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Fukuoka: 30 Things to Do, Festivals, Hotels, and Travel Tips for 2024

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Fukuoka Prefecture, the largest prefecture in Kyushu, is a popular sightseeing destination brimming with charm. In this article, we introduce our updated 2024 guide to 30 sightseeing spots and things to do in Fukuoka, travel tips, as well as hotels for a comfortable stay!

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Fukuoka: The Gateway to Southwestern Japan

Fukuoka Guide: 30 Things to Do, Festivals, Hotels, and Travel Tips

Kitakyushu City. Photo by Pixta
Fukuoka Prefecture—dubbed the Gateway to Kyushu—is home to Fukuoka City, the largest city and capital of Kyushu, a region in southwestern Japan.

Historically, the port city of Fukuoka once prospered as a hub for international trade and was once visited by many foreign merchants. Today, architecture influenced by the arrival of international cultures remains in the city. There are also many other local appeals including specialty foods such as seafood and Hakata ramen, shopping areas, and more.

Travel a little further past Fukuoka and you’ll find several unique historical sites. Munakata Shrine is a registered World Heritage site, while Kitakyushu is home to highlights such as Mojiko Retro and Kokura Castle.

In this article, we introduce our 30 recommended places to visit and things to do in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Find accommodation in Fukuoka on Booking.com

Fukuoka: 30 Things to Do and Travel Tips

13 Places to Visit in Fukuoka City
1. Marine World Uminonakamichi
2. The Sea Dragoon
3. Gundam Park Fukuoka
4. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
5. Kyushu National Museum
6. Food Stalls
7. Ohori Park
8. Shikanoshima Island
9. Nokonoshima Island Park
10. Fukuoka Tower
11. Momochi Seaside Park
12. Hakata Riverain
13. Kushida Shrine

7 Fukuoka Day Trip Destinations
14. Miyajidake Shrine
15. Itoshima
16. Munakata Shrine
17. Kokura
18. Kawachi Wisteria Garden
19. Mojiko Retro
20. Nanzoin Temple

5 Shopping Spots in Fukuoka
21. Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin
22. Canal City Hakata
23. Fukuoka PARCO
24. TENJIN CHIKAGAI Underground Shopping Center
25. Hakata Hankyu Department Store

5 Excellent Hotels in Fukuoka
26. Hotel Okura Fukuoka
27. Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin
28. Hakata Green Hotel Tenjin
29. Fukuoka Hana Hostel
30. HOTEL CULTIA Dazaifu

How to Get to Fukuoka and City Access
Festivals and Events in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Year-Round Weather and Clothing

Find accommodation in Fukuoka on Booking.com

13 Places to Visit in Fukuoka City

1. Marine World Uminonakamichi

Fukuoka aquarium

Picture from Unforgettable! 3 Family-Friendly Amusement Facilities In Fukuoka
Marine World Uminonakamichi is an aquarium that was renovated and reopened in 2017. The aquarium exhibits nearly 30,000 sea creatures of 350 different species based on the theme of “the ocean around Kyushu.”

Being in this immersive aquarium will feel as if you’re underwater and swimming with the fishes. It is sure to mesmerize both children and adults alike with its extraordinary space!

Visitors can admire the sea life, a sight normally rare in everyday life, with activities like dolphin and seal shows or watching the sea otters chow down on their meal.

2. The Sea Dragoon

sea dragoon

Picture courtesy of PR times (Japanese)
The Sea Dragoon, an athletic facility opened in March 2022, is great for enjoying activities with family members.

There are a total of 92 activities you can enjoy including a mid-air bicycle stroll, wall climbing, and even a picnic in the sky. The athletic tower, the tallest in Japan, is 17-meters tall and offers an unbroken view of the sea from the observation deck atop the tower.

The Sea Dragoon is also located within Uminonakamichi Seaside Park like Marine World Uminonakamichi, so we recommend visiting these two spots together.

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3. Gundam Park Fukuoka


Gundam Park Fukuokaopened in April 2022 and is an entertainment facility based on the popular animated series “Mobile Suit Gundam.”

The park is split into three areas. The shop area is where you can purchase goods, the amusement area is where you can play arcade and crane games, and the sports entertainment area is where you can enjoy experience-based activities.

