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Best Things to Do in Fukuoka

Vibrant city, famous for its ramen and festivals

Updated: September 1, 2024

Fukuoka is a city of diverse attractions, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, historical sites, and modern attractions. This article introduces various recommended tourist destinations in Fukuoka.

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Tourist Spots

SEASONAL

5. 能古島

Nokonoshima Island Park

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Nishi-ku

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Nature Flowers

Nokonoshima Island Park
Nokonoshima Island Park
Nokonoshima Island Park

Nokonoshima is a small island located about 10 minutes by ferry from the center of Fukuoka City. The island is rich in nature and is popular among locals and tourists alike. In the fall, Nokonoshima is filled with cosmos flowers. The pink, white, and red cosmos flowers swaying in the wind give visitors a sense of peaceful autumn. It is the perfect time for a stroll or picnic.

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Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 819-0012, Japan

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SEASONAL

6. 放生会

Hojoya: Fukuoka's Autumn Festival

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Higashi Ward

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Festival

Hojoya: Fukuoka's Autumn Festival
Hojoya: Fukuoka's Autumn Festival
Hojoya: Fukuoka's Autumn Festival

Housoukai is a traditional festival held every September in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. With many stalls and events, locals and tourists alike come to experience the unique atmosphere of this festival.

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1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

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Event Period Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Wednesday, September 18, 2024

7. 天神

Tenjin Fukuoka's economic and cultural center and a source of fashion and trends for young people

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Chuo Ward

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Department store Shopping area District

Tenjin
Tenjin
Tenjin

Tenjin is another center of Fukuoka City and is known as a center of fashion and culture for young people. With many brand-name stores, department stores, restaurants, and cafes, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining.

There are also underground shopping areas, including the Tenjin Underground Mall, where you can spend a comfortable time even on rainy days.

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Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001

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8. 博多駅

Hakata Station Fukuoka's transportation hub and shopping area

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Hakata Ward

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Department store Shopping area

Hakata Station
Hakata Station

Hakata is one of the central districts of Fukuoka City and a major transportation hub for Kyushu. The area around Hakata Station is home to a large shopping mall, office buildings, and many restaurants, making it the economic and cultural center of Fukuoka.

For locals, it is the center of daily life, and for tourists, it is the place to experience local culture such as Hakata Ramen and Hakata textiles.

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1-1 Hakata Eki Chuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan

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9. 福岡タワー

Fukuoka Tower The tallest tower in Fukuoka

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Momochihama

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Vantage point

Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower

When visiting Fukuoka City, make sure to visit Fukuoka Tower, a symbol of the area, along with its beautiful scenery. Located in the heart of Fukuoka City, its overwhelming presence captivates many tourists.

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2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001

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10. 福岡オープントップバス

Fukuoka Open-Top Bus Sightseeing buses to visit tourist attractions in Fukuoka City

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Fukuoka

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Sightseeing bus

Fukuoka Open-Top Bus
Fukuoka Open-Top Bus
Fukuoka Open-Top Bus

Fukuoka Open-Top Bus is a sightseeing bus that takes you around the famous landmarks of Fukuoka City. As the name suggests, it is a double-decker bus with an open roof. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of major sightseeing spots such as Tenjin, Hakata, Fukuoka Tower, and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. The bus offers different experiences depending on the season and time of day, including night tours that allow you to enjoy the city’s vibrant streets and lush parks during the day, and beautiful night views in the evening.

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1 Chome-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001

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Official Site Fukuoka Open-Top Bus

11. 太宰府天満宮

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

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Dazaifu City

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Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a famous shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. In spring, the shrine is filled with beautiful plum blossoms and many worshippers. For Japanese people, it is a symbolic place for education and academic achievement, and is also used for visits to mark some milestone.

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4-7-1 Zaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan

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12. 糸島

Itoshima

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Itoshima City

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City

Itoshima
Itoshima
Itoshima
Itoshima
Itoshima
Itoshima

Itoshima is a peninsula located west of Fukuoka City, dotted with beautiful coastlines, relaxing beaches, and rustic cafes. It is popular among nature lovers and photographers, and is also known as a place to enjoy fresh local seafood. For the Japanese, it is a favorite weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

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13. 柳川・川下り

River Rafting at Yanagawa

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Yanagawa

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Japanese style

River Rafting at Yanagawa
River Rafting at Yanagawa
River Rafting at Yanagawa
River Rafting at Yanagawa

Yanagawa is located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture and is especially famous for “river cruising. While taking a slow boat ride through the streets of Yanagawa, visitors can enjoy the one-of-a-kind view from the water. The Japanese atmosphere created by the historical buildings and waterside scenery is a traditional Japanese beauty.

