Fukuoka City is the fifth-largest city in Japan and serves as the central hub for Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island. Many people associate Fukuoka with ramen and beautiful women, but there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored here.
Today, Japan RAR has selected the top 20 must-visit tourist attractions within Fukuoka City, including spots like Hakata Canal City, Fukuoka Tower, and Kushida Shrine. Come and experience the unique charm of Fukuoka!
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Hakata Canal City (キャナルシティ博多)
This large commercial complex, opened in Hakata in 1996, spans approximately 43,500 square meters. It includes a shopping center, hotels, a cinema, a theater, and a ramen sports stadium, all surrounding a 180-meter-long canal, creating a town-like atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and delicious food throughout the day.
Hakata Canal City is divided into five areas along the canal. Children can have a great time at the sea-themed Sea Court.
You can also relax on canal-side benches, stroll through the Crystal Gorge connecting the office building and shopping mall, experience the modern ambiance of Hoshi-en, and watch various live performances at the Taiyo Plaza Stage.
- Hakata Canal City (キャナルシティ博多) Travel Information
- Address: 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Gion Station, Fukuoka City Subway
- Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Hakata Station, JR
- Phone: 092-282-2525
- Official Website: http://canalcity.co.jp/
Fukuoka Tower (福岡タワー)
Fukuoka Tower stands at 234 meters, making it the tallest seaside tower in Japan. With its half-mirrored appearance, it exudes a stylish impression.
Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Fukuoka and Hakata Bay from the observation deck located at 123 meters above the ground.
On the 4th floor, 120 meters above the ground, there is a glass-enclosed Sky Lounge where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The view from Fukuoka Tower is spectacular and has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Night Views." You can admire the glittering cityscape and the beautiful sunset over Hakata Bay. The tower hosts various seasonal events such as cherry blossoms, moon viewing, and Christmas festivities. There's also a beautiful illumination display.
In addition, Fukuoka Tower is known as a "lovers' sanctuary." On SKY Play 116, located on the first floor, there is a "Promise Fence" where you can hang heart-shaped locks, symbolizing eternal love.
- Fukuoka Tower (福岡タワー) Travel Information
- Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Get off at the Fukuoka Tower or Fukuoka Tower South Exit on the Nishitetsu bus and walk for 2 minutes.
- Admission:
- Adults: 800 yen
- Seniors (65 and older): 720 yen
- Middle and high school students: 500 yen
- Children (4 years and older): 200 yen
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Ticket sales end at 9:30 PM)
- Phone: 092-823-0234
- Official Website: http://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/
Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社)
Kushida Shrine is the guardian deity of Hakata and is affectionately known as "Okushida-san" by the locals. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a famous Hakata summer tradition, takes place here every July, but the shrine is active year-round.
Kushida Shrine displays huge decorative yamakasa floats, crafted by doll makers, which are quite impressive and worth seeing.
The towering ginkgo tree at the entrance of the shrine grounds has been designated as a natural monument of the prefecture and is featured in Hakata's chants. It is said to be over 1,000 years old and has long been revered as a sacred tree.
- Kushida Shrine（櫛田神社）Travel Information
- Address: 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Gion Station and Nakasu-Kawabata Station, Fukuoka City Subway
- Approx. 5 minutes on foot from the Hakata-mae Station of Nishitetsu Bus to Canal City Hakata
- Approx. 5 minutes on foot from the Gofukumachi Interchange on the Fukuoka Urban Expressway
- Opening Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Phone: 092-291-2951
- Official Website: https://yokanavi.com/spot/26906/
Fukuoka Marine World Uminonakamichi (マリンワールド海の中道)
Marine World Located about 40 minutes from Fukuoka City Center by public transportation, Fukuoka Marine World Uminonakamichi reopened in April 2017 as an aquarium where you can get up close with dolphins, seals, and penguins!
Compared to the previous version, the aquarium and its various tanks are now brighter, and the use of advanced lighting technology has transformed them into stylish exhibits. You can observe the sea creatures like works of art, making it a recommended day trip destination in Fukuoka.
