We have just arrived from another trip in Fukuoka. We often hear other tourists say there’s nothing to do in Fukuoka except eat ramen. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this post, we’re debunking the myth by showing not just 10, not just 15, but 25 attractions, proving that Fukuoka is more than just a ramen destination.
From illuminated castles and nostalgic port towns to pottery villages and fruit farms, here are the best things to do in Fukuoka Prefecture. Which of these attractions have you visited before? Or if you haven’t been to Fukuoka yet, which are you most looking forward to experience. Let us know in the comments section below!
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If your are traveling soon and still on the planning stage, you can also visit our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Here, we compiled travel essentials, including immigration requirements and all our recommended hotels and tours. Just visit this page: TPT Masterlist. We have a compilation for destinations around the world.
1. Yanagawa River Cruise
Yanagawa, also called the city of water, is an old castle town, located 50 minutes away from Hakata Station. It is surrounded by canals (moats) that became one of the main tourist attractions where visitors enjoy a scenic boat ride down the canals. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit for the autumn colors and the cherry blossoms. You can also rent and wear traditional kimono while exploring! You can book a tour with the local travel agencies on the site or online.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE A KIMONO HERE
2. Historical Hakata Tour
Hakata, once a major port city and trading hub, is one of the oldest cities in Japan. In the early 1800s, it used to be a separate city from Fukuoka, but the two cities eventually became one in 1889. Four old town districts in Hakata are Gokusho, Reisen, Naraya, and Ohama. You can do a D-I-Y or book a guided tour. If you choose to book a tour, some of the usual stops are Jotenji, Tochoji, and Xie Guoming’s ancient tomb.
3. teamLab Forest Fukuoka
Tucked inside the sleek BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA complex, you’ll find teamLab Forest Fukuoka. Like most teamLab sites, it’s an interactive, highly Insta-worthy museum. The moment we stepped in, we felt we had teleported to another dimension ruled by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Every corner reacts to your touch, footsteps, and gestures, making you feel like part of the artwork itself. It’s also divided into various zones.
But what sets this Fukuoka branch apart from the others is its Catch and Collect Forest. Here, you chase glowing digital animals or wait for them to appear in the shifting landscapes, identify and “collect” them using the app, then release them back to the wild.
It also has the Athletics Forest, which challenges your balance and agility on luminous floors and interactive slopes.
But our favorite thing to do at any teamLab site is drawing our own plant or animal on paper, scanning it, and watching it come to life and bounce around the room, which looks more like a colorful dream than a workshop. teamLab Forest always succeeds in reconnecting me with my sense of wonder or that feeling of awe that we lose somewhere between deadlines and daily routines.
Address: teamLab Forest Fukuoka, 5F BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, 2 Chome−2−6, Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Entrance Fee: JPY 2400
How to Get to teamLab Forest Fukuoka: From the first floor of Hakata Bus Terminal, board Bus 306 to Kyushu Iryo Center (Hospital) bus stop. Then walk for about 5 minutes.
4. Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine is one of the oldest in Fukuoka, dating back to 757 when Hakata had its golden days as a port city, serving merchants and diplomats. Regarded as the most important shrine in Fukuoka, this Shinto shrine is fondly called by the locals “okushida-san”. It houses a fountain of longevity and Chikara Ishi.
The shrine is also the heart of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, the biggest festival in Fukuoka which is celebrated from early to mid July.
Location: Kushida Shrine, 1-41, Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Nearest Station: Eight minutes on foot from either Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Gion Station on the subway.
5. Ohori Park
Ohori Park offers a green, peaceful escape in the middle of the metropolis. The park was originally part of the moat of Fukuoka Castle and now features a large pond surrounded by walking paths, bridges, and cozy cafés. Locals jog, picnic, or just chill here with coffee in hand while ducks glide across the water.
You’ll also find the Fukuoka Art Museum and the Fukuoka Castle Ruins nearby. The ruins themselves are mostly stone foundations now. But whether you’re up for a jog, a date, or just some quiet reflection, Ohori Park is a slice of calm in the heart of the city.
