There’s always something to do in Japan, even in the places that don’t make every “Top 10” list.
Fukuoka feels like Tokyo’s calmer, more breathable sibling, just without the chaos and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. That’s a huge win!
I’ve been to Tokyo 3 times, and while it’s exciting, personally, I’ve never really enjoyed it. Most spots feel either overcrowded or overly commercial.
Fukuoka, on the other hand, gave me space to explore, slow down, and actually enjoy where I was without feeling like I was missing out on something better.
If you’re already in Kyushu, I’d definitely recommend staying a few days. Use it as a base for day trips, check out the local food scene, and breathe a little deeper. No FOMO here, just a slower, softer side of Japan that’s 100% worth experiencing.
What To Do In Fukuoka?
Nanzion Temple
The 41-meter-long bronze reclining Buddha statue, known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan, depicts the Buddha at the moment of his death, or more precisely, his entry into parinirvana, the final liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Inside the statue rest the ashes of the Buddha and two of his adherents, symbolizing his peaceful passing and spiritual release. In front of him are 365 urns, each one representing a day of the year. Visitors come here to reflect, offer prayers, and wish peace upon those who’ve parted from this world.
7/10 – gorgeous and serene
Pro tip: There is a dress code here, which is to wear modest clothing that covers your knees and midriff. If you forget, you may be provided with a wrap for your legs or upper body.
Sakurai Futamigaura
If the legends are true, you might just find true love here.
Just beyond the white torii gates are the Wedded Rocks, or Meoto Iwa. The larger rock (the husband) is tied to the smaller one (the wife) with a thick shimenawa rope, a symbol of marriage, resilience through life’s waves, and (fingers crossed) a little matchmaking magic.
The sunset…breathtaking. It literally drops between the torii gates, and everything glows. No wonder it’s listed as 1 of the 100 best places in Japan to catch a sunset.
11/10 – I want to stay here forever and possibly become a beach hermit.
Pro tip: The last bus leaves before sunset, so either go early or mentally prepare to sprint. Luckily, we asked a couple to help us call a taxi!
Dazaifu
Take a day trip to Dazaifu, where you can visit cafes, buy snacks, and visit the shrine. This is similar to Asakusa in Tokyo, but with fewer crowds. My friends and I rented yukatas and kimonos to take pictures here with hydrangeas, the bridge, and even koi fish!
8/10 – took pretty pics
Fun fact: scenes from the anime I Want to Eat Your Pancreas were taken here
Canal City Hakata
I’ve never seen a mall that caves in on itself like a UFO, part indoors, part outdoors, with a canal running right through the middle. Known as a “city within a city,” Canal City Hakata is an enormous shopping complex. The 5th floor is a ramen stadium where you can sample the famous local Hakata ramen. Down below, you’ll find an entire floor dedicated to anime, Gundams, and rotating pop-up exhibits, like the Sakura Cardcaptor one I went to (my childhood TT) !!
There’s also a fountain show every 30 minutes from 10 am to 10 pm. Definitely go when it’s dark to catch the lights; it’s way more magical.
7/10 – didn’t buy a thing, but emotionally bought back my childhood.
Nanzion Temple
The 41-meter-long bronze reclining Buddha statue, known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan, depicts the Buddha at the moment of his death, or more precisely, his entry into parinirvana, the final liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Inside the statue rest the ashes of the Buddha and two of his adherents, symbolizing his peaceful passing and spiritual release. In front of him are 365 urns, each one representing a day of the year. Visitors come here to reflect, offer prayers, and wish peace upon those who’ve parted from this world.
7/10 – gorgeous and serene
Pro tip: There is a dress code here, which is to wear modest clothing that covers your knees and midriff. If you forget, you may be provided with a wrap for your legs or upper body.
Sakurai Futamigaura
If the legends are true, you might just find true love here.
Just beyond the white torii gates are the Wedded Rocks, or Meoto Iwa. The larger rock (the husband) is tied to the smaller one (the wife) with a thick shimenawa rope, a symbol of marriage, resilience through life’s waves, and (fingers crossed) a little matchmaking magic.