- Fukuoka Marine World Uminonakamichi (マリンワールド海の中道) Travel Information
- Address: 18-28 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Uminonakamichi Station
- Admission: Adults - 2,350 yen, Children (middle and high school) - 1,100 yen, Young children (3 and above) - 600 yen
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Phone: 092-603-0400
- Official Website: https://marine-world.jp/
Nakasu (中洲)
Nakasu is a famous entertainment district in Fukuoka, with over 20 street food stalls and numerous restaurants. It's not just about Fukuoka's signature dish, ramen, here; you can also savor dumplings, yakitori, and cocktails from the stalls.
Nakasu features many narrow alleyways, but it can be a bit intimidating at night, so it's best not to wander around in these alleys after dark.
In addition to food, Nakasu offers a range of entertainment options. "Hakataza" provides high-quality theater performances and service, while the "Fukuoka Asian Art Museum" is an interactive museum showcasing contemporary works from Asia, situated near the center.
You can also explore "Yanagibashi Rengai Market," Fukuoka's kitchen, and "Hakata Traditional Craft Center" which houses traditional crafts from Fukuoka. "Hakata Riverain," a multi-level complex built along the Hakata River, is rich in greenery and offers a garden with terraces called "Across."
- Nakasu Travel Information
- Address: Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Get off at Nakasu-Kawabata Station, Fukuoka City Subway
- Official Website: https://www.nakasukankou.com/
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園)
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is situated in Uminonakamichi and is Japan's fifth national park. The vast 2.935 million square meter site features a variety of seasonal flowers, an animal forest with approximately 50 species of animals such as sea otters, a 240,000 square meter large lawn area, and six swimming pools, including an outdoor leisure pool open only during the summer.
In spring, fields of rapeseed, tulips, and azaleas bloom. From the rainy season to summer, hydrangeas, water lilies, and more are in full bloom. In autumn, you can enjoy clusters of spider lilies, asters, and red-leafed ground cover. Winter features tulips and narcissus in full bloom.
There are many activities suitable for families, such as go-karting, mini steam trains, cycling, barbecues, and the Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pool, open in the summer.
- Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園) Travel Information
- Address: 18-25 Nishitetsuzaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Get off at JR Uminonakamichi Station or JR Nishitetsuzaki Station
- Admission: Adults (15 years and older) - 450 yen, Seniors (65 and older) - 210 yen, Middle school and below - free
- Opening Hours: March to October: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM / November to February: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Phone: 092-603-1111
- Official Website: https://uminaka-park.jp/
Seaside Momochi Beach Park (シーサイドももち海浜公園)
Seaside Momochi Beach Park is a beach park with man-made white sand beaches, divided into two areas: the Momochihama area on the north side of Fukuoka Tower and the Shioarigahama area on the north side of Fukuoka Dome.
The waterside shopping center "Marizon" in the city center (Momochihama area) includes restaurants and marine shops and is a popular area where you can relax while sipping coffee and gazing at the sea.
It's also known as a hub for beach sports, offering beach volleyball, beach soccer, touch rugby, and more, making it a great destination for enjoying the sea and the beach in the summer.
The sunset over Hakata Bay is stunning, and the city lights reflecting on the water at night create a beautiful nightscape, making it a recommended spot for night views.
- Seaside Momochi Beach Park (シーサイドももち海浜公園) Travel Information
- Address: 2-902-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Subway Kuko Line Meinohama Station or JR Kashii Line Nishitetsuzaki Station
- Approx. 3 minutes on foot from the bus stop in front of Fukuoka Tower South Exit, taking a bus from JR Hakata Station
- Phone: 092-822-8141
- Official Website: https://www.marizon-kankyo.jp/
Tenjin Underground Mall (天神地下街)
Underneath Tenjin, there's a vast underground shopping street known as the Tenjin Underground Mall. It stretches approximately 600 meters, with around 400,000 people passing through it every day. It's so extensive that you might get lost!
