5 Days of Fun in Fukuoka, Japan

Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity in Fukuoka, Japan.

22 April 2023

Fukuoka is a bustling city on the southern island of Japan, known for its vibrant food scene and historic landmarks. Visit the ancient ruins of Fukuoka Castle, soak in the hot springs of Yufuin, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Nakasu. Don't forget to try the local specialty dishes like tonkotsu ramen and mentaiko.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Eat Your Heart Out

Check into the trendy Hotel WBF Fukuoka Tenjin MINAMI
Enjoy a delectable bowl of tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, known for its unique solo dining booths
Sample fresh seafood at Nakasu Yatai, a row of food stalls lining the river
Try Hakata motsunabe, stewed beef/pork offal, at Yamakasa Honten
Satisfy your sweet tooth with matcha desserts at Tsujiri

Day 2

Journey into the Past

Visit the historic Fukuoka Castle ruins, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring
Stroll through Ohori Park, a tranquil oasis with a large pond and Japanese garden
Explore the magnificent Shofukuji Temple, the first Zen temple in Japan
Take a dip in the rejuvenating hot springs of Nanzoin Temple
Watch a traditional Hakata puppet show at the Hakataza Theater

Day 3

Artistic Flourish

Marvel at the contemporary art at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Admire the stunning architecture of the Fukuoka City Public Library
Browse the unique boutiques and art galleries in the trendy Daimyo district
See the colorful street art and murals in the nearby Kurume Street Art Village
Watch a performance at the ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall, with its iconic glass facade

Day 4

Natural Wonders

Hike through the serene forests and waterfalls of the Fukuoka Prefectural Nature Park
Relax on the sandy shores of Nokonoshima Island, accessible by ferry
Experience Hakata bay's dynamic tidal bore phenomenon, known as "Dragon King"
Spot exotic animals at the popular Marine World Uminonakamichi aquarium
Take a scenic drive to the stunning Kawachi Fuji Garden, with its breathtaking wisteria tunnel

Day 5

Fuk and Run

Have a quick breakfast at the famous Kushida Shrine food stalls
Take a stroll through the lively Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall
Buy unique souvenirs at Canal City Hakata, a shopping complex with a theater and fountain show
Catch a train to nearby Dazaifu to see the ancient Tenmangu Shrine and Kyushu National Museum
Enjoy a farewell dinner at the upmarket Yamanaka Sushi, with its innovative sushi creations

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Type of trip

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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.

Bus