Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Fukuoka
Population
5,015,666

Fukuoka

The lively gateway to Kyushu and beyond

Fukuoka Prefecture isn't just about partying, but it's a good place to start.

Perched at the northern edge of Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture provides the main access point for visitors coming and going from the island and beyond. Fukuoka International Airport is one of Japan’s busiest, while ferries bound for nearby Korea leave from the International Hakata Port, which also plays an important role in regional trade within the Asia-Pacific.

Dazaifu and Hakata ramen

Fukuoka has played an important role in Asian and International trade for centuries.

Fukuoka has played an important role in Asian and international trade for centuries.

It’s worth visiting Fukuoka City just to stroll through the entertainment districts. You also shouldn’t leave without trying one of the best bowls of noodles in Japan—the famed Hakata ramen.

Top 5 Cafes To Try In Fukuoka

A good day trip from Fukuoka City is Dazaifu. Historically, Dazaifu was the administrative center for Kyushu and there are several significant temples and shrines in the area. The most impressive is the head Tenmangu Shrine dedicated to deified poet and scholar, Sugawara Michizane. 

The temple draws crowds of students coming to pray for academic success and is a gorgeous place to see ume (plum) blossoms in spring. The nearby Kyushu National Museum is housed in a spectacular modern building that contrasts with its historic surroundings. 

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

Wisteria tunnels in Fukuoka Prefecture

Walk under magical wisteria tunnels at Kawachi Wisteria Garden.

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden in the industrial city of Kitakyushu has become increasingly popular for its photo-worthy wisteria tunnels that reach full bloom during the national Golden Week holiday in May. Tickets must be booked in advance. If you miss out, you can also see wisteria blooms at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture.

Plan your trip to Fukuoka with the locations below!

Trivia

Top 5 Cafes To Try In Fukuoka

From award-winning beans to Finnish comic book characters, discover Fukuoka's booming cafe culture at these recommended picks.

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Places to visit

Mojiko Retro

Mojiko Retro

Mojiko was a site of industrial development and a hub for railway travel. Raw materials were shipped to factories in central and eastern Japan via train and ships.

Akizuki Castle Town

Akizuki Castle Town

A historical getaway for people wanting castle ruins, a good hike and seasonal flora.


kyushu railway history museum

Kyushu Railway History Museum

The Kyushu Railway History Museum houses a wealth of information about the history of trains in southwestern Japan.

Sannoji Temple

Sanno-ji Temple

Located just a short train ride from Fukuoka City’s Hakata station, Sanno Temple is a great day trip away from Kyushu’s largest urban center. For colorful festivals and spirituality set against a...


Hakozaki Shrine

Hakozaki Shrine

Hakozaki Shrine has a rich history dating back over a millennium and offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Bayside Place Hakata

Bayside Place Hakata

Head over to the port for a day of good shopping, tasty food and fantastic views.


Rakusui-en

Rakusuien Tea House

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of central Hakata in this quiet Japanese garden.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

See works from artist residencies and exhibitions of Japanese and non-Japanese art


Tenjin

Tenjin Underground Mall (Tenjin City)

Head underground for a heavenly shopping experience modeled off of old Europe.

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Bless your trip with a lucky charm for travel from Sumiyoshi Shrine.


canal city

Canal City Hakata

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in Fukuoka, look no further than Canal City Hakata.

Yame-cha

Yame-cha

A perfect day trip from Fukuoka, Yame is one of Japan’s oldest tea-producing regions.


Itoshima

Itoshima

Endless coastal views and a plethora of charming local cafes makes for a perfect day trip from the city.

Nakatsumiya Shrine Fukuoka

Nakatsumiya Shrine

An ancient structure with beautiful ocean views.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/campra/

Hetsumiya Shrine

The first stop of the sacred Munataka Taisha.

Chikuzen Tachiarai peace memorial hall

Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum

Learn about the tragic history of Japan's WWII kamikaze pilots at these two museums in Fukuoka.


Sanatorium Cafe

Taxidermy and tea at this quirky medical-themed cafe and gallery in Fukuoka city.

Daimyo

Where the cool kids hang out in Fukuoka for drinking and vintage shopping.