Gundam Park Fukuoka can be found on the fourth floor of Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport FUKUOKA, a shopping spot with over 220 stores.

What’s more, a life-sized statue of Nu Gundam sits at nearly 25-meters-tall at the entrance of Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport FUKUOKA. Performances can be enjoyed multiple times a day as the statue moves to the theme song being played. If you're a Gundam fan, you don't want to miss out on checking this spot out!


4. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

fukuoka

Photo by Pixta
This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845 - 903), revered as the deity of academics and adored as the god Tenjin, and was constructed in 919.

Tobiume (flying plum), the sacred tree sitting in front of the main shrine, was featured in a poem written by Sugawara no Michizane at the time of his demotion from Kyoto to Dazaifu. Legend states that the plum tree at the Sugawara residence in Kyoto flew to Dazaifu to follow its master.

The shrine is known as a famous place for plum trees and umeshu, a sacred plum wine. Come March, the shrine grounds are covered in the dazzling splendor of plum blossoms.

A roasted rice cake with red bean filling called umegae mochi is sold at stalls on the shrine road. You can also watch as the dessert is being roasted!


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5. Kyushu National Museum

kyushu national museum

Photo by Pixta

Kyushu National Museum, located next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, is an impressive blue building surrounded by forest. The building’s beautiful curves are said to have been made in the image of the waves from the Genkai Sea.

Fukuoka has had strong connections within Asia since ancient times. Taking that fact into account, the Kyushu National Museum has various ongoing exhibitions based on the concept of “a museum that grasps the formation of Japanese culture from an Asian historical perspective.”

Ajippa is a free experience-based exhibition gallery in the museum that displays costumes, booths, and toys from various countries. The museum shop also sells over 1,500 types of souvenirs.

Kyushu National Museum
Address: Fukuoka, Dazaifu, Ishizaka 4-7-2
Business Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 *Please check the official website for museum holidays.
Fee: 1,700 yen. Discounts available for students and children
Official Website: https://www.kyuhaku.jp/en/

6. Food Stalls

fukuoka guide

Hakata food stalls are a specialty of Fukuoka. Over 200 food stands line the streets of areas such as Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama. Once the sun sets, the stalls flood the area with light and surround the entire vicinity with steam and delicious smells.

You can delight in specialty Hakata dishes such as Hakata ramen, Hakata-style bite-sized dumplings, and motsunabe (offal stew) or order typical dishes found at food stalls like yakitori (chicken skewers) and oden (Japanese fish cake stew). Act like a Hakata resident and enjoy conversations with your seatmates!

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7. Ohori Park

Ohori Park

Photo by Pixta
Ohori Park’s name ( meaning “large moat”) comes from the fact that it was formerly an inlet of Hakata Bay that was filled in and made into the outer moat for Fukuoka Castle during its construction.

It is one of Japan’s most distinguished water landscape parks with a wild bird forest, a Noh theater, and Japanese garden. Nakanoshima, the middle islands at the center of the park, are connected by four bridges while the scenery of Ukimido Hall on the water will soothe your soul from the stress of city life.


8. Shikanoshima Island

fukuoka guide

Photo by Pixta
Shikanoshima Island in Hakata Bay is a spot with great accessibility by car or bus from the city. This island holds an important place in Japanese history and is where you can see historical shrines and stone monuments.

These shrines and monuments exist on Shikanoshima Island due to having been a trading hub with other East Asian countries in ancient times. It’s also a resort destination where you can enjoy activities like swimming, yachts, and windsurfing with diving spots on the east coast of the island.

You can get a sweeping view of the islands in the Genkai Sea and the streets of Fukuoka from Shiomi Observatory.

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9. Nokonoshima Island Park

fukuoka guide

Photo by Pixta
Nokonoshima Island is accessible in 10 minutes by ferry from the ferry terminal in Meinohama, Fukuoka.

Nokonoshima Island Park, a spot for viewing flowers, is located about 13 minutes by bus from the ferry port on Nokonoshima Island. You can enjoy seasonal flowers here with rapeseed flowers in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, cosmoses in the autumn, and daffodils in the winter.

There’s a mini zoo and obstacle course inside the park. Other options include taking a pottery wheel workshop or trying Raku pottery painting, and even staying at one of 10 cottages in the park.