Address: Ohori Park, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
How to Get to Ohori Park: From Hakata Station, take the Airport Line to Ohori Park (Fukuoka Art Museum).
6. Kokura Castle
If you want to see a Japanese castle in Fukuoka, travel to the city of Kitakyushu’s Kokura district. Kokura Castle is one of the most striking historical landmarks in northern Kyushu. Originally built in 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki, a samurai lord under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle served as a strategic stronghold between Honshu and Kyushu.
Like many Japanese castles, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with the current structure being a 1959 reconstruction. Despite that, it beautifully retains its feudal-era charm with its layered roofs, white plaster walls, and sweeping views over the city of Kitakyushu.
It’s a great spot to visit any time of the year, but it’s especially spectacular from late October to early November, when the castle grounds are illuminated by countless bamboo lanterns. The Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival creates an atmosphere that is so tranquil that it almost feels like walking through a fairytale. It was magical, and definitely not something you expect from a city most tourists overlook.
After exploring the castle, we stayed for the light show in the castle garden. The performance combined traditional Japanese aesthetics with lasers and other lights. Between the music and the cool evening breeze, it was a mesmerizing experience that proved Kitakyushu’s blend of old and new can be incredibly enchanting.
Address: Kokura Castle, 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Castle Tower Operating Hours: April to October: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; November to March: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Station: Kokura Station and Nishi-Kokura Station
7. Tanga Market
If you want a taste of local life in Kitakyushu, head to Tanga Market, a 100-year-old food market that has been serving locals since the Taisho era. It started as a small riverside trading area and evolved into a bustling maze of over 120 stalls and eateries. Even after a devastating fire in 2022, the market continues to thrive, with many vendors rebuilding their shops.
We wandered through the aisles filled with the smell of marinated fish and simmering oden. We were told that locals used to be able to buy rice at one stall and toppings from others, creating a DIY donburi experience and an interactive way to eat. But the rice stall was not open at the time.
Stretching adjacent to the market is Uomachi Gintengai, one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in Japan and widely believed to be the first to ever use the term “ginten-gai”, which roughly translates to “silver-covered street.” It dates all the way back to the postwar period, when locals rebuilt their businesses under a long roof to protect shoppers from the rain.
Today, it remains the beating heart of downtown Kitakyushu, stretching for several blocks packed with shops, cafés, and restaurants. We had dinner at one of the izakayas here, and we’ll feature it in our next post showcasing Fukuoka’s food spots.
Address: Tanga Market, 4-2-18 Uomachi (魚町) / 4-2-8 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: They vary by store, but the typical opening is 10:00 AM to 17:00/18:00. Closed or varying store hours on some days.
Nearest Station: Kokura Station
8. Mojiko Retro
Also located in Kitakyushu, but fostering a very different atmosphere is Mojiko Retro. As soon as we arrived, it felt like we were transported into a steampunk version of Europe. Reminded me a bit of Fullmetal Alchemist, but seaside. This historic port area thrived in the early 1900s when Moji served as one of Japan’s major international trading hubs. Today, the beautifully restored Western-style buildings and retro lampposts create a charming time-slip experience.
We began our walk at Mojiko Station, one of Japan’s oldest train stations, reopened in 2019 after years of restoration. Its wooden interiors and vintage signage made us feel like time travelers. From there, we spotted the Former Moji Mitsui Club, where Albert Einstein stayed when he visited Japan.
We then walked through the Flea and Antique Market, where all sorts of products are sold, from kitchenware to accessories to action figures!
And then we reached Blue Wing Moji, and it’s actually Japan’s largest drawbridge for pedestrians. But what really makes it special is its romantic reputation. Locals call it the Lovers Bridge because of a charming legend: if a couple crosses it together, their love will last forever.
After witnessing the opening and closing of the bridge, we strolled along the waterfront, admiring landmarks like the Old Moji Customs Building and Kaikyo Plaza, which houses shops, cafés, and the region’s famous “banana-themed” treats.
