What To Do InFukuoka
Park-lined lakes, riverside food stalls, and beaches minutes from downtown—Fukuoka blends easygoing days with flavor-packed nights.
What does Fukuoka Look Like?
A bayside city of green parks, lively canals, and beaches close by, Fukuoka is known as a "compact" city. It has all the luxuries and night life of a city but also a very accessible suburb that surrounds the main urban districts.
Next to the coast you have the main city of Fukuoka and it's vibrant downtown area called "Tenjin." To the east you have the airport, suburban living areas and the city of Kitakyushu up north. To the west, you have the area called Itoshima which is home to various beaches and swimming spots that you can take the whole family to.
Major Attractions to Visit
Ohori Park
ParksBroad lake with islands, bridges, and a tranquil garden
Jog the 2 km loop, rent a swan boat, or slip into the adjacent Japanese garden for stone paths and tea-house views. Sunset paints the water and skyline in soft gold.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
HistoryStone ramparts and seasonal blossoms on a central hill
Climb the ruins for city panoramas and wander through cherry groves in spring or fiery maples in autumn—an easy pair-up with neighboring Ohori Park.
Canal City Hakata
Shopping & EatsFlowing architecture with shops, dining, and fountain shows
A playful complex of curves and canals. Catch the musical fountain, sample regional ramen at Ramen Stadium, and browse boutiques beneath vivid terraces.
Momochi Seaside Park & Fukuoka Tower
CityscapesUrban beach with a landmark tower on the bay
Swim or stroll along sandy promenades, then ride up Fukuoka Tower for 360° views over Hakata Bay—especially striking at dusk when the tower lights up.
Dazaifu Tenmangu
ShrinesGrand shrine to the deity of learning amid plum trees
Cross arched bridges over koi-filled ponds to reach vermilion halls. Pair with Kyushu National Museum next door for deep dives into regional history and art.
Beaches of Itoshima
ShrinesNewly developed area with beaches and the famous Kyushu University
Cross arched bridges over koi-filled ponds to reach vermilion halls. Pair with Kyushu National Museum next door for deep dives into regional history and art.
Explore Fukuoka's Unique Districts
From history-soaked Hakata to stylish Tenjin and breezy Momochi, each neighborhood shows a different side of the city.
Hakata
Historic core and gateway by rail and airport
Home to Kushida Shrine and the Yamakasa festival. Around Hakata Station you’ll find yatai-style eats, department stores, and easy links across Kyushu.
Tenjin
Downtown shopping streets and underground malls
Cafés, fashion, and food courts stack above a vast subterranean arcade. Nightlife spreads into nearby Daimyo with indie shops and bars.
Nakasu
Riverside neon and famous yatai food stalls
Pull up a stool at a street stall for Hakata ramen, motsunabe, or yakitori. Cross canals lit by reflections and explore cozy backstreets.
Momochi / Seaside
Beaches, museums, and bayside views
Visit Fukuoka Tower, the seaside park, and PayPay Dome on game days. Modern waterfront promenades make for easy cycling and sunsets.
Fukuoka's Temples, Shrines & Landmarks
Ancient Zen, festival shrines, and hilltop ruins—heritage woven into an easygoing seaside city.
Kushida Shrine
Guardian of Hakata and center of Yamakasa festival
Find ornate floats on display and carved details under the eaves. A living shrine with bustling seasonal rituals near the heart of the city.
Shofuku-ji
Japan’s first Zen temple
Quiet lanes lead to austere gates and simple halls—an ideal stop to feel the calm origins of Zen practice in Japan.
Tocho-ji
Massive wooden seated Buddha and five-story pagoda
Step inside to see one of Japan’s largest wooden Buddhas, then wander the grounds lined with statues and temple treasures.
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine to Sugawara no Michizane, deity of scholarship
Arched bridges, plum orchards, and vermilion halls create a poetic setting. Students come to pray for exams and tie ema with wishes.
How to Get Around Fukuoka
Subways, short hops, and bike-friendly streets—Fukuoka is one of Japan’s easiest big cities to navigate.
IC Cards
Use nimoca (or Suica/Icoca) on the subway, Nishitetsu trains, JR lines, and buses.
Subway Access
Three lines (Kuko, Hakozaki, Nanakuma) link the airport, Hakata, Tenjin, and attractions fast.
Nishitetsu to Dazaifu
From Tenjin, ride Nishitetsu to Dazaifu Station for the shrine and museum area.
Walking & Cycling
Tenjin–Hakata is walkable; try Charichari bike share for parks and the bayfront.
Airport Proximity
Fukuoka Airport is only two subway stops from Hakata—perfect for tight itineraries.
Night Transport
Last trains near midnight; yatai nights are best when you’re staying nearby or budget for taxis.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps and Navitime give live platforms, fare totals, and last-train cutoffs.
JR for Day Trips
JR Kagoshima Line reaches Kitakyushu and Kurume; Nishitetsu buses cover coastal Itoshima.