10. Fukuoka Tower

fukuoka tower

Photo by Pixta
Fukuoka Tower, with a total height of 234 meters, is a spot with a sweeping view of the streets of Fukuoka from an observation deck at 123 meters above ground. The tower is commonly nicknamed the “Mirror Sail” due to being covered in nearly 8,000 one-way mirrors.

The souvenir corner on the first floor carries famous Hakata confections, mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and more, so be sure to take a look!


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11. Momochi Seaside Park

fukuoka guide

Photo by Pixta

Momochi Seaside Park is an artificial beach park stretching north of Fukuoka Tower.

At the center of the park is Marizon, a city resort with restaurants and marine sports shops. It is separated into two areas. Momochihama is a popular place for beach sports such as beach volleyball and soccer while Jigyouhama is where events such as music concerts are hosted.


Pictures courtesy of Fukuoka City

12. Hakata Riverain

fukuoka guide

Photo by Pixta
Hakata Riverain is a multi-functional complex that merges cultural centers such as the theater and art museum with commercial facilities like restaurants, shops, and hotels under one roof.

The complex is home to the Hakata-za Theater, where kabuki theater shows and musicals are held, and filled with a wide selection of retailers selling original Hakata-za Theater merchandise, Hakata souvenirs, and more. The complex is directly connected to Nakasu-Kawabata Station, so having convenient transportation is another plus.


Pictures courtesy of Fukuoka City

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13. Kushida Shrine

kushida shrine

Photo by Pixta
Kushida Shrine, located in Hakata at the heart of Fukuoka, is an old shrine founded in 757. The shrine is known for hosting various festivals throughout the year.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a traditional event that has been held for over 700 years in the summer. It is an incredibly impactful festival with crowds carrying a type of festival float called "kakiyamakasa" weighing over one ton over their shoulders as they race through the city.

A festival called Kunchi Festival is held in the autumn to give gratitude for that year’s harvest. Out of the many Kunchi Festivals held in Kyushu, the Hakata Okunchi Festival at Kushida Shrine is among the most famous with 1,200 years of history and is considered one of Japan’s three major Kunchi Festivals. Highlights of the festival include ox-drawn floats paraded through the city and the lighting of mystical Sento-myo lanterns inside the shrine!

Kushida Shrine
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Hakata, Kamikawabatamachi 1-41
Visiting Hours: 4:00 - 22:00

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7 Great Places to Visit Outside Fukuoka City

14. Miyajidake Shrine

Miyajidake Shrine

Photo by Y.BLUE / Pixta
Miyajidake Shrine, founded approximately 1,600 years ago, is a famous scenic spot for the "Road of Light." This phenomenon is created when light from the setting sun hits the road extending from the shrine all the way down to the sea.

The Sunset Festival is held every year in February and October when the Road of Light can be seen. A numbered ticket is required to enter as the stairs on the road leading up to the shrine will become viewing seats after 15:00.

We recommend checking out the official website (Japanese) beforehand for details on how to obtain a numbered ticket.


Photo by Pixta

15. Itoshima

Itoshima

Photo by Pixta
Itoshima, accessible within an hour by car or train from Fukuoka City, is a nature-rich area surrounded by the sea and mountains.

Sakurai Futamigaura is one of the most famous scenic spots in Itoshima. You can see the "Couple Stone," a pair of rocks linked by a rope and nestled together like a married couple, with the rare sight of bright white torii gates erected in the waters.

Itoshima is brimming with things to see including trendy cafés and shops lining the seaside. Shiraito Falls is also located in the mountainside.


Pictures courtesy of Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist Association

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16. Munakata Shrine

Munakata Shrine

Photo by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist Association
Munakata Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines and is even known in Japanese mythology. It is the grand head shrine of approximately 6,200 Munakata Shrines across the country and visited by many to pray for safety during travel of all routes.

Munakata Shrine consists of three shrines: Hetsumiya in Tashima on the Kyushu mainland, Nakatsumiya on Oshima, an island in the ocean, and Okitsumiya on Okinoshima Island. The three Munakata goddesses (*1) that appear in Japanese mythology are enshrined at each of these shrines.

Munakata Shrine was registered as a World Heritage site in 2017 under the title “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region.” This is due to the discovery of many ancient treasures, particularly on Okinoshima, and the preservation of worship since ancient times around this entire region.

