (Oysters)
- 23: Oyster hut (oysters and seafood)
- 24: Ramen Stadium - Canal City Hakata (Ramen)
- 25: Shin Miura Hakata Main Branch (Mizutaki)
- 26: Hakata Gomasabaya (Gomasaba)
- 27: Kawataro (Live squid)
- 28: Yakitori Atarayo (Yakitori)
- 29: Takenoya (Yakitori chicken skin)
- 30: Hakata Gion Iron Pot (Bite-sized Gyoza)
- 31: Hakata Ikkosha (pork bone ramen)
- 32: Fully ripe Amaou (Amaou)
- 33: Sunny and cloudy (Fan shrimp)
- 34: Kamaage Maki no Udon (Udon)
- 35: Garihonpo (baked curry)
- If you want to get around, rent a car
- summary
【tourist spot】
1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
For over 1,100 years, Tenjin-sama has been widely revered as the god of learning, culture and the arts, and the god of protection from evil , and continues to be worshiped as a source of spiritual support for people even today. For this reason, many people who wish to master their own path, including students taking exams, visit the shrine.
In spring, approximately 6,000 plum trees of 200 varieties come into full bloom in a variety of shapes and colors.
2. Yanagawa River Cruise (Tour of the Moat)
You can enjoy river rafting on the "regular river rafting course" and the "short circular course," which attracts 300,000 tourists a year.
[Regular river cruise course] : Four locations within 5-10 minutes' walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. Board the boat near Yanagawa Station and go to the main tourist spot area (around Okinohata and Onohana). Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
[Short tour course] : Four locations in the main tourist spot areas around Okinohata and Onohana. A short course that only covers the main tourist spot areas. Duration: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Recommended season: The "Ohinasama Water Parade," which runs in conjunction with the "Yanagawa Doll Festival Sagemon Meguri," a spring tradition, is a must-see. Women dressed as Ohinasama dolls ride donko boats around the canal. In winter, kotatsu boats with hibachi-style kotatsu heaters appear. We also recommend visiting from May to June, when the irises bloom.
3. Mojiko Retro
Mojiko Port has a variety of model sightseeing itineraries that are recommended even for beginners, such as a "Course touring Japan Heritage Sites," a "Trip to famous architecture, famous shops and historical towns," and a "Trip following in the footsteps of Dr. Einstein," so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace!
4. Akizuki Castle Ruins
The castle ruins are a prefectural designated historic site , and the Kuromon and Nagayamon gates are prefectural designated tangible cultural properties .
The Sugi no Baba Street that leads to the castle ruins is a popular spot that becomes a tunnel of beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. The Kuromon area is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, and is bustling with tourists seeking the charms of each season.
5. Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls, a scenic spot designated by Fukuoka Prefecture , is located on the middle slope of Mt. Hagane, which is 900 meters above sea level, and has a drop of about 24 meters. It is popular with families as a place of relaxation filled with negative ions and nature!
Around the waterfall, you can enjoy fishing for trout and the famous somen noodle nagashi . At Shiki no Chaya, you can enjoy a luxurious set meal made with trout and a soba noodle making experience.
Approximately 5,000 hydrangeas (100,000 plants) have been planted in the surrounding area, and they are in full bloom from mid-June to early July. At the "Shiraito Hydrangea Festival" held at the end of June, hydrangea cut flowers are given away and rice cakes are thrown.
6. Aso Oura House
It is open to the public for a limited time only during the "Hina Matsuri" (Spring Special Opening) in spring and the "Autumn Special Opening" during the autumn foliage season. *The mansion and gardens are usually closed to the public.
During the "Autumn Special Opening," you can see a forest of azaleas and maples behind the lawn, and this forest has been carefully planted and maintained so that you can enjoy its seasonal appearance. In autumn, the leaves of the trees turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful landscape .
At the Hina Festival, a variety of Hina dolls are on display, from the luxurious Yusokubina, which recreate the customs of nobles and were popular among the upper class, to the simple Hinajiku (kakejiku)bina, which were hung on the walls of coal mining housing where there was no space to display dolls.
