Fukuoka Prefecture, the center of the Kyushu region, is known as a tourist destination, attracting many tourists not only from within Japan but also from neighboring countries such as Korea and China. However, when traveling to Fukuoka, some people may not be familiar with local information and may not know where to go.

So, this time we will explain the recommended sightseeing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture and the gourmet information that you should try at least once. We will also introduce transportation methods, so if you are interested in sightseeing in Fukuoka Prefecture, please read to the end.

Recommended spots for sightseeing in Fukuoka

Now, let's get started by explaining some recommended sightseeing spots in Fukuoka Prefecture. We will also cover how to get there and what to see, so please use this as a reference when planning your trip.

Fukuoka Tower

The first place we will introduce is Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan, with a total length of 234m. Its nickname is "Mirror Sail," which means "shining mirror sail."

This building was constructed as a monument for the Asia-Pacific Expo, commonly known as "Yokatopia," held in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fukuoka City's founding, and has since become a beloved symbol of Fukuoka.

The main means of access are by bus and car, it takes about 25 minutes by bus from JR Hakata Station, about 20 minutes from Tenjin, and about 15 minutes by car from Fukuoka IC. From the observation deck on the top floor, 123 meters above ground, you can enjoy the view of Fukuoka cityscape and Hakata Bay, making it a recommended tourist spot for couples and many other types of people.

Seasonal events and campaigns are frequently held, and at Christmas a couple's dinner campaign was held, where guests could enjoy a meal while enjoying the night view of Fukuoka.

There are also plenty of shops and restaurants, including Refuge, located on the second floor observation deck 120 meters above ground, which functions as a cafe during the day and a bar in the evening.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

The ruins of Fukuoka Castle are a national historic site located in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. Built by Kuroda Nagamasa, the first lord of Fukuoka, it is the largest castle in Kyushu and took seven years from start to finish. The nearest station is Akasaka Station on the Fukuoka Municipal Subway, which is about a 7-minute walk from Exit 2.

Although not many buildings remain, the stone walls and layout remain almost exactly as they were at the time, and from the castle tower you can get a panoramic view of the city of Fukuoka and Hakata Bay.

Within the grounds are the remains of a diplomatic facility from the Asuka, Nara and Heian periods called Korokan, which served as a guesthouse for envoys from mainland China and the Korean peninsula, as well as lodgings for Japanese diplomatic envoys sent to Tang China and Silla.

It is known that similar facilities were built in Kyoto and Osaka, but the only remaining site is the one at Fukuoka Castle Ruins. If you want to fully enjoy Fukuoka's history, be sure to visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins.

Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata is a complex that opened in 1996. Based on the concept of an urban theater, it is lined with a variety of businesses, including a shopping mall, theaters, and movie theaters.

It is divided into five zones, each with a different motif and design. The Canal Area, which literally means canal, is where the various buildings are built, centered around a canal that runs slowly from north to south of the facility, as its name suggests.

Located near the South Building is the Sea Court, which has a seaside motif. This area is filled with nature, and you can enjoy a sense of openness even while indoors. Crystal Canyon is a communication zone that connects the office building and the shopping mall. There is also a general information center on the first floor.

The Sun Plaza Stage is an area where various entertainment events such as performances and live shows are held. Star Court is the most modern area, with fountains spouting from the star-shaped floor. At night, the water columns are lit up, creating a more fantastical atmosphere, making it a very popular spot, especially with couples.

There are many ways to get there, including by train, bus, or car, so choose the one that suits you best.

Nakasu food stalls

Nakasu Yatai Street is a tourist spot located in Nakasu, one of the leading entertainment districts not only in Fukuoka Prefecture but also in the entire country. It is attractive because you can enjoy not only Fukuoka gourmet food such as yakitori, mentaiko egg rolls, and Hakata ramen, but also classic izakaya dishes such as oden and tempura.