However, regular visitors are prohibited from entering Okinoshima. If you wish to sightsee Munakata Shrine, then we recommend the more easily accessible Hetsumiya on the Kyushu mainland.

*1 Munakata Sanjoshin: a generic name for the three goddesses born from Amaterasu and Susanoo. They are revered as the deities to worship for travel safety.

Munakata Shrine Hetsumiya
Address: Fukuoka, Munakata, Tashima 2331
Visiting Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Official Website: https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/ (Japanese)

17. Kokura

Kokura

Photo by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist Association
The Kokura district is in the city of Kitakyushu and can be visited in one hour by car or train from Fukuoka City. It is one of the major towns of Fukuoka Prefecture alongside Hakata.

The streets of the district are bustling with shopping malls and numerous restaurants. Despite this, the area has also retained its historical appearance as a prosperous castle town of Kokura Castle.

Kokura is home to numerous things to see such as Kokura Castle, which was reconstructed in 1959. Kokura Castle Garden, a Japanese-style garden, is also located adjacent to the castle. The Tanga Market is nicknamed the “Kitchen of Kitakyushu” and is lined with 120 shops and stalls.

Book a tour of Kawachi Wisteria Garden and Kokura Castle from Fukuoka!


Pictures courtesy of Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist Association

18. Kawachi Wisteria Garden

kawachi wisteria garden

Photo by Pixta
The Kawachi Wisteria Garden has become one of the iconic places to visit in Kitakyushu. The wisteria flowers are in bloom from late April to early May. Here, visitors can enjoy various types of wisterias, from the classic purple ones to the white and pink varieties. The two wisteria tunnels, measuring 80 and 110 meters in length respectively, make fabulous photo spots!

In autumn, this garden is a great location to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage! The garden is closed outside the wisteria and fall foliage seasons.

Please note that, in order to avoid traffic congestion, the garden has a ticket order system. Tickets should be booked in advance and visitors should arrive on the date and time specified on their ticket.

Book a tour of Kawachi Wisteria Garden and Kokura Castle from Fukuoka!

Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Address: Fukuoka, Kitakyushi, Yahatahigashi, Kawachi 2-2-48 Map
Visiting Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 *The garden is closed outside the wisteria and fall foliage seasons.
Admission fees:
Wisteria season 500 yen / 1,000 yen / 1,500 yen (*the fee changes depending on the blooming stage of the flowers)
Fall foliage season - 500 yen
Official Website: https://kawachi-fujien.com/

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19. Mojiko Retro

Mojiko Retro

Picture from Kitakyushu, Fukuoka - 8 Activities And Things To Enjoy
Mojiko Retro, charming for its retro streetscape lined with brick buildings, is a sightseeing spot in Kitakyushu just as famous as Kokura.

The area prospered as a hub for international trade with Moji Port at its center, which opened in 1889. It now houses a variety of facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and art museums.

This spot can be enjoyed by people of all ages! There are many things to do, like gaze out onto the streets from the Mojiko Retro Observation Room. Try out some baked curry, a Moji Port specialty made by baking curry topped with cheese in an oven. Then enjoy some shopping at the souvenir shops!

Mojiko Retro
Address: Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Moji, Minatomachi
Official Website: http://www.mojiko.info/ (Japanese)

20. Nanzoin Temple

Nanzoin Temple

Photo by Pixta

The Nanzoin Temple is accessible in about 30 minutes by car from central Fukuoka City and is most famous for its Reclining Buddha. This statue of Shakyamuni as he enters nirvana is lauded to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

Nanzoin Temple has donated medical supplies and stationery to children in Myanmar and Nepal for many years. In reciprocation, Sarira (ashes of Buddha) were offered to the temple by the Buddhist Council of Myanmar. This statue was erected in 1995 to store and worship these ashes.

That same year, Nanzoin Temple’s chief priest won a 130 million yen lottery. Due to these events, the temple is now known as a spiritual spot for economic fortune.

There are several other highlights to see in the temple including a great variety of Buddha statues, gorgeous waterfalls, and the Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel.

Nanzoin Temple
Address: Fukuoka, Kasuya, Sasaguri 1035
Official Website: https://nanzoin.net/

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5 Shopping Spots in Fukuoka

21. Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin

Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin

Shopping in Fukuoka? Then we recommend the Tenjin area.

Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin, a renowned department store that has expanded to various locations across the country, has a duty-free counter on the fifth floor. The general information counter on the first floor also has staff that can speak English, Chinese, and Korean - which makes for a reassuring shopping experience.

Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Chuo, Tenjin 1-4-1
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 *May vary by floor or store.
*Business days and hours are subject to change without notice.
Official Website: https://www.daimaru-fukuoka.jp/

22. Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata was built based on the concept of being a “theater in a city.” Inside this complex, you’ll find facilities such as a shopping mall, movie theater, play theater, amusement facilities, hotels, showrooms, and offices.

You can enjoy dynamic fountain shows near the canal flowing in the middle of the complex grounds. The complex also holds events daily at the Sun Plaza Stage by the waterfront.

There is a duty-free service counter in Canal City Hakata. You can also receive tax exemption services from several shops including clothing, general goods, or at restaurants.

Canal City Hakata
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Hakata, Sumiyoshi 1-2
Business Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 *May vary by floor or store.
*Business days and hours are subject to change without notice.
Official Website: https://canalcity.co.jp/english/

23. Fukuoka PARCO

Fukuoka PARCO

Fukuoka PARCO, directly connected to Tenjin Station on the City Subway Kuko Line, is an easily accessible shopping spot. Many of their shops have duty-free services including on sports goods, eyewear, and more.

Fukuoka PARCO
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Chuo, Tenjin 2-11-1
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:30 *May vary by floor or store.
*Business days and hours are subject to change without notice.
Official Website: https://fukuoka.parco.jp/en/

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24. TENJIN CHIKAGAI

TENJIN CHIKAGAI

TENJIN CHIKAGAI is directly connected to Tenjin Station on the city subway. Here, some stores will offer duty-free services including clothing, general goods, and drugstores.

TENJIN CHIKAGAI
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Chuo, Tenjin B1F, B2F, B3F
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 *May vary by store.
*Business days and hours are subject to change without notice.
Official Website: https://www.tenchika.com/

25. Hakata Hankyu

Hakata Hankyu

Hakata Hankyu, located inside JR Hakata Station, is a department store known for their extensive selection in products. Don’t have much time or want to finish all your shopping in one place? Then this is the store for you. There is also a duty-free service counter on the first floor.

Hakata Hankyu
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Hakata, Hakataekichuogai 1-1
Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
*May vary by floor and store.
*Business days and hours are subject to change without notice.
Official Website: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/hakata/

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Recommended Hotels in Fukuoka

26. Hotel Okura Fukuoka

Hotel Okura Fukuoka

Pictures courtesy of Booking.com
Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, offers a great selection of accommodations from luxury to inexpensive and reasonably priced hotels.

If you’re planning to choose a luxurious five-star hotel in Fukuoka, then we recommend Hotel Okura Fukuoka or Hotel Nikko Fukuoka. The four-star hotel With The Style Fukuoka, where guests can enjoy the feel of a luxurious resort near Hakata Station, is also a popular choice.

You can search for hotels ranging from one to five stars on hotel reservation websites like Booking.com, then make a reservation on the same platform. Refer to reviews submitted by guests who have stayed at these hotels and reserve the hotel you want to stay at!

Search room availability at Hotel Okura Fukuoka on Booking.com

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27. Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin

Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin

Pictures courtesy of Booking.com
Looking for a three-star luxury hotel for a comfortable stay while staying within a budget between 9,000 to 15,000 yen? Then we recommend Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin, Hakata Tokyu REI Hotel, or Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata.

Search room availability at Richmond Hotel Fukuoka Tenjin on Booking.com

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28. Hakata Green Hotel Tenjin

Hakata Green Hotel Tenjin

Pictures courtesy of Booking.com
Hakata Green Hotel Tenjin is a hotel in Tenjin, a great area for those that want to get shopping done.

Are you aiming to stay at a three-star luxury hotel for a reasonable price under 10,000 yen? Then this is the hotel for you!

Search room availability at Hakata Green Hotel Tenjin on Booking.com

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29. Fukuoka Hana Hostel

Fukuoka Hana Hostel

Pictures courtesy of Booking.com
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced place to stay, then we recommend Fukuoka Hana Hostel. It is a guest house next to Kushida Shrine.

