Planning a day journey to Fukuoka? We’ve put collectively this at some point Fukuoka itinerary that can assist you plan the right journey!
Fukuoka has all of it – a thumping nightlife, strangers laughing behind the curtains of a midnight meals stall, sights and smells that can stick with your reminiscence like mochi and a romantic view of town skyline that may solely be seen from one of many “secret” spots on this itinerary. Taking a stroll by means of this metropolis usually looks like strolling by means of a film set.
Fukuoka is a seaward-facing jewel that’s famend for being the entry level for all of Kyūshū, Japan’s most southern principal island. Only a two-hour flight away from Tokyo, it’s the right vacation spot for travellers who want to discover extra than simply Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with out dropping the sensation of being in a giant metropolis.
Fukuoka is my favorite place in Kyūshū as a result of there are simply so many issues to see and do. That can assist you plan the right itinerary, I’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective locations within the metropolis. These are spots I at all times attempt to go to after I’m within the metropolis, together with some neglected places which can be fairly actually hidden in plain sight!
Learn on and discover out all the most effective locations to go to on a funds. Our information will present you easy methods to plan the right Fukuoka day journey and easy methods to have probably the most enjoyable whenever you’re restricted on time.
Fukuoka Day Journey Itinerary Overview
Excited to get a head begin in your itinerary? Right here’s an outline and map of the place to go to your day journey to Fukuoka:
Should you plan on exploring the remainder of Kyūshū after spending at some point in Fukuoka, I like to recommend testing the All Kyushu JR Go or common JR Go (relying in your journey plans)! The Shinkansen bullet prepare is a superb strategy to journey round Japan at a extra inexpensive worth – verify our JR Pass guide for extra data.
One Day in Fukuoka itinerary
Right here’s easy methods to hit the most effective spots in Fukuoka in at some point:
1. Arrive in Fukuoka
Relying on the place you’re travelling from, attempt to get to Fukuoka early within the morning. Particularly for those who’re right here on a day journey, you need to be sure you benefit from your time right here! Should you’re travelling from close by, verify in case your journey is roofed by the JR Pass – this might prevent fairly a bit of cash.
Should you’re travelling from Tokyo to begin your Kyūshū itinerary in Fukuoka, there are a number of methods to get right here. Flying is the best means, from both of Tokyo’s two main airports: Narita or Haneda.
Regardless of which one you select to fly out of, the journey to Fukuoka Airport will take slightly beneath 2 hours. After flying in from Tokyo, head exterior the home terminal to the closest bus cease, or just comply with the indicators right down to the underground to get on the subway.
Should you resolve to take the bullet prepare from Tokyo, you possibly can switch to Shin-Osaka through the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Line and make it to Hakata station in round 6 hours. As a substitute of the airport, the Shinkansen will take you on to the center of town.
2. Benefit from the view from Hakata Station’s “secret” rooftop backyard
On prime of the bustling and noisy Hakata Station is a serene place referred to as the Tsubame no Mori Hiroba Rooftop Backyard. This spot usually will get neglected when folks seek for issues so as to add to their Fukuoka itinerary.
The best strategy to get there’s to take the elevator close to the Hakata exit to the tenth ground and discover the escalator that can zip you as much as the rooftop the place the backyard is situated. The Tsubame no Mori Hiroba Rooftop Backyard has three distinctive options that make it the most effective place to begin your day journey and heat up your digicam.
Tetsudo Jinja is a Shinto shrine tucked away in a leafy sanctuary atop Hakata Station. It’s there for passengers who want to pray and provides thanks for secure travels. I extremely suggest stopping by the shrine throughout July or August, when the ambient music is interrupted by the screams of the ‘semi’ or cicadas, which are sometimes cited as the long-lasting sound of summer time in Japan.
Simply out of earshot from the calm and serenity of the shrine, you possibly can see a broadly completely different scene unfold. A queue of youngsters ready to board the Tsubame Practice marks the following function of the backyard. This cute miniature steam prepare takes kids and adults across the tracks on the inexpensive worth of round 200 yen per journey. One of the best half? There are three of them!
A set of stairs will take you to the remark deck, the crown jewel of the Tsubame no Mori Hiroba Rooftop Backyard. This open-air terrace has a panoramic view and is free to enter. Taking within the panoramic view of Hakata Bay and the dazzling metropolis skyline is an effective way to get began in your day journey (however simply wait, there’s an excellent higher spot farther down on this Fukuoka itinerary).
The rooftop backyard is open till 9:00 PM, so for those who don’t have sufficient time to cease right here within the morning, you possibly can at all times come again and benefit from the view at evening.
3. Discover the sights of Canal Metropolis
Canal Metropolis is well recognizable because of its distinctive solar-punk design and glowing adverts that give us a touch of the thrilling buying expertise ready inside. The path to get right here is nearly a superbly straight line from Hakata Station – solely round 10 minutes on foot.