The yatai began around 1946. In the chaos following the war, stalls began to be set up in simple temporary stores on the roads or in vacant spaces, and at their peak the number of stalls exceeded 400. After the Fukuoka City Government enacted the Basic Yatai Ordinance in 2013, the area saw new development as a clean yatai street beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The nearest station is Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway, which is about a 7-minute walk away. One of the best parts of a food stall is enjoying a conversation with the food stall owner or with other people who happen to be there. If you want to experience the deep side of Fukuoka Prefecture, be sure to visit Nakasu Food Stall Street.

Kushida Shrine

Kushida Shrine is the oldest shrine in Hakata and is the main deity of the area. It is about a 15-minute walk from the nearest JR Hakata Station, and is affectionately known as "O-Kushida-san" by locals.

Kushida Shrine is famous for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a festival held every July with a history of over 7 years. Every year, many tourists gather from all over the country, making it a very lively event.

There are many other sights to see on the grounds, including the charming Hakata Wind God and Thunder God statues and the 1,000-year-old Kushida Ginkgo tree, a symbol of longevity, so you're sure to enjoy sightseeing without getting bored.

Yanagawa

Yanagawa is a water town in the south of Fukuoka prefecture that flourished as a beautiful castle town during the Edo period. Even today, there are many places where you can experience history and culture, and it is visited by many tourists.

Yanagawa is famous for its river boats called donko boats, which go down the waterways and canals that run throughout the town. There are four boat docks within a 5-10 minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, and if you make a reservation in advance, you can rent one for a group.

There are different events held depending on the season, such as the Hina Doll Water Parade and lighted boats, so be sure to check in advance.

Yanagawa is also famous as the birthplace of the poet Kitahara Hakushu. He loved Yanagawa his whole life until his death at the age of 57, and he left behind many poems that described the scenery of Yanagawa. Kitahara Hakushu's birthplace, which was destroyed in a great fire, has been restored and is now the Kitahara Hakushu Memorial Museum, so if you're interested, be sure to visit.

Palm Tree Swing

The Palm Tree Swing is a photogenic spot in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture. The nearest station to Itoshima is JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, which is about 40 minutes by train from JR Hakata Station without transfers, and about 45 minutes by direct train from Fukuoka City Subway Fukuoka Airport Station, so it can be said to be relatively easy to access.

There are two palm tree swings, a large one and a small one, and if you take a photo from behind while swinging on one of them, you can take a photogenic picture that highlights the white sand and blue sea. The large swing can be ridden by two adults, so it is also recommended for taking commemorative photos of couples or friends.

After taking photos, enjoy a seafood bowl at the Zauo Live Fish Teahouse main store near the beach. You can enjoy fresh seafood caught in Hakata Bay along with the beautiful beach scenery.

Sunset Road

Another recommended tourist spot in Itoshima, along with the palm tree swing, is the Sunset Road. Sunset Road is the name of the approximately 33.3 km route from Bentenbashi Bridge at the mouth of the Izumi River to Sakurai Futamigaura.

As the name suggests, you can enjoy the sunset all year round while driving, so it is known as a mecca for riders. Although it is not far from the big city of Hakata, it is not too crowded, which is a nice point.

The area is dotted with cafes, as well as the floating Meoto Iwa rocks in Futamigaura, Keya no Daimon Gate, a national natural monument, and other attractions, making it a place that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from couples to families.

Mojiko Retro

Mojiko Retro is a tourist destination that combines the old townscape of Mojiko, a place that flourished from the Meiji to Showa periods, with new urban functions. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there from JR Hakata Station, but if you take the Seibu bus from JR Kokura Station, you can arrive in 15 minutes.

Moji was once a small fishing and salt-producing village, but after the First Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I, it became one of Japan's three major ports, along with Kobe and Yokohama, and grew into an important international trading hub.

It has now been developed as a tourist destination, and tourists will not get bored with the brick buildings and museums that were built at the time, as well as spots from which to view the Kanmon Straits. There are several model sightseeing courses, so it's a good idea to discuss them together with your travel partner and decide on one.