The communal kitchen is open for use 24 hours. The guest house also offers both shared rooms and individual rooms.

Search room availability at Fukuoka Hana Hostel on Booking.com

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30. HOTEL CULTIA Dazaifu

Fukuoka Guide: 30 Things to Do, Festivals, Hotels, and Travel Tips

HOTEL CULTIA Dazaifu is a unique hotel located near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine! Formerly called Kokouan, this historic building was home to more than three generations of painters from the Yoshitsugu family. It has been renovated into the present-day hotel with elegant rooms and communal spaces.

Hotel guests can experience firsthand the impressive qualities of a traditional Japanese home (kominka). None of the rooms have TVs or clocks, allowing the guests can unwind and relax.

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How to Get to Fukuoka and City Access

fukuoka

Photo by Pixta

How to Travel From Tokyo to Fukuoka

Fukuoka can be accessed from Tokyo by either plane, shinkansen (bullet train), or car.

If you care about time efficiency, then we recommend traveling by plane as travel time will be two hours from Tokyo to Fukuoka. If you want to enjoy the Japanese landscape and scenery while on the move, then we recommend traveling by shinkansen. This MATCHA article introduces detailed information on how to access Fukuoka from Tokyo.

We also introduce how to travel from Fukuoka Airport to Fukuoka City (Hakata) in this article.

Check out information on the JR PASS and get an international visitors-exclusive unlimited rides pass at a value.
Check out flights from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport now: skyticket

Fukuoka (Hakata) Travel Conditions

Fukuoka has a great public transit system of subways, JR, and buses. It makes it convenient to travel to any destination.

Each respective transportation facility sells various tickets that allow riders to travel around sightseeing spots at a great value. Some examples include the Fukuoka City Subway 1 Day Pass for sightseeing the city via the subway or the Dazaifu Stroll Ticket Pack which is great for sightseeing Dazaifu by train.

If you’d like to see the sightseeing spots outside of Fukuoka City introduced in this article, like Itoshima and Mojiko Retro, then we recommend renting a car and driving to these destinations if possible.

MATCHA has a coupon to rent a vehicle from Nippon Rent-A-Car, one of Japan’s leading rental car companies. Readers will receive a 10% discount, so please be sure to use it!

Places offering free Wi-Fi in Japan are limited. Therefore, overseas visitors will find it handy to rent a pocket Wi-Fi during their travels.

MATCHA has a coupon for NINJA WiFi (English) that gets you a great discount of 20% off! Please take advantage of this opportunity.

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Festivals and Events in Fukuoka

fukuoka

Photo by Pixta

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

A festival held annually from July 1st to the 15th at Kushida Shrine. A competition takes place as participants race through the city at full speed while carrying festival floats called yamakasa.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Irises

A festival held in June at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Enjoy outdoor concerts and night illuminations held among 30,000 Japanese irises of 55 species in full bloom.

Hakata Dontaku Festival

A two-day festival held every year on May 3rd and 4th near Hakata Station. The festival resembles Halloween as people of all ages wear costumes, clap wooden rice paddles together, and parade through the streets. Dances are performed at plazas and stages placed throughout the city.

Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

A cherry blossom event held from late March to early April at Maizuru Park, a famous cherry blossom spot in Fukuoka Castle where you can see around 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom. During the festival, you can enjoy guided tours about the history of the cherry blossoms, the night cherry blossom illuminations, and tasty street food from food stalls.

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Fukuoka Weather and Clothing

Temperatures during the summer consistently go over 30℃ on most days with many days even exceeding 35℃. Please take precautions to stay cool and try to avoid getting heatstroke.

The winter can cold enough that there are days when it will snow, so it is necessary to protect yourself against the cold during the winter.

Spring often comes with pollen in the air, so it is vital to wear a face mask if you have allergies. Make sure to also keep in mind that it is often very windy throughout the year.

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Fully Take in the Charms of Fukuoka!

This time, we introduced our updated 2024 guide to sightseeing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture, including spots like Marine World Uminonakamichi and Gundam Park Fukuoka.

Be sure to refer to this article and enjoy your trip to Fukuoka!

Main image by PIXTA

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