7. Kawachi Fuji Garden
50 years have passed since the land was reclaimed. The original trees at Kawachi Fuji Garden have now grown into large wisteria trees that are over 120 years old, and every year they delight visitors with their beautiful flower clusters. From late April to mid-May, 22 varieties of wisteria flowers bloom in abundance, overwhelming the viewer! In addition, around late November, the autumn leaves of about 700 trees reach their peak.
～Wisteria Flower～
Types: Noda Naga Wisteria, Lipstick Wisteria, Red-purple, Red, White, Double, Long, Medium, Short / 22 types
Opening period: Late April to early May (varies depending on the weather of the year)
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
～Autumn leaves～
Number of trees: Approximately 700 (18 of which are over 70 years old)
Opening period: Mid-November to early December (depending on the weather that year)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
8. Miyajidake Shrine
He is worshipped by many people as a "god of good fortune who can overcome anything" who can grant any wish.
It boasts three bests in Japan. The first is the "Oshimenawa" (large shimenawa) : The largest shimenawa in Japan, measuring 2.6 meters in diameter, 11 meters in length, and weighing 3 tons, is the symbol of Miyajidake Shrine. This shimenawa is replaced every year.
The second is the "Odaiko" (big drum) , a 2.2-meter-diameter drum. Every year on January 1st, the drum is struck at 12:00 a.m., and its sound can be heard for several kilometers away from the shrine grounds.
The third is the "O-bell" : a large copper bell weighing 450 kg.
The view of the approach to the shrine stretching straight out towards the sea and the setting sun illuminating it is popularly known as the "Road of Light." This road of light can only be seen from the approach to Miyajidake Shrine for about a week twice a year, in late February and late October . Due to the sun , this view can only be seen for a few days.
This period is known as "Road of Light Week" and is bustling with activities such as the "Sunset Festival" held at dusk and the distribution of special red seals.
"Furin Festival": The Milky Way is recreated with wind chimes and electric lights , and you can enjoy the atmosphere of being in a storybook along with the sound of light. In 2024, you can see the beautiful sight of about 3,000 wind chimes on the approach to the inner shrine. The lighting period in 2024 was from Saturday, June 29th to Saturday, August 31st, until 22:00 each day.
9. Nanzoin Temple
Shakanehanzo (Shaka Nirvana Statue) Built in 1995 (Heisei 7). It is 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and weighs 300 tons . It is one of the largest bronze nirvana statues in the world . You can also worship inside the statue. (Prayer and offering fee: 500 yen Reception hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm)
*Please note that advance reservations are required for groups (8 or more people).
10: Raizan Sennyoji Temple
It attracts many believers as a place to pray for safe childbirth, child-rearing, good fortune and protection from evil , and as a place to receive the substitute amulet called "Samuhara."
In mid-November, the autumn leaves of the large 400-year-old maple tree , a prefecture-designated natural monument, are a sight to behold!
Best time to see the large maple trees : Around early to mid-November. Updates on the autumn foliage situation will be posted on the Raizan Sennyoji Temple blog.
Best time to see the autumn leaves in the temple grounds : There are around 200 trees of various sizes with autumn leaves in the temple grounds, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves until the end of November.
11. Mount Sarakura
Once you reach the summit by cable car and slope car, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of Kitakyushu city and the Kanmon Straits. Enjoy the beauty of the night view of Kitakyushu city, which has been certified as one of the "New Top Three Night Views of Japan" and "Top 100 Night Views" not only during the day, but also during the day.
The longest cable car in western Japan travels from the base station to the summit station, a total distance of 1,100m, with an elevation difference of 440m, through the greenery, in about 6 minutes. From the all-glass windows, you can enjoy the ever-changing panoramic view .
In the summer, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the fireworks .
12: Ohori Park
With a total area of approximately 398,000 square meters, of which approximately 226,000 square meters is a pond, it is one of Japan's leading "waterscape parks."
Within the park, there is a two-kilometer walking path around the pond, a wild bird forest, a children's playground, a Noh theater, a Japanese garden , and an island connected by four bridges, as well as a Ukimi Pavilion.