Canal Metropolis will get its title from a man-made canal that serpents by means of the central atrium. It’s considered one of my go-to locations to go to after I take a day journey to Fukuoka, and it’s my prime suggestion for the place to get high-quality ‘omiyage’ or souvenirs.
Moreover UNIQLO and H&M, there are various common outfitters and what I wish to name ‘themed’ eating places and retailers. There’s the Disney retailer, the Ghibli retailer, in addition to the Shonen Leap retailer (sadly, the Pokémon retailer is situated again at Hakata Station). There’s even a Moomin Café the place you possibly can dine with an enormous stuffed Moomin.
Maybe Canal Metropolis’s finest function is a year-round water and lightweight present that may be seen within the central atrium. One of the best time to see the lights is at evening however for those who come through the day, it’s nonetheless enjoyable to observe the jets stream into the air from the higher balconies of the mall’s 5 flooring.
The water present begins each half-hour, so there might be loads of alternatives to see it for those who’re decided to cease by each retailer within the mall.
4. Peruse the boutiques of Tenjin’s underground mall
To succeed in the following spot on our itinerary, you possibly can stroll from Canal Metropolis throughout the historic Fuku-Haku Deai bridge. Or, you possibly can head over to Kushina Shrine station and take the subway to Tenjin station. The subway route takes round 10 minutes.
Whenever you return to above floor, you’ll solely have a couple of 5-minute stroll to Tenjin Chikagai, also referred to as Tenjin’s underground Mall. Nonetheless, for those who don’t need to miss this scenic view of town from the Naka River, then I might suggest strolling.
Tenjin’s underground mall is a well-known underground shopping center that runs 590 meters from north to south, making it the biggest underground shopping center in all of Kyūshū. There are numerous memento retailers in addition to vogue boutiques and stylish outfitters that promote extra designer objects.
Should you’re visiting Fukuoka in the summertime, the underground mall is an effective way to chill down and escape the warmth by taking a calming stroll by means of the brightly lit avenue that was designed to make pedestrians really feel like they’re strolling alongside the streets of London or Paris.
At any time when I’m feeling hungry in Fukuoka, I at all times ensure to cease for some Ichiran ramen. The Ichiran inside Tenjin’s underground mall feels probably the most lowkey in comparison with a few of the different places (which I like). The strains at each Ichiran restaurant can get fairly lengthy, so I counsel coming early for those who don’t like ready on an empty abdomen.
Should you’re fascinated by making an attempt one thing slightly extra upscale that has extra conventional Japanese lunch menu objects, there’s a restaurant referred to as Tatsu only a four-minute stroll from Tenjin Station that I’d additionally extremely suggest.
5. Take a stroll by means of Fukuoka’s Maizuru Park
The ruins of Fukuoka Fortress and the well-known swan boats of Ohori Park will be present in Fukuoka’s greatest outside public house, collectively often known as Maizuru Park. Only a 15-minute journey on the subway from the glitz and glamour of Tenjin’s underground mall, taking a stroll by means of Maizuru Park at all times looks like being teleported to a unique planet.
Atop the ruins of Fukuoka Fortress, which was torn down through the Meiji Restoration, yow will discover an remark deck. From right here, you possibly can get pleasure from extra gorgeous views of Fukuoka Metropolis.
Should you make a reservation prematurely, you possibly can expertise a real tea ceremony on the close by Ohori Park Japanese Backyard. The Fukuoka Art Museum is another choice of locations to go to throughout your day journey – good for those who’re seeking to admire unconventional and historic works.
Ohori Park, which resembles New York’s scenic Central Park, is my favorite place to go to in Fukuoka. Regardless that there are a number of locations the place you possibly can benefit from the scenic views of Fukuoka’s skyline on this itinerary, there is no such thing as a higher place than from the shores of the island that was as soon as a fort moat.
Whether or not you’re standing beneath the inexperienced roof of the Ukimi-do Pavilion or paddling throughout the lake in one of many well-known swan boats, that is the finest place to take a seat on a park bench and calm down whereas looking on the metropolis.
6. Take heed to enjoyable jazz at Fuko Espresso
After quite a lot of exploring, it might be time for a fast caffeine break. There’s a comfy store that’s common amongst locals and a very good place to take heed to jazz inside lower than 5 minutes stroll of Ohori Park.
Fuko Coffee is the place I come after I want to take a seat down and get some work performed, or after I want a break from strolling round all day. There’s no wifi out there, so all of your work needs to be analogue, however that’s additionally a part of the expertise.
Fuko Espresso has been open for over 30 years and affords scrumptious biscuits, truffles, and even pizza toast to satiate your urge for food as your ears fill with the acoustics of the proprietor’s jazz assortment.
A particular level about this espresso store is that it’s open till 11:00 PM aside from Sunday when it stays open until 9:00 PM.
7. Stroll across the promenade of Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka Tower is a well-liked vacationer spot that finally ends up on everybody’s “things-to-see” checklist, and I do know the explanation why. It’s like seeing an previous pal whenever you catch a glimpse of the tower’s silhouette within the distance from numerous factors across the metropolis.