Kyushu National Museum

Kyushu National Museum is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed by everyone from adults to children. It is a museum with beautiful glass walls located next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

It is the fourth national museum in Japan after Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, and can be accessed in about an 4-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. Its basic philosophy is to understand the formation of Japanese culture from the perspective of Asian history, and it is attractive that it displays many historically valuable items, including the national treasure Meirai Kunimitsu.

Special exhibitions are held regularly, and the exhibits are well explained. Another recommended spot is to take a break from your tour and enjoy a meal at the restaurants and cafes on the premises. At the Footbath Teahouse, as the name suggests, you can enjoy Kyushu's famous teas and sweets while soaking your feet in a footbath.

Dazaifu Tenmanguugu

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a popular tourist destination in Fukuoka, bustling with over 1,000 million tourists a year. It is the head shrine of about 1 shrines across the country, dedicated to Tenjin-sama, or Sugawara no Michizane, and is a 2,000-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.

Sugawara no Michizane showed academic talent from an early age, and from academia he entered the political world, but after being framed for a crime he did not commit through political strategy, he was demoted to Dazaifu, where he spent the rest of his life in despair. After that, people involved in Sugawara no Michizane's demotion died one after the other.

Not only that, but because of the succession of epidemics and abnormal weather, people at the time thought that Sugawara no Michizane had become a vengeful spirit and was causing curses. As a result, people decided to restore his honor and worship him as a god, and over time he became known as the god of learning.

Some may have the impression that it is a place where students take exams go, but you can still have fun just by strolling around the grounds while eating Umegae-mochi, so be sure to check it out.

Miyajidake Shrine

Miyajidake Shrine is a famous shrine in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The nearest station is JR Fukuma Station, but it takes 25 minutes to walk there, so we recommend taking a bus or taxi.

This is a historic shrine that has been worshipped for about 1700 years as a god of good fortune who overcomes all obstacles. The number of visitors is over 250 million people per year, making it the second most visited shrine after Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

The shrine is located between the beautiful sea and the mountains, making it a great place for a stroll. Festivals and events are also held here, so if you're interested, check the schedule on the official website.

Recommended gourmet food for Fukuoka tourists

Fukuoka is famous not only for its tourist attractions, but also for its food, making it a gourmet city. Next, we will introduce some recommended foods that you should try while sightseeing in Fukuoka.

Hakata Ramen

Hakata ramen is one of the most well-known gourmet foods in Fukuoka Prefecture. Hakata ramen is characterized by its milky white pork bone soup made by simmering pork bones for a long time, and thin noodles.

The standard toppings are green onions, roasted pork, and wood ear mushrooms, and you can also add pickled ginger, white sesame seeds, or mustard greens if you like. Wood ear mushrooms were originally used as a substitute for nori seaweed, the price of which fluctuates, but they have since become a staple. When ordering, you can specify the hardness of the noodles, and there are a wide variety of hardness options available, including barikata, konootoshi, and sugikan.

Another distinctive feature of Hakata ramen is the use of the "kaedama" style, where you can add more noodles and leave the soup behind. This system was created to make up for the drawback of thin noodles, which tend to get soggy when ordered in large portions.

In this article, we will introduce 9 recommended restaurants where you can eat Hakata ramen in Fukuoka Prefecture. All of them are popular and famous, so please take a look.

motsunabe

Fukuoka is known as the birthplace of motsunabe. It is said that the origins of motsunabe date back to shortly after the war, when Korean miners cooked offal and Chinese chives in an aluminum pot and ate it with soy sauce. By the way, motsunabe is a word that generally refers to the innards of beef, pork, chicken, etc.

At the time, offal was basically a part of the body that would be thrown away, but motsunabe, made by adding whatever vegetables were on hand, was cheap and nutritious, and eventually became a valuable source of nutrition to support people in hard labor.