The symbol of Ohori Park, the floating Ukimido on the pond
13: Genjin Shrine
If you want to improve your luck at work, prosper in business, or pray for employment, then head to Genjin Shrine in Nakagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, where the god of luck in work resides. Companies, businesses, sole proprietors, and students can pray for prosperity in business and job hunting. You can pray for improved luck for future career advancement, employment, job changes, and company prosperity . Matchmaking is a popular photo spot.
"Wish-making wind chimes" Cute seasonal decorations such as "pinwheels", "wind chimes" and "love lanterns" can be seen. *Love lanterns for matchmaking and love fulfillment are only available until early December.
14: Senbutsu Cave
This historic limestone cave was designated a national natural monument in 1935.
Lighting is provided up to 900m from the entrance, so even the elderly and children can easily navigate. From 480m onwards , you can splash around in the underground stream, giving you a taste of adventure , and it is a very popular experiential cavern that has many visitors saying, "It was fun!"
15: Kushida Shrine
The photo shows the Kushida Shrine festival held on Setsubun in February, where the largest "Otafuku mask" in Japan is set up and beans are thrown.
It attracts many believers as a shrine for marital harmony, matchmaking, and family harmony . The grounds, with their long approach to the shrine, include the "Toyama Forest Bathing Forest," which has been designated one of the "100 Natural Wonders of Toyama ," and the quiet forest is colored with a variety of plants throughout the seasons.
16: Kokura Castle
Considering the size and design of the castle tower, its function as a sea castle, and the expanse of the castle grounds stretching from the Itabitsu River to the Sunatsu River, it is one of the most famous castles in the country.
17: Sunset Road
The 33.3km stretch from Bentenbashi Bridge at the mouth of the Izumi River (Raizan River) to Sakurai Futamigaura is called Sunset Road, and there are many spots where you can see a beautiful sunset.
Recommended time to watch the sunset : The best time to watch the sunset is from spring to autumn. Summer is especially good. Sunsets are often seen in summer (July to August).
The Sunset Road is a popular driving spot along the coastline, where you can also see the Meoto Iwa rocks floating in the waters of Futamigaura.
[Gourmet]
18: Original Hakata Mentaiko-ju (Mentaiko)
"Mentai-ju" is a Hakata specialty in which a whole piece of mentaiko wrapped in kelp that has been painstakingly marinated is placed on top of hot rice covered in nori seaweed.
The seasoning sauce in which the mentaiko is marinated is made by adjusting various umami ingredients such as kelp, which gives it a deep flavor. The "special sauce" is uniquely formulated to match the mentaiko rice bowl, which further enriches the flavor of the mentaiko and brings out its deliciousness!
19: Fukuoka Hakata Yatai
Yatai appear out of nowhere on the sidewalks that are otherwise empty during the day, lighting up Fukuoka nights. Fukuoka is the only place in Japan that has around 100 yatai (food stalls). The retro yatai (food stalls) blend in with the cityscape lined with buildings, creating a unique atmosphere.
The standard food stalls are ramen , oden , and yakitori . There are also a wide variety of other stalls, including French and international cuisine, bars, and coffee shops!
Opening hours: As early as 6pm. Usually around 6:30 to 7pm.
List of food stalls ← You can also check the list of food stalls here.
*Most stalls will be closed in bad weather, so be sure to check the weather forecast! Also, there are no toilets, so we recommend using them beforehand. If you do need to go, just ask the stall owner and they will show you to a nearby toilet.
20: Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka (Motsunabe)
Yamanaka's "Motsunabe" is the restaurant that first created miso motsunabe, and has established the culture of "miso flavor" in motsunabe.
Since its establishment in 1984, the restaurant has been preserving the traditional taste of its motsunabe , with particular attention paid to freshness, using only carefully selected small intestines from domestic beef that are free of unpleasant flavors and odors and are moderately fatty. Served in satisfying portions, it is rich yet light , and has been loved for many years as a high-quality motsunabe that won't leave you feeling heavy the next morning.