A lot of the sights of Fukuoka Tower will be discovered on the highest three flooring. The most well-liked place to go to is the lookout, the place you possibly can see 360-degree views of Fukuoka Metropolis.
Attending to the tower is usually a little sophisticated. The best means to take action is by taking the subway after which hopping on a bus. You may take the Airport Line from Ohori Park Station and get off at Fujisaki Station. Stroll 3 minutes in direction of the Fujisaki Bus Cease and journey 3 stops to the Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi cease.
The entire journey will take about 20 minutes. If the climate is sweet, the tower is a couple of 30-minute stroll away from Ohori Park. And for those who’re nonetheless undecided about easy methods to get there, the most effective factor to do is obtain Google Maps in your telephone, it’s one of many essential travel apps for Japan! It’s a lifesaver.
8. Watch the sundown from Momochi Seashore
One function of this metropolis that’s simply forgotten after spending hours strolling from one spot to the opposite is that the ocean is rarely too far-off. Because of this, Fukuoka is a sexy location the place seashore lovers and surfers flock, and that’s precisely why Momochi Seashore is a must-see spot on a day journey to Fukuoka.
Momochi Seashore is an superior place to chill down together with your drink of selection and watch the solar sink into the ocean. It’s additionally an excellent place to snap an Instagram picture, and also you may see folks posing in entrance {of professional} cameras as a result of the lighting is that good.
Swimming is permitted, however you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a spot for those who come throughout peak season in August, and most surfers head as much as Itoshima to journey some severe waves.
Momochi Seashore lies past Fukuoka Tower and might be seen from the remark deck. There are a number of eating places situated on the seashore in addition to a marriage venue that appears like a seaside palace. Whereas coming into the premises is just permitted for workers and wedding ceremony company, there’s a excessive likelihood you will notice a bride and a groom strolling alongside the boardwalk and posing for images alongside everybody else.
9. Get a style of Nakasu’s nightlife
Our day journey to Fukuoka wouldn’t be full with out heading to Nakasu. Fukuoka is legendary for ‘yatai’ or open-air meals stalls. These stalls have a wide range of native dishes that always varies relying on whose roof you sit beneath, however the most well-liked menu objects are rooster skewers and Hakata-style ramen.
What makes these stalls so engaging is the truth that they’re open from 6:00 PM to round 2:00 AM. In case your day journey itinerary features a lengthy evening of partying and socializing, these may be the right choice to take a look at for those who’re feeling a bit hungry later.
To finish your day journey to Fukuoka, get settled within the comfy bar stools of Cheers Fukuoka. This bar is beloved by Japanese locals and members of the worldwide neighborhood right here and is a superb place to pregame for some nighttime actions if going out is your factor.
The workers is younger and pleasant, and are normally multilingual so speaking is a breeze if your Japanese is a little rusty. They’re very happy to level you in the correct course for those who’re fascinated by staying out slightly longer and are positive to present you a memorable expertise.
Is it value going to Fukuoka?
Sure, Fukuoka is 100% value visiting. When you have the JR Pass, you possibly can simply journey to different wonderful locations like Nagasaki and Kumamoto in lower than an hour from Hakata Station.
Even after having visited Fukuoka many instances, I by no means get uninterested in exploring. The town has cultural actions that you could attend all 12 months lengthy. There are at all times occasions and exhibitions occurring right here, so that you’ll by no means run out of issues to do for those who resolve to plan a day journey to Fukuoka.
What number of days do you want in Fukuoka?
The entire places on this itinerary are inside the limits of Fukuoka Metropolis. Nonetheless, they’re not at all the solely locations it is best to go if you wish to go to this wonderful metropolis! Ideally, it’s finest to spend two or three days on this metropolis. Nonetheless, it’s not at all times potential with a busy itinerary – which is why I put collectively this present day journey information.
When you have time to spend an additional day or two in Fukuoka, I like to recommend catching a prepare journey to Fukuoka prefecture’s different well-known cities (all are inside an hour’s prepare journey from Hakata Station).
Itoshima is legendary for the “wedded” rocks often known as Meoto Iwa. There’s a lovely white torii gate that watches over the rocks from the seashore and it’s an excellent place to take images. The world can also be very fashionable amongst surfers.
Yanagawa is named the “Venice of Kyūshū.” There are numerous canals and quaint streets, in addition to a sunflower park you possibly can go to throughout July.
The third and most well-known vacation spot for Japanese vacationers is Dazaifu, particularly Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. It’s a preferred place for folks to wish for luck with exams and job searching and has been an vital a part of Shinto historical past for over 1,100 years.
Conclusion – Someday in Fukuoka
Fukuoka is a spot that checks all of the bins in relation to looking for the most effective place to have an actual “Japanese” expertise. Subsequent to different large cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka is shortly turning into a preferred journey vacation spot. With entry to conventional tea ceremonies, scrumptious ramen, and a shocking seashore, it’s no shock.
Should you’re searching for extra Kyushu locations to go to, ensure to learn our Miyazaki itinerary too!