Yes, you read that right: bananas! Mojiko is obsessed with them! You’ll find banana cakes, banana beer, and banana souvenirs all over town. You can have a selfie with this life-size banana-man statue. And a tiny banana fortune teller can even deliver a glimpse of what the future holds for you. It’s weird, it’s fun, it’s bananas!
But why are they going bananas over bananas? It’s history. During the port’s heyday, it became the main entry point for imported bananas, leading to the local “Banana no Tatakiuri” tradition, wherein vendors theatrically shouting and slicing banana bunches for customers.
And it’s best symbolized by the marker, which read “the birthplace of bargain-priced banana sales”. Pretty unassuming, but this is a Japanese Heritage Site. Apparently, this was the spot where the Japanese gather in huge crowds to purchase bananas imported from other countries, and most of them came from – you guessed it — the Philippines!
There’s your Mojiko-Philippine connection for you. And it’s bananas!
Address: Mojiko Retro, Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: The port complex is open 24/7. As for the tourist spots within the port, the opening schedule varies, but the usual is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Mojiko Retro Observation Room is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Nearest Station: Mojiko Station
9. Miyajidake Shrine
Located in Fukutsu City, just 40 minutes from Fukuoka City, Miyajidake Shrine is one of the prefecture’s most spiritual and photogenic spots. It’s dedicated to the legendary Empress Jingu and is famous for having Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), taiko drum, and bell, all proudly displayed within the shrine grounds. Each of them symbolizes protection, strength, and connection between heaven and earth.
We began our visit exploring the shrine itself, marveling at the intricate woodwork and the sheer scale of the sacred rope. Then we followed the path behind the main hall, lined with vermillion inari gates. The quiet rustle of leaves and soft temple drumming made it feel almost meditative.
The shrine is also famous for its Path of Light, a breathtaking phenomenon that happens twice a year (February and October), when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the road leading from the torii gate to the sea. We visited in the morning, so we didn’t catch it, but standing there imagining that glowing path stretching to the horizon was magical enough. There are also photos of it everywhere, so you don’t even need to imagine.
Afterward, we walked down to Miyajihama Beach to see the last torii gate up close, standing proudly against the ocean backdrop!
Address: Miyajidake Shrine, 7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Shrine grounds – 24/7; Shrine Office/Amulet Area – Daily, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
How to Get to Miyajidake Shrine: From Hakata Station, take the train to Fukuma Station. Then transfer to Bus 1-1 and alight at Miyajidake Jinja-mae Stop.
10. Tsuyazaki Sengen Old Town
Tsuyazaki Sengen is often skipped by tourists, but it is full of nostalgic charm. The town once flourished as a port for sake brewing and salt production, and many of its Edo- and Meiji-era buildings are still standing to this day.
To make things even more fun, the town has come up with a “stamp rally” experience that lets visitors collect stamps from various shops while exploring the area.
We started at the Tourist Information Center (Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi), where we received blank canvas tote bags to decorate with the stamps we’d collect along the way. Our first stop was the Chikuzen Tsuyazaki Ningyo Kobo, a doll store and workshop where we painted our own Moma owl whistles. Mine was in cobalt blue and Vins’s in gray. Afterward, we stamped our little owls onto our tote bags as a keepsake.
From there, we wandered through narrow streets and popped into a flower shop, a former sake distillery, and a souvenir store to collect more stamps. Each stop had its own story and charm, making the experience feel like a leisurely treasure hunt through time. By the end, our tote bags had turned into living scrapbooks of our walk through Tsuyazaki’s past, a functional souvenir!
Address: Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi, 3 Chome-17-3 Tsuyazaki, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Tsuyazaki Sengen Nagomi: From Hakata Station, take the train to Fukuma Station. Then transfer to Bus 1-1 and alight at Tsuyazaki-Sengen and Nagomi Bus Stop. If you’re coming from Miyajidake Shrine, you can just take Bus 1-1 to the same stop.
11. Toho Village
In the quiet mountains of eastern Fukuoka lies Toho Village, a place famous for its pottery tradition. Before heading to the kilns, we stopped at Koishiwara Roadside Station (Michi no Eki) to browse Koishiwara ware, a style of pottery with more than 350 years of history. Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property, Koishiwara ware is known for its earthy tones, simple beauty, and rhythmic patterns created using carving and brush techniques.
