Fukuoka, Japan On A Budget: A 5-Day Adventure!

Experience Fukuoka's exquisite culture without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Explore the vividly colorful city of Fukuoka, Japan without breaking the bank! The city offers affordable accommodation options, delicious foods from street stalls and markets, and entertainment through its numerous parks, temples, and cultural sites. Take a trip to Fukuoka for an enriching and affordable experience!

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploring Hakata

  • Check-in at Hotel Wing International, a budget-friendly hotel with clean and cozy rooms
  • Visit Hakata Station, the gateway to Fukuoka and a hub of shops and restaurants
  • Explore the streets of Nakasu, the lively nightlife district famous for its yatai (food stalls)
  • Try the Michelin-recommended pork broth ramen at Nagahama Ramen
Day 2

Historical and Cultural Fukuoka

  • Catch a bus to Dazaifu, an ancient capital and pilgrimage site
  • Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and write your wishes on an ema (wooden tablet)
  • Have lunch at Kyushu National Museum's cafe which overlooks a serene garden
  • Check out the exhibits at Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, showcasing contemporary work from all over Asia
  • Head back to the city and visit the serene Ohori Park for a quiet stroll
Day 3

Marine World and Shopping

  • Visit Marine World Uminonakamichi, one of the biggest aquariums in Japan
  • Enjoy the dolphin show and explore the many varieties of sea creatures
  • Have lunch at the on-site restaurant which offers fresh seafood dishes
  • Head over to Canal City Hakata, the huge shopping complex with over 200 shops and restaurants
  • Watch the spectacular fountain show and end the day with a movie at one of the cinema theaters
Day 4

Foodie Tour of Fukuoka

  • Start the day with a visit to Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba, the bustling fish market
  • Try the local specialty, mentaiko (spicy cod roe) at Fukuya
  • Go to Yamanaka for lunch, a famous Hakata-style grilled chicken restaurant
  • Try unique desserts like matcha ice cream with soba and red bean mochi at Sweets Shop Mihara
  • Have dinner at Ichiran, the iconic tonkotsu ramen chain
Day 5

Island Hopping and Sunset at Robosquare

  • Take a ferry to Nokonoshima Island for a day trip
  • Enjoy hiking, flower viewing, and stunning sea views at Nokonoshima Island Park
  • Have a picnic lunch on the island's beach
  • Return to the city and visit Robosquare, a robot-themed amusement center
  • Watch the beautiful sunset from the observation deck and end the trip on a high note.

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

If you are traveling on a budget, taking a bus to Fukuoka can be a good option. Buses run regularly from major cities throughout Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. One popular bus company is Willer Express, which offers comfortable overnight buses with reclining seats and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and USB chargers.

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Fukuoka, Japan On A Budget: A 5-Day Adventure!

Explore the vividly colorful city of Fukuoka, Japan without breaking the bank! The city offers affordable accommodation options, delicious foods from street stalls and markets, and entertainment through its numerous parks, temples, and cultural sites. Take a trip to Fukuoka for an enriching and affordable experience!