21: Vinegared Offal
"Motsunabe" itself is a dish that goes well with alcohol, but the snack that locals love even more is "vinegared offal." It is a dish where fresh offal is boiled in water and then eaten with condiments such as chopped green onions and ponzu sauce.
It depends on the part of the offal used, but they often use something that has a nice texture, such as pork knuckle, and you'll be addicted to its crunchy texture and refreshing flavor !
You can also get it at "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka," so if you're interested, please come and try it.
22: Milk Oyster Toyohisamaru (Oysters)
Our prized "Milk Oysters" are made using unique techniques that have been cultivated over many years of oyster farming. They are meaty , highly nutritious , and packed with rich flavor .
Because of this, the amount that can be caught is small and the annual production is lower than at other stores, but we encourage you to come and enjoy the authentic flavor that can only be found at Toyohisamaru.
23: Oyster hut (oysters and seafood)
In Itoshima, where oyster farming is thriving , many "huts" are lined up every year during the season (mid-October to April). The huts stock a wide range of oysters, including fresh seafood, dried fish, and rice dishes, and the popular style of grilling oysters on a grill using charcoal or gas!
What's more, you can enjoy them at producer-direct prices , so this is a recommended spot for oyster and seafood lovers to stop by.
24: Ramen Stadium - Canal City Hakata (Ramen)
Ramen Stadium is a place where famous restaurants featured in various media , local restaurants with long lines , and other restaurants compete with each other to show off their best flavors. Since its opening in December 2001, a total of 87 restaurants have opened. Several restaurants graduate several times a year, so if you're interested in ramen, make sure to try it while you can!
It is loved by ramen lovers as well as tourists from outside the prefecture and the country, so you can enjoy the blissful taste whenever you come!
*Information as of July 2024
25: Shin Miura Hakata Main Branch (Mizutaki)
Shin-Miura was born in 1910 and has been loved by everyone as a local Hakata dish for 100 years .
Chickens are raised stress-free in the nature-rich Kyushu soil, and are slaughtered that morning and delivered fresh. The cooked chicken is so tender that it comes apart easily when you lightly insert chopsticks between the flesh and the bone.
Our proud cloudy soup has been cooked and added to 365 days a year since we first opened. By blending and layering it in a unique combination, we have created a rich yet light traditional flavor. Please give it a try!
26: Hakata Gomasabaya (Gomasaba)
The recommended dish is the "Sesame Mackerel Rice Bowl" made with large mackerel. There are also plenty of other extremely fresh menu items, such as the "Seafood Rice Bowl" which has been a firm favorite since the restaurant first opened! The ingredients are purchased every morning at Nagahama Market, so they are extremely fresh . The prices are set in a way that reflects the owner's kindness, and the restaurant is conveniently located, so there are many repeat customers!
27: Kawataro (Live squid)
The most popular menu item is the "Live Squid Sashimi" . Enjoy the taste that can only be achieved by freshly slaughtering the squid. You can also choose to have the sashimi fried or grilled with salt.
In the "fish tank," fish brought in from the world's leading fishing ground, the Genkai Sea , where the Tsushima Current flows, swim energetically. All of the "live sashimi" dishes made with these fish are fresh, with a pleasant texture and condensed flavor, so please enjoy!
28: Yakitori Atarayo (Yakitori)
In fact, Fukuoka Prefecture has a lot of yakitori restaurants. It has the highest number of restaurants per 100,000 people in the country ! What's surprising is that the mountain of cabbage that comes out even though you didn't order it and pork belly are more popular than chicken.
At "Yakitori Atarayo," each skewer is carefully prepared and grilled, and we recommend enjoying the charcoal-grilled yakitori with wine. They use Hakata Jidori chicken as the main ingredient , and the yakitori is cooked to maximize its crispiness and delicious flavor that increases the more you chew it .
29: Takenoya (Yakitori chicken skin)
A standard menu item in Fukuoka is "torikawa," chicken skin that is rolled up into a spiral shape .