But of course, we didn’t come all the way here to just observe. We had to get our hands dirty, too — literally. We visited Tsurumi Kiln (Tsurumigama), a family-run workshop that specializes in a distinctive style of pottery featuring delicate spirals of tiny indentations. We had the pleasure of meeting Yoshihiro Wada, the owner and master potter at this shop. Watching him at work was mesmerizing. He made it look so easy. But in reality, it was tough, which became pretty obvious when it was our turn.
Sitting at the wheel, hands coated in clay, I created my first ever piece — a perfect little ramen bowl. Except, it was supposed to be a cup! LOL. My hand’s pressure was too much. Yoshihiro-san kept telling me to “Easy, easy.” But I was at my “easiest.” I didn’t know how much easier I could still go. Vins was laughing at me, but then, when it was his turn, he basically broke his cup!
It was both nerve-wracking and therapeutic. But all’s well that ends well. We still ended up with pretty decent-looking cups. The finished products would be glazed and shipped to us later, a souvenir for all the good times we had here in Toho Village.
Address: Tsurumi Kiln, 2514-3 Koishiwaratsuzumi, Toho Village, Asakura District, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Toho Village: Best reached by car. You can rent a car in Fukuoka and drive all the way to Toho Village.
12. Ringo to Budou no Ki
Fruit lovers, this one’s for you. Ringo to Budou no Ki (literally “The Tree of Apples and Grapes”) is a family-run farm and café that lets visitors enjoy fruit picking and homemade sweets. Depending on the season, you can pick apples, grapes, and persimmons.
We spent the morning wandering through the orchards, baskets in hand, filling them with juicy apples and crisp persimmons. I was particularly excited about persimmons because they’re so uncommon here in the Philippines. There’s something incredibly satisfying about harvesting your own fruit, especially when the owners are so warm and welcoming. He would also pick one and slice it for everyone to enjoy on the spot. We were then led to the vineyard to pick grapes!
After working up an appetite, we headed to their café for what might be the best apple pie of our lives. Granted, we haven’t had that many apple pies, but this one set the bar high. The crust was crisp, the filling soft and sweet, and it paired perfectly with a cup of hot coffee. It was one of those simple moments that felt like the perfect snapshot of rural Japan.
Address: Ringo to Budou no Ki, Yamada, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How to Get to Ringo to Budou no Ki: From Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Futsukaichi Station. Switch to Bus 40 bound for Haki and get off at Sanrensuisha-no-sato Stop. Walk for 14 minutes to the orchard.
13. Triple Water Wheels
Also in Asakura, the Triple Water Wheels is a symbol of Japanese ingenuity and rural life. Built in 1789, these three interconnected wheels are still operational, channeling river water into nearby rice fields using traditional methods. They’re among the oldest functioning water wheels in Japan and have been designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Yes, it’s still operational, but only in certain months of the year. And our visit didn’t fall within that period, so we didn’t get to see it in action. But there’s something awe-inspiring about seeing centuries-old technology still being used today.
After admiring the wheels, we took a short walk to a nearby lotus and koi ponds and a bee farm, established by Fujii Yohojo. Inside is a mini-museum and a shop, selling various types of local and imported honey. You could sample them, too. I really enjoyed the honey produced by bees here in Asakura, so that’s what I took home with me. We also had honey-coated sweet potato chunks.
Agriculture-based attractions are often not everyone’s cup of tea, but we really enjoyed our time here. It was a quiet, countryside experience that felt worlds away from the bustle of Fukuoka City.
Address: Triple Water Wheels, Hishino, Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: 24/7
How to Get to Hishino Triple Water Wheels: If from Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 400 to Nakamuta. Then Bus 40 to Hishino Bus Stop. Meanwhile, if from Ringo to Budo No Ki, you can just walk all the way to the wheels for 21 minutes.
14. Yoshii White Walls District
Welcome to my kind of town! As someone who calls himself Yoshi, I already decided I would love it from the get-go!