This underground mall is designed to resemble 19th-century European townscapes and features about 150 shops along its two 590-meter-long streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining. It's directly connected to Tenjin Station, Tenjin Minami Station, and surrounding commercial facilities, making it very convenient. Free Wi-Fi is available, and there are resting areas too.
- Tenjin Underground Mall (天神地下街) Travel Information
- Address: Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Take the subway to Tenjin Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (restaurants open until 9:00 PM; store hours may vary)
- Phone: 092-711-1903
- Official Website: https://www.marizon-kankyo.jp/
Ohori Park (大濠公園)
Ohori Park is a municipal urban park with a circumference of approximately 2 kilometers, located in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward. It is a much-loved attraction among the residents of Fukuoka Prefecture.
The park features a pond designed to resemble China's West Lake, complete with a boat dock (open only from March to November) that attracts families and holidaymakers. There are also cafes like Starbucks, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery while having a relaxed time.
The park offers a jogging course that is popular among runners, and the children's park within the premises provides various recreational facilities, making it a great place for kids to unwind.
Ohori Park's Japanese garden, known as "Rakusuien," was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the park's opening and opened to the public in 1984. Covering an area of approximately 1.2 hectares, this garden is a serene, Japanese-style strolling garden surrounded by white mud walls and trees. It features various attractions such as a large pond garden with rocks, and winding streams, a dry landscape garden, a "Sukiya" style teahouse, and an open-air teahouse.
Visitors can explore the garden along paths that connect these different points of interest. Lush vegetation conceals the urban hustle and bustle, with a waterfall constructed at the center of the garden and cascading streams in the valley of the rock garden. On the eastern side of the rock garden, there's a curtain waterfall, creating a picturesque setting reminiscent of a deep mountain valley.
- Ohori Park (大濠公園) Travel Information
- Address: 1-2 Ohori Koen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Get off at "Kuro-mon" bus stop and walk for 5 minutes / Get off at "Ohori Park" bus stop and walk for 5 minutes / Get off at "Ohori Koen Mae" bus stop of the sightseeing double-decker bus and walk for 5 minutes.
- Take the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line and get off at Ohori Koen Station or Nakasu Kawabata Station (7 minutes).
- Opening Hours: May to September: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, October to April: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Phone: 092-741-2004
- Official Website: http://www.ohorikouen.jp/
Sazae-san Street（サザエさん通り）
The popular Japanese manga "Sazae-san," which is a symbol of the Showa era, started its creation at Momochi Beach in Fukuoka. The characters in "Sazae-san," such as Sazae, Katsuo, and Wakame, got their names when manga artist Machiko Hasegawa was taking a walk at Momochi Beach.
It is said that Mr. Hasegawa spent his childhood in Fukuoka. Therefore, in 2012, "Sazae-san Street" was born in Fukuoka. Stretching 1.6 kilometers from the nearest subway station, Meinohama Station, to the entrance of Momochi Beach, this seaweed-themed street features various seaweed-related attractions and sights.
- Sazae-san Street (海螺さん通り) Travel Information
- Address: Sazae-san Street, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Get off at Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line.
- From JR Hakata Station, take the Nishitetsu Bus Route 306 or 312 to the Fukuoka Tower Bus Stop.
- Phone: 092-833-4306
- Official Website: https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/sawaraku/sawaraku-tamatebako/kankou/sazaesan/index.html
Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin Tenjin Main Shop（博多らーめん）Shin-Shin 天神本店
When it comes to Fukuoka, you can't miss Hakata Ramen, which features pork bone soup and thin noodles as its main ingredients. A recommended spot for this culinary experience is "Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin," located just a 3-minute walk from the central Tenjin Station. This ramen and izakaya restaurant is run by a chef who honed his skills at yatai (street stalls), and it consistently has long lines of customers, both day and night.
The popular "Hakata Shin-Shin Ramen" features a clear soup with toppings like Kagoshima pork char siu and green onions. The rich and sweet flavors of the pork bone marrow stand out and complement the thin, straight noodles. You can also order "Hanamaki" for an extra 120 yen, which includes mustard greens and pickled ginger on the side.
- Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin Tenjin Main Shop（博多らーめん）Shin-Shin 天神本店 Travel Information
- Address: 3-2-19 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- 4-minute walk from Tenjin Station Exit 4.
- 8-minute walk from the north exit of Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station.
- 11-minute walk from Exit 5 of Akasaka Station.
- Phone: 092-732-4006
- Official Website: http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/tenpo_tenjin
Maihama Park (舞鶴公園)
Maihama Park, also known as Maihama Koen, is a historical site in Fukuoka that was once part of the defensive walls and moats surrounding Fukuoka Castle. The park is located next to Ohori Park, which is ranked ninth in the list of Fukuoka's best parks. Maihama Park is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, recreational facilities, and diverse activities. Its history dates back to the Meiji era when this area served as a defensive fortification.
The park is particularly famous for its 500 cherry blossom trees, making it a prominent cherry blossom viewing spot in the heart of Fukuoka City. During the peak season, the trees are illuminated during the "Cherry Blossom Festival." In addition to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and the Kourakukan site, the park also features sports facilities.
Maihama Park frequently hosts various cultural events, festivals, and performances, including flower exhibitions, concerts, and art exhibitions, attracting many residents and tourists alike.
- Maihama Park (舞鶴公園) Travel Information
- Address: Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Take the subway to Akasaka or Ohori Koen Station and walk for 8 minutes.
- By West Japan Railway (JR) bus, get off at Fukuoka Castle/Kourakukan-mae, Fukuoka City Art Museum, or Otemon-Heiwadai Rikujyojo-iriguchi stops, and walk for 5 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, get off at Akasaka 3-chome and walk for 10 minutes.
- Opening Hours: April to September: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, October to March: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Phone: 092-781-2153
- Official Website: https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
Ichiran Ramen Main Shop（一蘭 本社総本店）
The well-known "Ichiran Ramen" main shop originated in Fukuoka and offers only one type of ramen, "Natural Pork Bone Ramen." Since its establishment in 1960, the restaurant has continuously researched its broth, using specially-made noodles to remove the distinctive taste and smell of pork bone. The red secret sauce, which is a blend of more than 30 seasonings based on chili pepper, is another significant flavor element. You can order ramen with spiciness levels ranging from "none" to 20 times (up to 10 times spiciness is free).
The "Flavor Concentration Counter" at Ichiran Ramen creates a private space for enjoying your ramen without worrying about your surroundings, which is one of the reasons many female customers visit. The menu is available in English and Chinese, allowing you to customize your bowl with seven options, including noodle firmness and richness of flavor.
The "Flavor Counter" operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 AM the next day, while the "Ichiran Yatai" seats are open 24 hours. This allows you to enjoy ramen late at night or early in the morning.
- Ichiran Ramen Main Shop（一蘭 本社総本店）Travel Information
- Address: 5-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Subway Airport Line (Line 1) - Nakasu Kawabata Station, 1-minute walk
- Phone: 092-262-0433
- Official Website: https://ichiran.com/
JR Hakata City (JR博多シティ)
JR Hakata City is the station building of JR Hakata Station. Apart from the Hankyu Department Store, it features a shopping center, a cinema, restaurants, and Fukuoka Ichiban-gai, where you can taste Fukuoka's specialty foods.
For tourists, this is a convenient place to buy souvenirs. The shopping center, "Myung," consists of seven streets like "Makatong," "Wagashitong," and "Hakata Myojintong," offering local sweets and Fukuoka specialties like mustard-flavored cod roe.
- JR Hakata City (JR博多シティ) Travel Information
- Address: 1-1 Hakata Station Central Street, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: 1-minute walk from Hakata Station
- Phone: 092-431-8484
- Official Website: https://www.jrhakatacity.com/
Hakozaki Shrine (箱崎宮)
Hakozaki Shrine is a highly representative shrine in Fukuoka, known for its flower exhibitions and grand festivals, dedicated to the deities of good fortune and warding off evil spirits.