In the 1960s, sesame oil, chili peppers, and spring onions were added, making it sukiyaki-style, which is still the case today. If you're eating motsunabe in Fukuoka, try adding champon noodles at the end to enjoy it the Fukuoka way.

Cooked in water

Like motsunabe, mizutaki is another hot pot dish that represents Fukuoka. Mizutaki is a hot pot dish made by adding ingredients such as chicken and vegetables to unflavored water or boiling water and cooking it.

Mizutaki in Fukuoka originated at a restaurant called Suigetsu. It is said that the owner was inspired by Chinese hot pot dishes and Western consommé and came up with the idea of ​​making a hot pot dish using stock from water.

One of the attractions of Mizutaki is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, with a wide range of restaurants available, from casual to specialized. Fukuoka's Mizutaki is simple yet flavorful, so why not give it a try?

Mentaiko

One of the most well-known delicacies of Fukuoka is mentaiko, which generally refers to pollock roe seasoned with a red pepper seasoning.

The first person to create this type of mentaiko was Toshio Kawahara, the founder of Fukuya. After nearly 10 years of trial and error, he perfected the mentaiko we know today.

Mentaiko is delicious when eaten with rice and is also a great snack to go with alcohol. It is recommended not only for personal enjoyment but also as a souvenir to send to others. There are several mentaiko specialty shops in Fukuoka Prefecture, so it's a good idea to find your favorite one.

Hakata udon

When you think of noodle dishes in Fukuoka, many people may think of Hakata ramen, but udon is also famous as a long-standing fast food in Hakata.

Hakata udon is characterized by its soft noodles, so soft that they almost tear when you pick them up with chopsticks, but they are not soggy at all. This is because the method of boiling the noodles in advance became popular in Hakata so that the dish could be served quickly.

The soft noodles go perfectly with the clear, dried sardine-based soup, making it the perfect lunch for when you're short on time, or as a finishing touch after drinking. By the way, the Hakata way to eat it is with side dishes like chicken rice and triangular inari. Please give it a try.

Hakata dumplings

When you hear the word gyoza, many people may think of Utsunomiya gyoza or Hamamatsu gyoza, but Hakata gyoza is also a famous gourmet dish. It is said that Hakata gyoza first started being served at food stalls in Hakata in the late 1940s.

They are small enough to be eaten in one bite, and the skin is thinner than regular gyoza, giving them a crispier texture. They are usually eaten with yuzu pepper instead of vinegar soy sauce, and the refreshing aroma of yuzu and the spiciness of the chili peppers enhance the deliciousness of the gyoza.

There is a wide variety of gyoza available, including pan-fried gyoza and steamed gyoza, so we recommend finding your own favorite Hakata gyoza.

Yakitori

Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is also a popular delicacy in Fukuoka. There are currently over 600 yakitori restaurants in Fukuoka city, making it the city with the most yakitori restaurants per capita in Japan among the 21 major cities.

Since it developed from skewers sold at food stalls, you can enjoy unusual varieties that you won't find at regular yakitori restaurants, such as pork, beef, and fish. Another unique feature of Fukuoka yakitori is that most restaurants serve cabbage with a vinegar sauce before serving the yakitori.

The grilled yakitori is placed one after another on top of the cabbage, and it makes a great snack to have with your drinks while you wait for the yakitori to arrive, or as a palate cleanser in between meals. It's also reasonably priced, so please give it a try.

Grilled curry

Fukuoka is also known as the birthplace of grilled curry, which is said to have first been created in a coffee shop in Mojiko in the 1950s.

Leftover curry was baked in the oven like a doria and served as a regular menu item at the coffee shop, which proved so popular that it is now available in Fukuoka and throughout the country.

You can enjoy grilled curry at many restaurants in Fukuoka Prefecture, but we recommend eating it in Moji, where you can also enjoy the atmosphere of the old days. Each restaurant has its own unique style and flavor, so be sure to try them all and compare them.