The sunset…breathtaking. It literally drops between the torii gates, and everything glows. No wonder it’s listed as 1 of the 100 best places in Japan to catch a sunset.
11/10 – I want to stay here forever and possibly become a beach hermit.
Pro tip: The last bus leaves before sunset, so either go early or emotionally prepare to sprint. Luckily, we asked a couple to help us call a taxi!
Dazaifu
Take a day trip to Dazaifu, where you can go to cafes, buy snacks, and visit the shrine. This is similar to Asakusa in Tokyo, but with fewer crowds. My friends and I rented yukatas and kimonos to take pictures here with hydrangeas, the bridge, and even koi fish!
8/10 – took pretty pics
Fun fact: scenes from the anime I Want to Eat Your Pancreas were taken here
Canal City Hakata
I’ve never seen a mall that caves in on itself like a UFO, part indoors, part outdoors, with a canal running right through the middle. Known as a “city within a city,” Canal City Hakata is an enormous shopping complex. The 5th floor is a ramen stadium where you can sample the famous local Hakata ramen. Down below, you’ll find an entire floor dedicated to anime, Gundams, and rotating pop-up exhibits, like the Sakura Cardcaptor one I went to (my childhood TT) !!
There’s also a fountain show every 30 minutes from 10 am to 10 pm. Definitely go when it’s dark to catch the lights; it’s way more magical.
7/10 – didn’t buy a thing, but emotionally bought back my childhood.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
If you love flowers, wide open spaces, or hanging out near capybaras, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the dream. Spanning over 4 kilometres, this massive seaside park changes with the seasons.
What flowers are blooming at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park?
Spring
Roses, nemophilia, cherry blossoms, tulips
Autumn
Kochai (autumn), cosmos, pampas grass
Summer
Hydrangeas, kochai (green), spider lilies
Winter
Narcissus, Japanese plum, Christmas roses
teamLab Forest Fukuoka
teamLabs Forest in Fukuoka has a Catch, Collect, and Athletics Forest concept which lets you explore each element of this mystical forest with your body. With your phone, you can catch, study, and collect each creature in the Catch and Collect forest. In the Athletic Forest, immerse yourself in a three-dimensional word to train your spatial awareness and how your body revolves around the world.
How Many Days To Spend In Fukuoka
2 – 3 days is more than enough without feeling rushed. You’ll have time to check out the major attractions, eat your weight in ramen, and still have space to wander without a strict itinerary.
Where To Stay in Fukuoka?
Metro: Tenjin-Minami (260m)
Metro: Kushida Shrine (660m)
Airport: Fukuoka Airport (5.9 km)
Train: Hakata Station (1.8 km)
Metro: Hakata (520m)
Metro: Gion (1.3 km)
Train: Hakata Station (520m)
Hakata Hankyu (470 m)
Metro: Tōjinmachi (1.5 km)
Seaside Momochi Jigyohama (210 m)
teamLab Forest Fukuoka (380 m)
Momochihama Beach (620 m)
To find more hotels, you can also visit Trip.com!
How To Get Around Fukuoka?
Taking public transportation is more than enough. However, if you plan to go to less popular places like Sakurai Futamigaura, make sure you check the bus schedule. You might end up needing to call a taxi, especially if you’re going around sunset or outside of regular hours.
What Is Fukuoka Known For?
- Hakata tonkotsu ramen: known for its rich, pork-broth-based ramen
- Mentaiko (spiced cod roe): I’ve tried mentaiko at a restaurant in Hakata Station. Pretty good, and now I find myself eating mentaiko udon more often in Canada
- Amao strawberry: only grown in Fukuoka
- Motsunabe: hotpot with beef offal for collagen
Is Fukuoka Worth It?
Fukuoka is on the slower side of Japan; the food scene is amazing, and there are a few unique attractions that are jaw-dropping. If you’re travelling around the Kyushu area, I’d stop by for a few days. Outside of that, there’s not too much to see, so a 2–3 day stay is the sweet spot.
