4 Days of Fun in Fukuoka: A Budget Guide

Discover the rich culture and flavor of Fukuoka without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Fukuoka, Japan on a limited budget is possible with careful planning and research. Some affordable accommodations options include hostels and capsule hotels. Explore the city's street food scene and visit popular attractions such as Fukuoka Tower and Ohori Park for free or low-cost activities.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the City on Foot and Taking in the Views

Check into guesthouse Fukudomi and freshen up
Walk to Fukuoka Tower and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck
Visit Ohori Park and stroll around the tranquil lake
Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at Yamanaka, where everything is cooked to perfection
Take a night-time walk around the Nakasu area and soak up the bustling atmosphere

Day 2

Discovering Fukuoka's Food Culture

Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast at Fukuoka Yatai, a street-food market
Visit the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival Museum and learn about the history behind the festival
Try a bowl of Hakata Ramen at Ichiran Ramen, a famous chain
Enjoy a seafood feast at Hakata Kaisenmakasete, a restaurant that offers the catch of the day
Try some sake at Hakata Gofuku Sake Brewery Museum

Day 3

Enjoying Nature and Japanese Culture

Take a train to Dazaifu and visit the Tenmangu Shrine, which is dedicated to a famous scholar
Visit the Kyushu National Museum, which showcases Japanese art and history
Take a walk through the lush Furo botanical gardens
Sample matcha and wagashi at Uchida Isshodo, a Japanese confectionery store
Head back to Fukuoka and dine at Yoroniku, a Japanese-style BBQ restaurant

Day 4

Shopping and Saying Goodbye to Fukuoka

Visit Canal City Hakata, a shopping center that features an aquarium and a theatre
Explore the Nishijin Shopping District and pick up some souvenirs
Have a lunch of fresh sushi at Uoki, a seafood restaurant
Take a stroll around Maizuru Park and see the ruins of Fukuoka Castle
Return to Fukudomi for a final night's sleep in Fukuoka.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Fukuoka, Japan by plane is to fly into Fukuoka Airport, which is located about 5 km east of the city center. There are many airlines that offer direct flights to Fukuoka from major cities in Asia, including Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei.

Car

Driving to Fukuoka from other parts of Japan is also possible, but it can be a long and expensive journey. If you do decide to drive, you will need to take the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge and then drive across Kyushu Island to Fukuoka. The journey can take up to 14 hours or more depending on traffic, so it is recommended to break up the journey with overnight stops.

Train

While it is possible to take a train to Fukuoka, it is not the most practical option for most travelers. The easiest way to get to Fukuoka by train is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Osaka and transfer to a local train at Hakata Station. However, this can be a long and expensive journey, and it is usually quicker and more economical to fly instead.

Boat

While there are no direct passenger ferries to Fukuoka, it is possible to take a ferry from Busan, South Korea to Hakata Port, which is located just a short distance from the city center. The ferry journey takes around 3 hours and is operated by Camellia Line. However, this option can be more expensive than flying, and it is not recommended for travelers who are short on time.