Fukuoka Fun: A Day Trip Guide

Experience the culture and cuisine of Fukuoka, Japan, like never before!

22 April 2023

As a tourist, Fukuoka offers an exquisite blend of traditional Japanese culture and modernity. The vibrant city is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its mouthwatering ramen, fresh seafood, and the world-famous Hakata-style dishes. From visiting Buddhist temples and shrines to relaxing in natural hot springs, Fukuoka provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan.

Day trip plan

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Day

The Best of Fukuoka

  • Start the day at the bustling Ohori Park where locals jog, cycle and relax amid a serene lake and gardens.
  • Head to the ancient temple of Tochoji, with its impressive five-story pagoda and a towering statue of Buddha.
  • Visit the quirky Canal City mall for some retail therapy and catch a film in the cinema housed in a faux-kabuki theatre.
  • Satisfy your taste buds with the city's famed Hakata ramen at Shin Shin or Ippudo, both within walking distance from Canal City.
  • Stroll through the yatai street stalls in the evening at Nakasu, where the aroma of yakitori, takoyaki and other street foods will tantalize your senses.
  • Head to the Tenjin area for some bar-hopping to sample Fukuoka's signature drink, the refreshing and fruity "umeshu" plum wine.

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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