If you’re into old towns and traditional architecture, Yoshii White Walls District in Ukiha City is pure eye candy. The area flourished during the Edo period as a merchant hub, and today it still boasts rows of white-walled kura (storehouses) and traditional wooden machiya houses. They’re white because after a big fire that ruined the town, the people decided to rebuild their houses using plaster, which is fire-resistant.
We spent the afternoon just strolling around, dipping into little shops as we went. One of our favorites was a Japanese doll shop. Aside from traditional dolls, they also sell a variety of cat-themed items. Then, of course, we couldn’t resist Pan no Mocca Bakery, selling croissants and other baked goods. Their pastries were so good we bought more “for later”…and ate them five minutes after leaving.
Address: Yoshii White Walls, Yoshii Shirakabe-dori Street, Ukiha City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Public Townscape – Open year-round, some shops have own hours; Pan no Mocca (Bread Mocca) – Tuesday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How to Get to Yoshii White Walls District: From Hakata Station, take the train to Chikugo-Yoshii Station. Then walk from there.
15. Ukiha Inari Shrine
Just a 10-minute drive from Yoshii, high on a hillside overlooking the Chikugo Plain, sits Ukiha Inari Shrine, one of the most scenic in Fukuoka. It’s known for its long line of over 90 torii gates straddling 300 steps that lead all the way up to the main shrine.
We climbed the stairs early in the morning, the sunlight filtering through the red gates like a moving spotlight. Every turn revealed another layer of countryside views — fields, rooftops, and the faint outline of mountains in the distance. It was a bit of a workout, but the peacefulness at the top made it all worth it.
The shrine itself enshrines Inari, the deity of prosperity, fertility, and agriculture, symbolized by foxes. Locals come here to pray for business success and good harvests. Behind the shrine is a giant rock, decorated with a garland, and a small shrine with offerings.
Address: Ukiha Inari Shrine, 1513-9 Ukihamachi Nagarekawa, Ukiha City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: 24/7
How to Get to Ukiha Inari Shrine: From Chikugo-Yoshii Station, take the Bus 吉井線 左回り, bound for Ukiha Shimin Center. Alight at Osaka (Ukiha Inari Shrine Ent.) Bus Stop. Then walk from there.
16. Nyoirinji Frog Temple
Now this one’s ribbiting — I mean, riveting. The Nyoirinji Temple in Ogori is famously nicknamed the Frog Temple because of its massive collection of frog statues. It’s hard to miss, even from the parking lot, where you’ll be greeted by the gigantic stone amphibians, where you could write your wishes. Of course, we wished for more blessings for all TPT followers!
The path to the temple was covered with picturesque umbrellas and colorful lanterns, which was a sight to behold on its own. But when you reach the top, it’s frog overload! There are reportedly over 5,000 frogs of all shapes, sizes, and materials scattered throughout the temple grounds. It’s a small temple, but every corner is full of delightful surprises: frogs holding umbrellas, meditating frogs, even stone frog families mid-conversation.
The temple’s connection to frogs comes from the Japanese word “kaeru,” which means both “frog” and “to return.” People come here to pray for safe travels and for lost things or people to return home.
You’ll also find a giant golden frog! They say that if you make it through the mouth of the frog, you will be rejuvenated, your energy and happiness will be restored, and bad luck will turn to good fortune. So of course, I tried it. I was a bit scared that my bulging tummy would get stuck but I powered through! Vins, too, made it through successfully.
We couldn’t help but smile the whole time. It’s kitschy, yes, but it’s also heartfelt. The resident monks clearly take pride in curating this quirky collection, and you leave feeling a little lighter and happier.
Address: Nyoirinji Frog Temple, 1728 Yokoguma, Ogori City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Nyoirinji Frog Temple: From Hakata Station, take Nanakuma Subway Line to Yakuin Station. Transfer to Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line to Mikunigaoka Station. It’s a 21-minute walk from there.
