Enjoy Sightseeing and Delicious Food In Fukuoka! A Two-Day Itinerary

An Efficient Fukuoka Sightseeing Route

Because it used to be the trading hub of Asia, Fukuoka city prospered as a merchants' town for many years. Even now it's an appealing city where you can still feel its history and enjoy recent trends, as well as its continual energy. Come along with MATCHA as we introduce various exciting sightseeing spots and great restaurants in this model two-day sightseeing itinerary around Fukuoka.

Day 1 Morning: Shopping around Tenjin

On the morning of your first day in Fukuoka, we recommend you go around Tenjin Station and its surrounding areas. Tenjin thrives as the downtown area of Fukuoka.

Let's look around Watanabe street and Tenjin Nishi street which are lined with shopping buildings, Shintencho, an old school arcade town with clothing stores and brand name shops, and Daimyo, a very popular area with many restaurants. Tenjin also has an underground shopping area. Let's enjoy shopping and walking around the town.

Day 1 Noon: Visit the Popular Kushida Shrine

5 Things You Should Do At Kushida Shrine In Hakata

After enjoying your walk around the Tenjin area, visit Kushida Shrine. Kushida Shrine is located about 10 minutes by bus from Tenjin station.

This shrine is thought of fondly by the people of Fukuoka city because it's home to Hakata's protector god. On the grounds of Kushida Shrine there is a spring which is said to prolong the life of whom drinks from it, and a "Strength Rock" where you can test your strength. It's one of the spots that you'll definitely want to visit.

From Fukuoka by Night - "Hakata Thousand Years Glittering Night" (Japanese)

Day 1 Afternoon: Tochoji Temple

Next, let's go to Tochoji Temple, which is a 5 minute walk from Kushida Shrine.

You can see the Fukuoka Buddha, which is said to be one of Japan's largest Buddha statues, and the red five-storied pagoda. To make things even better, the Hakata Guide Association offers free guided tours here (with English guides available). You can learn a lot about the temples and their charms.

Day 1 Evening: Enjoy Authentic Hakata Ramen at Nakata Yatai

If you had to pick the night time specialty of Fukuoka it would be the yatai (food stalls) spread through Nakasu. At the Nakasu food stand alley, a 5 minute bus ride from Tochoji Temple, you can eat ramen or yakitori made over the counter by the master. Get a taste of Hakata together with the locals.

Day 2 Morning: A Walk around Ohori Park.

Connect With Nature and Art in Ōhori Park, Fukuoka

On the morning of the second day let's start it off comfortably with a walk around Ohori Park. A relaxation spot for the people of Fukuoka city, you'll see people walking or jogging here with or without their dogs.

Day 2 Afternoon: Enjoy Dazaifu

Next, let's ride the trainand go to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. A lot of people come to this shrine every year to pray for personal growth or to pass their exams.

Take a 10 minute bus ride from Ohori Park to Tenjin station, then take a 20 minute train ride on the Seitetsu train from Tenjin station to Dazaifu. There are many stores along the road leading to the shrine itself. You can even eat a local specialty, umegaemochi, which is a baked mochi cake filled with red bean paste.

Day 2 Night: Taste Boiled Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran

Return by train to Tenjin Station and, to finish your day off right, enjoy tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran's head store. It's about a 10 minute walk from Tenjin Station. The dish that we warmly recommend is the boiled tonkotsu ramen that comes in what looks like a set of nested boxes - a dish only available at the Tenjin East street store. You can choose how hard should the noodles be, as well as how much miso paste you would like in your soup.

Fukuoka is an exciting city, with many historical places and delicious food. Please consider the itinerary suggested by MATCHA in order to get the most out of your trip to Fukuoka!