Hakata Gion Yamakasa Fukuoka

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

A unique Fukuoka spectacle.

Yanagawa river cruise.

Yanagawa

The unknown Venice of Japan.


The beautiful wisteria in spring in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.

Kitakyushu

Feudalism, festivals and flowers.

Anmitsu Hime Theater

Anmitsu Hime Theater

Drag queens! Comedy! Music! And the Hakata Revue!


Ukiha Inari Shrine

Retreat from the urban hustle and bustle of Fukuoka City by taking a trip to the “Kingdom of Fruits,” where you’ll find an inari shrine (Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari)...

Kyushu rainbow pride

Kyushu Rainbow Pride

Come and show your true colors at the biggest pride celebration in Kyushu!


Fukuoka Airport

The fourth busiest airport in Japan and gateway to a beautiful city.

3 Gay Bars in Fukuoka City

Those longing for the large gay clubs found in Osaka or Tokyo may be disappointed to hear that there are no such venues in Fukuoka. Yet, what you will find are welcoming...


Miyajidake Shrine

3 big reasons to visit.

Nanzo-in Temple

Chill with the world's largest bronze Buddha.


Dazaifu

Dazaifu

Need an escape? Day trip into this iconic Japanese city home to many important shrines and temples.

Asahi Brewery Hakata

Immerse yourself in the world of (and free tour of) Asahi beer!


Kyushu National Museum

See Japan through the lens of Asia at one of Japan's four National Museums.

Ohori Park

A lovely space for leisure.


Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Escape to Edo at this attractive castle park.

tagawa-coal-mining-museum

Tagawa Coal Mining Museum

This former coal mining hub offers an interesting off-the-beaten-track day trip from Fukuoka.


Fukuoka, Japan - March 19, 2016: Tourists are taking picture on the beachside walk of seaside momochi park.
A Kabuki actor on stage. Go behind the scenes at Kaho Gekijou Theater in Iizuka, Fukuoka.

Kaho Gekijou Kabuki Theater

Go behind the scenes at this kabuki institution.


Fukuoka Tower among the cityscape.

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka's mirror to the sky.

Fukuoka Yatai food stalls

Fukuoka Yatai

Friendly vibes at Fukuoka's famous food stalls.


Dazaifu shrine in Fukuoka prefecture

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Educate yourself.

Capybara at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Made for leisure.


Fukuoka Japan - Januari 14th 2014. Kushida-jinja (櫛田神社?) is a Shinto shrine located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. Dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo, it is said to have been founded in 757.

Kushida Shrine

The guardian temple of Fukuoka.

Nokonoshima Island Park in Fukuoka

Nokonoshima Island Park

Fukuoka's floating urban oasis.


Fukuoka Tower in Kyushu, Japan

Fukuoka

Have fun in friendly Fukuoka.

Other Destinations in Kyushu

Kagoshima, Japan with Sakurajima Volcano.

Kagoshima

Traditional, tropical, mystical, and magical; Kagoshima is nothing short of extraordinary.

Mount Aso Kumamoto

Kumamoto

Between the smoking crater of Mount Aso in the east and the isolated islands of Amakusa in the west, Kumamoto has plenty to keep you enthralled.

Miyazaki

The mountains and coasts of Miyazaki are calling.

Nagasaki

Looking out east, Nagasaki Prefecture has long been the gateway between the outside world and Japan.

Beppu, in Oita prefecture, Japan's onsen town

Oita

Bathe in hell (in a good way) in onsen-filled Oita.

Shisa and Okinawa

Okinawa

Discover white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, wild jungles, and centuries of unique native traditions.

Saga

Kyushu's smallest prefecture is big on history, culture and natural beauty.

This Month’s Top Spots

Nagoya City Aichi Park

Aichi

Aichi prefecture is the dynamic capital of Japanese industrialization.

Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

Tap into Tokyo’s Manga and Anime Scene

Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The well known electronics district specializes in the sales of video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

Akihabara

Ah, Akihabara. Where to even begin? Electric town. Cool Japan. Anime Center. Themed cafes. The list is...

Manhole cover in Ghibli museum, Tokyo-Japan.

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical wonderland that is heartbreakingly charming.