17. Migita Fruit Farm
This is located in Kurume, about 20 minutes away from the city. Kurume’s location along the Chikugo River makes it fertile and viable for fruit trees to thrive. Migita Fruit Farm is one of those places where visitors can enjoy nature and local produce like persimmons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, figs, and others. You can visit all year round, but you need to check which fruit tree is in the season for your visit, especially for fruit-picking activities (persimmon or strawberry).
Location: Migita Fruit Farm, 3024, Tanushimarumachi Chitoku, Kurume City, Fukuoka, Japan
Opening Hours: Strawberry Season (January to April) – Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; For Persimmon Season (September to November), check the official website for more info.
Strawberry Picking Rate: January to March – Adult, ¥2300; Students, ¥1500; Children (3-5 y/o), ¥1200; April – Adult, ¥1600; Students, ¥1300; Children (3-5 y/o), ¥1000. Children 2 years old and below can enter for FREE.
Nearest Station: JR Tanushimaru Station. The farm is just 10 minutes away by taxi from the station.
18. Umi Hachimangu
One of the most historically significant shrines in Fukuoka, Umi Hachimangu, dates back over 1,300 years. At the heart of the shrine is the sacred statue of Empress Jingu holding baby Ojin. But it is only displayed to the public at Shikinen Taisai, a grand festival that is held only once every 25 years!
This site is said to be the birthplace of Emperor Ojin, whose mother, Empress Jingu, safely delivered him here after returning from a military expedition. Because of that, the shrine became a major pilgrimage site for safe childbirth and child blessings. Expectant mothers come to pray for an easy delivery, and you’ll often see families offering baby bibs and tiny charms.
Another thing we also definitely noticed was the sheer number of stones with writings on them. Apparently, those praying for a baby or a safe delivery could get a stone from the shrine and take it home with them. When they are blessed with a baby, they return to the shrine with two stones bearing the name and birth date of the child.
The atmosphere here is calm and reverent, with ancient camphor trees towering overhead. And by ancient, we mean over 2000 years old, so claimed the shrine. The two largest here are called “Yufuta’s Forest” and “Kinukake’s Forest”. There’s also one that is almost hollow. While visitors are not usually allowed to enter the tree, we asked and were given permission. And when we looked up, lo and behold, we saw a heart shining down on us.
By the way, just outside the shrine grounds, there’s a lovely pastry shop called Tokinose, famous for its wagashi or traditional confectionery. We grabbed a couple of pastries, and they were really good.
Address: Umi Hachimangu, 1 Chome-1-1 Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to Get to Umi Hachimangu: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 32 bound for Kami Umi. Get off at Umi Hachiman-mae Bus Stop. It’s just in front of the shrine. Travel time is 38 minutes.
19. Sakurai Futamigaura
If Fukuoka City is the bustling heart of Kyushu, then Itoshima is its laid-back beachy soul. Just 40 minutes from downtown, this coastal area is a local favorite for surfing, cafés, and photogenic seaside views. It’s where Fukuoka folks escape when they need a break from city life.
The highlight for us was Sakurai Futamigaura, home to the famous “wedded rocks” — two large stones connected by a sacred rope, symbolizing harmony and marriage. They sit offshore, with a white torii gate framing them perfectly. It is said that those who visit are blessed with a healthy marriage or love life.
Address: Sakurai Futamigaura, Shima, Sakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1304, Japan
How to Get to Sakurai Futamigaura: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take a West Coast Liner Bus (ウエストコーストライナー) to Futamigaura. Travel time ia 1 hour and 10 minutes.
20. Nanzoin Temple
Much closer to Fukuoka City lies Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, where you’ll see one of Japan’s largest bronze reclining Buddhas. When we say large, we mean gigantic. The statue is 41 meters long and 11 meters high, even bigger than the one in Thailand’s Wat Pho. It represents Buddha entering Nirvana.
We visited this years ago, and I still remember it quite vividly. We approached the temple through a peaceful forest path lined with smaller statues and prayer wheels. As soon as the massive Buddha came into view, we just stood there speechless for a while. It’s so colossal that it feels almost unreal. You can even touch the Buddha’s feet, said to bring good luck.