Takenoya's "Hakata Guru Guru Torikawa" is grilled, left to rest, grilled, left to rest, and then soaked in sauce repeatedly, slowly removing the fat and allowing the sauce to soak in, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft , chewy interior. It's so popular that it sells more than 800,000 units a month !
30: Hakata Gion Iron Pot (Bite-sized Gyoza)
"Bite-sized gyoza" is a popular soul food from Hakata that is smaller than regular gyoza, measuring about 4 to 6 cm in size.
The bite-sized gyoza at "Hakata Gion Tetsunabe" is crispy when you bite into it , and has a strong flavor of chives and garlic. The gyoza skin is surprisingly crispy , so much so that it is said to be close to fried gyoza! It's easy to eat, so it's recommended to go there on an empty stomach.
31: Hakata Ikkosha (pork bone ramen)
The recommended dish is the "Foam Tonkotsu Ramen." You can taste the umami and bone flavor of the pork bones, and the "foam" floating on the surface of the soup gives it a creamy and mellow flavor.
The fatty, foamy soup spreads softly and thickly on your tongue, combining the goodness of the old days with the powerful umami and sweetness of the pork bones , and the new taste of being creamy yet light and crisp on the aftertaste . Please try this deliciousness that only the original foamy soup can offer.
32: Fully ripe Amaou (Amaou)
Fukuoka Prefecture is the second largest producer of strawberries in Japan. Among them, "Amaou" is a nationally known brand of strawberry that Fukuoka Prefecture developed over a period of six years.
The name "Amaou", known as the king of strawberries, is derived from the initials of the words "red", "round", "big", and "delicious". It is characterized by its glossy red color , plump and round shape, large size , and good balance of sweetness and acidity , as well as its rich flavor , which is one of the reasons for its popularity.
Best time to eat: Mid-January to late March, but it is most delicious from January to February.
Amaou Spirits eau-de-vie de fraise is a drink made with Amaou strawberries grown on our own farms, and uses a generous amount of Amaou strawberries, accounting for a quarter of the total.
33: Sunny and cloudy (Fan shrimp)
"Hare Tari Kumo Tari" is a Hakata local cuisine restaurant that has been in business for 50 years. You can enjoy fresh seafood from the world-famous Genkai Sea, which is delivered every day. The must-try dish is the "Uchiwaebi" fan shrimp!
One of the luxury ingredients eaten mainly in western Japan, the fan shrimp is a secret ingredient that some say is even tastier than the spiny lobster . It doesn't have much meat, but it has a rich, sweet and savory flavor , and its firm texture is said to be addictively delicious.
34: Kamaage Maki no Udon (Udon)
When you think of Fukuoka, you probably think of ramen , but another local delicacy that is so beloved by locals that it boasts one of the largest numbers of restaurants in the country is udon. Its characteristics are fluffy, soft noodles and a clear broth made with light soy sauce . Popular toppings include the hearty burdock tempura and round tempura , and we recommend adding yuzu kosho as a condiment.
The feature of "Maki no Udon" is that the soft noodles made by a unique method soak up the soup stock so quickly that it feels like the noodles never get old, which is why it is popular among locals. The recommended dish is "Meat and Burdock Udon".
35: Garihonpo (baked curry)
The grilled curry at "Kari Honpo" is a European-style curry. Enjoy the deep flavor and aroma of a carefully fried brown roux combined with homemade bouillon.
"We won't serve anything we're not satisfied with!" is the motto we've been making for 40 years. This nostalgic "yaki-curry" has the same flavor as the old days.
The most popular dish is "Grilled Oyster Curry": a dish grilled with oysters until fragrant.
If you want to get around, rent a car
To visit various attractive spots in Fukuoka, we recommend renting a car, which allows you to move around more freely than public transport. Campervans can be driven with a regular driver's license, are suitable for long trips, and are safe for buying lots of souvenirs!
You can enjoy a great deal on your trip to Fukuoka by taking advantage of discounts such as long-term and early bird discounts that offer up to 20% off .
summary
Fukuoka has so many attractive tourist spots and local delicacies. There are so many places you want to go that it's hard to decide, but we hope you have a fun trip!
Written by
Tokyo
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