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13-2 Inarimachi, Yanagawa, Fukuoka 832-0066

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14. 海の中道マリンワールド

Marine World Uminonakamichi

Marine World Uminonakamichi
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Marine World Uminonakamichi

Uminonakamichi Marine World is a large-scale aquarium located in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is a popular tourist attraction that exhibits a variety of marine life. The dolphin and sea lion shows are especially famous, and there are many creative ways for tourists to enjoy themselves.

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18-28 Nishitosaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka Prefecture

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Event Period July 15th (Sat) to July 17th (Mon/Holiday)
July 22nd (Sat) to August 31st (Thu)
Weekends and holidays from September 1st to September 24th

15. 海の中道海浜公園

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

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Higashi Ward

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Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

The park is located on a sandbar approximately 12 kilometers long connecting Fukuoka City and Shima City. The park is equipped with a vast green space, campgrounds, swimming pools, and beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational activities in nature. It is an ideal place for families and friends to enjoy outdoor activities.

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18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321

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Official Site Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

16. BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA

BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA

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Chuo Ward

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Shopping mall

BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA

Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome, a multi-purpose complex located next to the Fukuoka Yahtzee Dome, offers a wide variety of entertainment including sports, music, and movies. In particular, it features virtual reality experiences and indoor amusements. It is a popular spot for young people and families, offering new experiences to visitors.https://e-zofukuoka.com/

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2 Chome-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0065

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Official Site BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA

17. 福岡市動植物園

Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden

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Chuo Ward

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Botanical garden Zoo

Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a vast facility located in the eastern part of Fukuoka City that exhibits a wide variety of animals and plants. It is especially popular with families and hosts many educational activities and events. There is also a botanical garden where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, making it a valuable place for local residents to learn about nature.

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1-1 Minamikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0037

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18. 大濠公園

Ohori Park

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Chuo Ward

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Park

Ohori Park
Ohori Park
Ohori Park
Ohori Park
Ohori Park
Ohori Park

Ohori Park, located in the center of Fukuoka City, is a park built around a large pond and is a popular place for citizens to relax. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as jogging, boating, and visiting museums. In spring, the cherry blossoms are beautiful and attract many people. For the locals, it is an important place where they can feel nature in their daily lives.

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〒810-0051 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Ohorikoen

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19. 博多座

Hakataza Theater It is a traditional theater representing Fukuoka.

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Hakata Ward

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Theater

Hakataza Theater
Hakataza Theater
Hakataza Theater

Hakataza Theater is a representative theater in Fukuoka. Various performing arts such as traditional kabuki, plays, and musicals are staged here.

Hakataza Theater is located along the Hakata River and is easily accessible from the center of Fukuoka City, making it a popular tourist destination.

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2-1 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-8615

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Fukuoka's Local Cuisine

1. とんこつラーメン

Tonkotsu Ramen Ramen noodles with pork bone broth

Tonkotsu ramen, originating from the Hakata district in Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of the most beloved types of ramen across Japan. The hallmark of Hakata ramen is its rich and creamy pork bone broth paired with thin noodles.

With its deep, flavorful taste and unique aroma, it is loved by many Japanese people and tourists alike. If you visit Fukuoka, be sure to try authentic tonkotsu ramen.

2. もつ鍋

Motsunabe Hot pot dish using hormone (offal)

Motsunabe is a specialty hot pot dish from Hakata in Fukuoka City. It features beef or pork offal (organs) cooked in a soy sauce, miso, or salt-based broth, along with plenty of vegetables such as cabbage, chives, and tofu.
For Fukuoka residents, it’s a beloved dish enjoyed for its flavor and stamina-boosting properties.

3. 水炊き

Mizutaki A type of traditional Japanese hot pot dish

Mizutaki is a famous hot pot dish from Hakata in Fukuoka City. It involves simmering chicken, vegetables, and tofu in a broth, which is then enjoyed with ponzu or sesame sauce. The broth, rich with chicken flavor, is the highlight of this dish. Fukuoka residents often enjoy mizutaki at home, especially during the colder months, for its comforting and healthy qualities.

4. やきとり

Yakitori

Yakitori, a beloved dish throughout Japan, holds a special place in Fukuoka. This dish features skewered and grilled meats and vegetables, seasoned with either a soy-based sauce or salt. You can choose the meat and vegetables, so enjoy a variety of yakitori!

5. うどん

Udon One of Japan's traditional noodle dishes

Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish, characterized by thick, soft flour noodles. Ramen is the most famous noodle dish in Fukuoka, but for the locals, udon is also a very familiar noodle dish.