The temple itself is part of the Sasaguri Pilgrimage.
Address: Nanzoin Temple, 1035 Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
How to Get to Nanzoin Temple: From Hakata Station, take the Fukuhokuyutaka Line to Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. Travel time is 24 minutes.
21. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
No Fukuoka trip is complete without visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto god of learning. The shrine is one of the most important Tenmangu shrines in Japan, drawing millions of students each year who come to pray for good grades and academic success.
We walked across the famous vermilion bridges leading to the main hall, surrounded by plum trees that Michizane loved during his lifetime. If you visit in late February, the entire area bursts into pink and white blossoms, making it one of the most beautiful plum-viewing spots in Kyushu.
Before leaving, we sampled umegae mochi, a grilled rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s the local specialty, and the smell alone will lure you in.
Address: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 4 Chome-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
How to Get to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: From Hakata Bus Terminal (1F), take the direct local bus to Dazaifu Station. Then walk for 4 minutes.
22. Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden
Kawachi Fujien and the next item on this list are two flower parks that we haven’t visited yet because of bad timing, but these two have always been on our bucket list because, well, we love flowers!
They say that few places in Japan can rival the fairytale beauty of Kawachi Fujien in Kitakyushu. This private garden is home to one of Japan’s most famous wisteria tunnels, a walkway draped in cascading purple, pink, and white blossoms. It’s typically open to the public only during wisteria season (late April to early May), and tickets sell out fast. And that is why, despite multiple trips to Fukuoka, we still have not seen it.
Address: Kawachi Wisteria Garden, 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: For Wisteria season – Late April to early May, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; For Autumn foliage – Mid-November to early December, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
23. Nokonoshima Island
Just a short ferry ride from the city, Nokonoshima Island is known for its Nokonoshima Island Park, where vast fields of flowers bloom year-round — sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn, and poppies and cherry blossoms in spring! And yes, we want to visit it in spring during Sakura season, but it has yet to happen.
Address: Nokonoshima Island Park, 能古島, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
24. Fukuoka Food Trip
But one thing we never fail to do when in Fukuoka? Eat. A Fukuoka things-to-do list without food? That’s criminal! We have to talk about food. Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, that rich, creamy pork-bone broth that’s comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s at the legendary chain like Ichiran or a local favorite ramen-ya like Shin Shin, one slurp and you’ll understand why this city takes its noodles so seriously.
But don’t stop there. At night, head to the yatai, open-air food stalls that pop up along the riverbanks, especially in Nakasu. Here you can eat like a local, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, enjoying yakitori, tempura, and ramen under the night sky.
Food is the heartbeat of the prefecture. So yes, come for the ramen…but stay for everything else. And we’ll be sharing with you some of the best food places we tried in our next post.
25. Shopping
We can’t end this list without shopping. Retail therapy in Japan is always fun and rewarding, and the same holds true for Fukuoka. Within the city proper, you’ll find malls and department stores, but perhaps the most iconic is Canal City Hakata, a massive entertainment complex often called a “city within a city.” It’s got everything — shops, restaurants, a theater, a fountain show, even a small river flowing right through the middle. You can literally eat ramen, shop luxury brands, and catch a light show without stepping outside.
One thing we haven’t set foot on yet but is on our to-visit list is The Outlets Kitakyushu, an open-air complex featuring top brands at discounted prices.
And if you didn’t have time for shopping, you can maybe still do it at the newly renovated Fukuoka Airport’s Duty Free shops. It has been expanded to about four times its previous size, reaching roughly 6,000 m². There’s a strong focus on Japanese brands.
Where to Stay in Fukuoka
The city has two major wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with restaurants, shopping establishments, and accommodations. Most of the attractions are found on Hakata side, while a lot of budget hotels are located in Tenjin. Here are the top budget hotels/hostels in Fukuoka as rated by travelers online.
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- WeBase HAKATA. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
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Updates Log
2025 11 26 – First uploaded
Editing and additional writing by: Asta Alvarez
Photos by: Yosh Dimen, Vins Carlos, and Asta Alvarez