Steamed eel

Steamed eel is a local dish from Yanagawa, Fukuoka that has been around since the Edo period. The eel is topped with kabayaki sauce and shredded egg on top of rice, and then steamed in a bamboo steamer, allowing the flavor of the eel to soak into the rice, resulting in a fluffy and soft texture.

Most of the bamboo steamers are painted red and have the name of the restaurant written on the side. Different restaurants use different sauces, so you can enjoy the different flavors.

Sesame mackerel

Gomasaba is a local dish from Fukuoka in which raw mackerel is dipped in sweet soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds, green onions, and other seasonings. There is also a type of mackerel called gomasaba, but it is not related to the local dish gomasaba.

Gomasaba only appeared relatively recently, and there was no information about it in the Hakata food guidebook published in 1965. It goes well with alcohol, and many people order it with beer, sake, or shochu at local izakayas.

Umegae mochi

Umegae mochi is a specialty of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, made by putting red bean paste in a dough made from a blend of glutinous and non-glutinous rice and baking it. It is said that Umegae mochi began when an old woman sent mochi skewered on a plum branch to Sugawara no Michizane, who had been demoted to Dazaifu and was struggling to find food.

Many people buy Umegae Mochi after visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and eat it as they stroll around. The simple flavor is popular with everyone, so it's a good choice when you can't decide what souvenir to buy.

Amaou Parfait

Amaou is the name of a strawberry variety that originated in Fukuoka and is also known as the king of strawberries. The Amaou Parfait uses an abundance of Amaou strawberries.

You can enjoy different parfaits depending on the store, from ones topped with lots of fresh cream to ones that use a wide variety of fruits from Fukuoka, including Amaou. If you're interested in sweets, be sure to give it a try.

Main means of transportation used for sightseeing in Fukuoka

When traveling, transportation is important. Depending on the place you are going to, there are many cases where you can only get there by a specific means of transportation.

Below is a list of the main means of transportation to use when sightseeing in Fukuoka. Please use this as reference when considering your mode of transportation.

Sightseeing bus

A tourist bus is a chartered bus or bus tour used for sightseeing purposes. In Fukuoka, there is the Fukuoka Open Top Bus that guides you around tourist spots.

If you board an open-top double-decker bus, you can enjoy sightseeing in the city while feeling the nature and the breeze. The tourist information will be provided by the bus announcer, so you can enjoy the tour even without prior information. The cost varies depending on the course, and the average price for adults is 2 to 2,000 yen.

Nishitetsu bus

Nishitetsu Bus is a public transportation company that operates in the wider Fukuoka City area, as well as in Saga Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and parts of Oita Prefecture. In fact, the main means of transportation in Fukuoka Prefecture is not trains but buses, and Nishitetsu Bus owns about 2800 buses, the largest number in Japan.

It is an essential means of transportation when sightseeing in Fukuoka, as it operates in various places from major cities to tourist destinations within Fukuoka prefecture. The minimum fare is 210 yen, but in Tenjin and Hakata areas in Fukuoka city center, the fare is set at 150 yen, and in the Kokura area of ​​the Kitakyushu district, the fare is set at 180 yen.

By the way, the route map is so complicated that even locals worry about whether they will be able to reach their destination. Therefore, to avoid getting lost, check the operating time in advance and ask the bus driver where the bus will pass before boarding.

subway

Another means of transportation within Fukuoka Prefecture is the subway. There are three lines: the Airport Line, the Hakozaki Line, and the Nanakuma Line, and most major tourist destinations can be accessed by subway.

The appeal of the subway is its speed: it takes 25 minutes to travel from Hakata Station to Fukuoka Airport by car, but it only takes 5 minutes by subway. One-day passes are also available, costing 1 yen for adults and half the price at 640 yen for children.

Another advantage of the subway is that you can use Fukuoka City's free public Wi-Fi service at all stations, and you can spend your waiting time comfortably in the cool rooms.

Train

Railways are also a major means of transportation within Fukuoka Prefecture. There are currently 16 JR lines and 15 private railway lines.