During the mid-Kamakura period when the Mongols invaded, Emperor Gomizunoo visited the shrine to pray for victory. Shortly afterward, the "divine wind" (kamikaze) blew, and the Mongol forces retreated. Warlords such as Ashikaga Takauji, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Kuroda Nagamasa have also paid visits. Even today, Fukuoka sports teams like the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Fukuoka Hornets visit the shrine annually to pray for victory.
In the shrine precinct, there is a power spot called "Wakitobashi," a stone that, when touched is believed to bring good fortune and blessings. It's recommended to make a wish for victory along with your general good fortune prayers.
- Hakozaki Shrine (箱崎宮) Travel Information
- Address: 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access:
- Fukuoka City Subway, Nakazaki-gu-mae Station, 3-minute walk (Exit 1)
- JR Kyushu Bus, Hakozaki 1-chome, 2-minute walk
- West Japan Railway (JR) Kagoshima Main Line, Hakozaki Station, 8-minute walk
- West Japan Railway (JR) bus, Hakozaki, 3-minute walk
- Phone: 092-641-7431
- Official Website: http://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/
Palm Tree Swing（ヤシの木ブランコ）
Itoshima City is located in the westernmost part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Itoshima Peninsula faces the Sea of Japan, featuring a beautiful coastline and abundant natural resources. Itoshima, with its tropical vibes, is filled with photogenic spots.
One of the most popular attractions is the "Palm Tree Swing" on the east coast of Itoshima Peninsula. Made by the nearby live fish restaurant "Zauo," it offers a view of the blue sea that makes you feel like you're in a tropical country. Swinging on the swing while a gentle breeze blows is a moment of happiness. It's recommended to visit during the early morning or evening when there are fewer people for some great photo opportunities!
- Palm Tree Swing (ヤシの木ブランコ) Travel Information
- Address: 79 Oda, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Take the JR Chikuhi Line from either "Imajuku Station" or "Kyudai Gakken Toshi Station," transfer to the bus ("Nishi-no-ura Line") to "Zauo Honten-mae" stop, and it's about a 1-minute walk.
- Phone: 092-809-2668
- Official Website: https://zauo-itoshimahonten.owst.jp/
Nokonoshima Island (能古島)
Nokonoshima Island is a small island with a circumference of about 12 kilometers and a population of around 800 people, floating in the middle of Hakata Bay. It's less than an hour's journey from Fukuoka City, and a 10-minute ferry ride will take you there.
The biggest tourist attraction on the island is the nature-rich Nokonoshima Island Park, which covers an area of approximately 150,000 square meters and is in full bloom throughout the seasons. Seasonal flowers such as rapeseed flowers in spring and sunflowers in summer adorn the island. In particular, in autumn, you can witness the magnificent view of around 800,000 cosmos flowers. Additionally, the park features an athletic field, an amusement area, and a mini-zoo, making it a great place for children.
For lunch, it's recommended to visit "Restaurant Bojin" within the park. Located on a small hill, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful view of the sea and gardens.
- Nokonoshima Island (能古島) Travel Information
- Address: Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: Take a municipal ferry from "Meinohama Ferry Terminal" to "Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal" (about 10 minutes, one-way fare: 230 yen).
- Phone: 092-881-2494
- Official Website: http://nokonoshima.com/
Fukuoka City Museum (福岡市博物館)
This historical museum is located in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. One of its most famous exhibits is the golden seal excavated from Shiga Island. While you can't touch this Japanese national treasure, you can admire it slowly.
Apart from many other historically significant exhibits, Fukuoka City Museum also hosts special exhibitions. We recommend visiting the exhibitions that pique your interest. In addition, there's a hands-on learning room that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
- Fukuoka City Museum (福岡市博物館) Travel Information
- Address: 3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Google Map
- Access: About a 13-minute walk from Fukuoka City Subway "Hakata Station" and about a 7-minute walk from "Tenjin Station."
- Opening Hours: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM (Last entry at 05:00 PM)
- Closed on: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, it's closed the following weekday)
- Admission: General 200 yen / High School Students 150 yen
- Phone: 092-845-5011
- Official Website: https://museum.city.fukuoka.jp/
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