The 15 things to do in Fukuoka

Do you want to discover the Japanese island of Kyūshū? Here are the 14 things to do in Fukuoka.

Originally there were two cities: Fukuoka, the seigneurial city, west of the Naka River, and Hakata, the commercial and popular city. In 1889, the two cities were united and named Fukuoka. Located in front of the two Koreas and China, the city was for a long time the doorway of the invaders, particularly Mongolian, who repeatedly tried to take hold of the rising sun Empire. By Fukuoka, Kubilai Khan tried to invade Japan in the 13th century. The eighth largest city in Japan is today a major administrative and economic centre on the island of Kyūshū.

Marked by a history of more than two thousand years, the city of Fukuoka has managed to preserve its cultural and historical heritage, while becoming a modern and dynamic city over the years. Surrounded by mountains, thermal resorts and a sumptuous seaside, Fukuoka, regularly ranked among the most enjoyable Asian cities to live, is a perfect destination for holidays with family or friends.

Ready to fly to Japan? Here are the 15 things to do in Fukuoka.

1. Hakata Station

city station has retained the old name of the city of Hakata. Dating from 1889, it was completely renovated in 2011. On the roof, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Fukuoka and its surroundings, and walk in a small park in height. In the basement, a huge shopping complex offers souvenir shops, bookstores, shops and many restaurants.

2. The Yanagibashi market

Located only fifteen minutes’ walk from the Haakata train station, Yanagibashi market is one of the must-see visits to Fukuoka. The largest and best known in the city's markets is especially famous for the many varieties of freshly fished fish that are sold every day. What a wonderful sushi!

3. Tasting Ramens in a yatai

At nightfall, you will see, mainly in the neighborhoods of Nakasu and Tenjin, small tiles, called yatai offering popular dishes typical of the region. You will enjoy Chinese noodle soups with pork, the famous Ramen, or Oden composed of vegetables and fish paste, bathing in a broth. There are currently approximately 230 yatai Fukuoka.

4. The Museum of Popular Arts of Hakata Machiya

Located in front of the Kushida Shrine, the Museum of Popular Arts Hakata Machiya is particularly interesting to better understand the history of the city and its region. You will discover the lives of the inhabitants during the Meiji and Taisho era in the 19th and 20th centuries.

5. Shrines

Visiting the shrines of the city is one of the must-see activities in Fukuoka.

Start with the oldest sanctuary on the island of Kyushu, the sanctuary Sumiyoshi dedicated to the protective deity of sailors. Then take a tour of the sanctuary Hakozaki , whose current buildings date from the 16th and 17th centuries. You can admire the magnificent floral garden, which is on the central alley, leading to the sanctuary.

Finally, finish your visit to the sanctuaries of Fukuoka by discovering the sanctuary Kushida . Located a few steps from Hakata Station, this sanctuary is dedicated to the deity that protects the city. It is also the most beautiful and known of the sanctuaries of Fukuoka.

6. The temples

It is impossible to visit Japan without taking the time to discover its temples. The one Shofukuji is the first Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, built by the monk Eisai, which would also be the first to cultivate tea in Japan.

More modern, the temple Tochoji is particularly appreciated by visitors, who come many admire his famous wooden statue of Buddha, more than ten meters high, built in 1995.

7. The Asian Arts Museum

Turn around Asian Arts Museum Fukuoka and discover, one of the few museums in the world, to present contemporary Asian art. You will admire the works of Burmese, Indian, Malay and Chinese artists. A must-see visit to Fukuoka.

8. Bayside Place Hakata Futoh

Welcome to the immense complex Bayside Place Hakata Futoh , located by the sea. Here you will find what to entertain and spend a pleasant time with family or friends: shops, restaurants, huge column aquarium and wooden pontoons to walk on the seafront. One of the most popular places in Fukuoka and its visitors!

9. Ohori Park

Want a little jogging or a bike ride with your children? Enjoy a beautiful summer day to visit the largest park in the city: the Ohori park . A walk of more than two kilometers allows you to take a tour of a beautiful pond, built on the ruins of the old castle doves.

The park also offers a Museum of Fine Arts, as well as a beautiful Japanese garden. You will end your day with a little romantic ride in a boat on the pond or a pedal boat race.

10. The Minami Park

You don't know what to do in Fukuoka with your children? Meet in the park Minami , located on the southern hills of the city. You will find a nice zoo, as well as a very nice botanical garden.

11. Momochi

Don't miss the visit of this Fukuoka neighborhood! Built on the sea, Momochi Recognizes its huge skyscrapers and its famous Fukuoka tower. But it was in the summer that Momochi really animates. The local population and tourists find themselves there for shopping, dinner in the many restaurants of the neighborhood, bathing or cooking on the artificial beach, located north of Momochi. Attention, however, is only allowed in July and August.

12. Canal City

Opened in 1996, giant commercial complex , not far from the station, is spread around a channel of one hundred and eighty meters, where the municipal theatre, a multiplex of thirteen screens, a futuristic leisure park, hotels, shops and many other attractions.

13. Fukuoka en Kimono

Several shops offer kimonos, shoes, hairstyle, and even makeup to slip you, the time of a day in the skin, a Japanese or a Japanese endimanché. A must-see activity in Fukuoka!

14. A Sumos tournament

If you are lucky to visit Fukuoka in November, come to a Sumos tournament. A fight costs about sixteen euros and you will have the opportunity to learn more about this martial art, so prestigious and popular in Japan.

15. Surroundings of Fukuoka

• Admire the torii of Mishimajinja
• Taste the tea of Yame
• Photographers in flower Daizafu
• Spend a day on Ainoshima, the island with cats
• Visit the Nanzoin Temple and its giant Buddha

How to get to Fukuoka?

From France

To take advantage of the must-see in Fukuoka, the easiest will be to borrow a plane from Paris and make a stopover in Tokyo or Osaka. You will need to do this at least 17h of flight (including stopovers) and pay over 1000€ on average. It seems possible to benefit from far more interesting rates by borrowing Air China , and by making a stopover (more than 6h anyway) in Shanghai. You see what's best for you! To find the best flights and prices, do not hesitate to compare prices on Ulysses , according to your dates of stay: as always, jaundice the prices and book well in advance allows to avoid the bad surprises!

Once you arrive at Fukuoka airport and reach the city centre, you can opt for the metro (10 minutes away) or choose to take one bus available on each terminal.

Finally, if you wish rent a car As soon as you arrive at the airport, you’ll only have to travel about 5 kilometers to reach the city centre. For this:

• Join Route 551 to the intersection of Yutaka
• Take routes 3, 607 and 517 to Yoshizuka-dori towards the prefecture

Note : The highways being paid, count 24,6 ¥/km .

From Tokyo or Osaka

Another solution is to take a direct flight to Osaka or Tokyo, then to opt for the Japanese high speed train, the famous Shinkansen which will lead you to Fukuoka Station, Hakata. Count 3 hours from Osaka and about 6 hours from Tokyo.

Once at the station, take the line subway Kūkō to reach downtown.

Where to stay in Fukuoka?

If you are looking for a trendy and lively neighborhood, prefer the Daimyo district, located between the Maizuru Park and the Naka River. The Fukuoka train station, very central, can also be a good alternative. Finally, with family or if you like the beach, opt for Momochihama. You can enjoy beautiful seafront walks after having dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area.

If you want to know more, read our article on the best places to stay in Fukuoka and compare prices, depending on the dates of your stay, on this Compare hotels .

Now you know what to do and what to see in Fukuoka. And you know Fukuoka? Share your musts in comment!