JR has Hakata Station, where the Shinkansen also passes, making it convenient for travel within and outside the prefecture. If you are sightseeing in Dazaifu or Yanagawa, we recommend using the Nishitetsu train.

There is also a FUKUOKA 1DAY PASS, a one-day pass for tourists, available for 1 yen for adults and 2,800 yen for children. You can receive discounts by presenting the pass at participating facilities such as the Treasure Hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Fukuoka Tower.

Rental Car

If you want to enjoy traveling at your own pace, renting a car is also recommended. Unlike trains and buses, there are no set schedules, so you can freely change your travel plans.

Another advantage of renting a car is that you can use the car's navigation system. With a navigation system, you can reach your destination more smoothly than if you were to check the map every step of the way. If you leave your luggage in the car, you can enjoy sightseeing without having to carry anything with you.

The average cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of car, but for a 6-hour rental, it is generally around 5,000 yen for a light car and 7,000 yen for a minivan. With Uqey, you can rent a light car for under 12 yen and a compact minivan for under 5,000 yen for a 9,000-hour rental, making it a reasonable option.

Car sharing

Car sharing is a general term for a service in which registered members share the use of cars. The basic method of use is to make a reservation, go to a designated station, unlock the car with your smartphone or membership card, and return it to the original station when you're done using it.

Unlike rental cars, car sharing has the advantage that it can be used for short periods of time, measured in minutes. It is useful when traveling from the airport to a hotel or when you want to enjoy shopping at a nearby store.

You can make reservations anywhere with a smartphone, so if there is even the slightest possibility of using a car, you should register as a member of the service in advance. However, please note that there are initial costs, such as registration fees and monthly basic fees.

boat

Fukuoka has many rivers that run through various parts of the city, so many people travel by boat. The cost varies depending on the route you take, but the one-way fare for traveling between Hakata Wharf and Umi-no-Nakamichi is 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children.

Traveling by boat offers a different experience than traveling by car or train. If you're interested, give it a try.

If you want to rent a car, Uqey is recommended.

Nowadays, many companies offer car rental services, but we recommend Uqey. Below is a list of basic information about Uqey.

What is Uqey?

Uqey is an unmanned rental car app provided by Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. The number of registered users of the app has exceeded 1, and the service is available in various parts of Japan, including Fukuoka and Okinawa. The latest car models are available, so even those who are particular about their cars will be satisfied.

Reasons why Uqey is recommended

There are three reasons why we recommend Uqey. Let's take a closer look at each of these recommended points.

You can rent without any procedures or waiting time

With Uqey, you don't need to go through the complicated procedures required to rent a car. Your smartphone becomes your car key, so you can leave right away without having to go to the reception desk. There's no unnecessary waiting time, so it's recommended for those who want to be efficient.

Rental and return available 24 hours a day

Another advantage of Uqey is that you can rent and return a car 24 hours a day. If the car is not available at the time you want to use it, you have to give up on using the car.

With Uqey, you can rent a car whenever you want, whether that's early in the morning or late at night, depending on your schedule.

Return and payment can all be completed on your smartphone

With Uqey, you can complete all procedures from return to payment on your smartphone. To return the car, simply park it in the designated place, check for any leftover items or trash, and complete the payment.

The app will guide you step by step through the process, so even those who have no experience renting a car can use it easily.

You can check store information for Uqey Hakata area here.

Summary

Above, we have covered Fukuoka's recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and transportation options. Fukuoka is attracting attention as a smart city, but it is also a city blessed with many tourist attractions. Once you visit, you will be captivated by Fukuoka's charms.

If you want to travel freely in Fukuoka without being tied down by time, we recommend renting a car. However, there are many companies offering rental car services, and many people don't know which company to use.

Uqey is an unmanned car rental app that allows you to complete all procedures on your smartphone. It has many advantages that other car rental services do not have, such as no waiting time, 24-hour rental and return. If you are interested, please check out the official website.