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Explore Fukuoka: 2-Day and 3-Day Itineraries Without Driving
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This article features 3 suggested itineraries for exploring the history and nature-rich destinations of Fukuoka, highlighting tourist attractions and local cuisine. These itineraries can be enjoyed without a car, just by using local transportation means such as buses and trains.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Explore Fukuoka Without Driving
Fukuoka, featuring attractions like Dazaifu, Itoshima, and Fukuoka Tower, is a popular tourist destination. The city also offers a variety of local cuisines, including tonkotsu ramen and karashi mentaiko.
This article outlines a 2 to 3-day tour of the area, highlighting some of the favorite spots to visit.
Fukuoka Itineraries
2-Day Itinerary: Visiting Dazaifu and Itoshima
Day 1: Dazaifu Tenmangu
Day 2: Sakurai Shrine
3-Day Itinerary: Explore the History of Fukuoka
Day 1: Ohori Park/Maizuru Park
Day 1 (Night): Fukuoka Tower
Day 2: Fukuoka Castle Ruins/Kohro-kan
Day 2 (Night): Food Stalls
Day 3: Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba
3-Day Itinerary: Nature-Rich Destinations in Fukuoka
Day 1: Umino-Nakamichi Seaside Park
Day 2: Shikanoshima Island
Day 3: Mojiko
Fukuoka Airport: The Start of the Tour
The best way to travel to Fukuoka from Tokyo and other cities is by flying. Fukuoka Airport, the largest in Kyushu, is conveniently located near the urban areas, with many tourist destinations nearby.
The flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo takes approximately 2 hours, while the flight from Itami Airport in Osaka takes about 1 hour.
2-Day Itinerary: Visiting Dazaifu and Itoshima
On a 2-day course, it would be best to visit Dazaifu on the first, and Itoshima on the second day.
Day 1: Dazaifu Tenmangu
Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, is a significant spiritual site. It is a 25-minute bus ride from Fukuoka Airport.
Visitors can enjoy snacks while walking along the approach to the shrine. A recommended treat is umegae-mochi, which consists of red bean paste wrapped in rice cake and has a refined, sweet flavor.
Day 2: Sakurai Shrine in Itoshima
Sakurai Shrine, located in Itoshima City, is renowned for its matchmaking powers.
From Hakata, it takes about 1 hour to reach the facility via the expressway bus. Those planning to visit Sakurai after exploring Dazaifu should opt for a route via Hakata.
After visiting the shrine, guests can tour nearby attractions such as Sakurai Futamigaura, known as Sunset Road, and Shiraito Falls, which boasts a height of 24 meters.
3-Day Itinerary: Explore the History of Fukuoka
This version allows travelers to visit more attractions. The following itinerary focuses on a history-related course.
Day 1: Ohori Park and Maizuru Park
The first stop is Ohori Park, which is a 10-minute train ride from Hakata Station.
As one of the largest parks in the prefecture, it was built on the site of the former moat of Fukuoka Castle.
This major water feature park in Japan showcases changing scenery throughout the seasons. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions, including Maizuru Park and the Fukuoka Castle Ruins.
Day 1 (Night): Fukuoka Tower
The tour continues to Fukuoka Tower in the evening. The view from the tower has been recognized as one of the 100 Night Views of Japan and is easily accessible by bus from Hakata Station.
A popular photo spot featuring heart-shaped illumination, known as the Lovers' Sanctuary, attracts couples.
Additionally, there is a café, restaurant, and a souvenir shop, allowing visitors to enjoy dining and shopping.
Day 2: Fukuoka Castle Ruins/Kouro-kan
Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Kourokan are ideal destinations for history buffs.
While it's unclear whether the castle ever had a keep, the stone walls and moat still remain intact.
Kourokan, which served as a guest house for foreign ambassadors, has been converted into a museum that showcases artifacts and reconstructed structures.
Day 2 (Night): Yatai Food Stalls in Tenjin
Fukuoka is famous for its yatai (food stalls), which line the streets and open at 18:00 in the Nakasu area of Tenjin. Visitors can sample local cuisine such as tonkotsu ramen, yaki ramen, and yakitori.
Dining at these small stalls also offers the opportunity to chat with other customers, creating a perfect atmosphere for both dining and sightseeing.
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Day 3: Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba
Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba, commonly referred to as Hakata's kitchen, is a shopping street established in 1918. With around 50 shops, visitors can enjoy snacks such as croquettes, bread, and kamaboko.
For lunch, be sure to stop by Yanagibashi Shokudo. This eatery, operated by a fish market with over 50 years of history, offers a delicious and budget-friendly kaisen-don (seafood bowl).
3-Day Itinerary: Nature-Rich Destinations in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, which fronts the ocean, is also blessed with mountains and rivers. The following is the 3-day nature-related course.
Day 1: Umino-Nakamichi Seaside Park
Umino-Nakamichi Seaside Park is located at Umino-Nakamichi, situated between Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea.
This spacious park features various facilities, including Animal Forest, Marine World (aquarium), and Marina & Tennis, where visitors can enjoy marine attractions.
Seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. This site is popular among people of all ages.
Day 2: Shikanoshima Island
On the second day, the tour visits Shikanoshima, a small island approximately 10 kilometers in circumference, perfect for cycling. Take the bus from Tenjin to Hakata Port, followed by a 30-minute cruise to the island.
Notable sightseeing spots on the island include Gold Seal Park, where the King of Na gold seal was discovered, and Shikaumi Shrine, which honors a deity of the sea.
Another option is to enjoy the panoramic view of Hakata Bay from the observatory at Shiomi Park.
Day 3: Mojiko
Mojiko, located in Moji Ward of Kitakyushu City, is a historic port town.
Its nostalgic townscape, combined with a fashionable aura, is particularly popular among women.
Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and searching for souvenirs in this charming town, as well as taking in views of the Kanmon Straits.
To reach Mojiko from Shikanoshima, board a ship to Nishi-Tozaki Port and then take a train to Mojiko. The entire trip takes about 3 hours.
About Fukuoka
FAQs
Where are the must-visit spots?
Fukuoka Tower, Ohori Park, and Fukuoka Castle Ruins.
They are all located at Fukuoka City, which makes the visit easier.
Those who have the chance should head for Dazaifu or Itoshima, outside the city limits.
When is the best time for a visit?
It would be spring, from March to May, or autumn, from September to November.
The climate is moderate in both seasons, making the travel easier. From late March to early April, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms.
In autumn, they will be greeted by the gorgeous foliage.
What are the must-taste dishes?
Tonkotsu-ramen, served with a rich-tasting soup, yaki-ramen, a special dish at the food stalls, and mizu-taki (chicken hot pot), are the popular dishes. Many people also purchase karashi-mentaiko, well-known in Hakata, as souvenirs.
Enjoy the History and Natural Resources
Fukuoka boasts historic locations like Dazaifu Tenmangu and Fukuoka Castle Ruins, as well as natural attractions such as Ohori Park and Shikanoshima.
If you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to plan ahead regarding where to go and what to eat.
Read also
Main image courtesy of photoAC
Written by Cakutama Editorial Team
Written by
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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