What to see in Fukuoka: Complete Travel Guide
The city of Fukuoka is located in southern Japan, at the northern tip of Kyushu Island. It is known in Japan as the birthplace of Japanese civilization and the eighth largest city. Fukuoka is a coastal city characterized by its green spaces and one of the youngest average age cities in the country. It is relatively close to South Korea, specifically the coastal city of Busan.
The average temperature of Fukuoka is 17 °C. In summer, temperatures can reach 30 °C and in winter it is difficult to fall below 0 °C. For all these reasons, it is considered one of the most livable cities in Japan and even in all of Asia.
How to go from Hiroshima to Fukuoka?
1. From Hiroshima to Fukuoka by Bullet Train
Hiroshima to Fukuoka is 282 km away. If you travel to Japan with the JR Pass you can move through most of Japan with the high speed line Shinkansen. Specifically, the Sanyo Shinkansen line is the one that connects the city of Osaka with Fukuoka, passing through Kobe, Okayama and Hiroshima among other cities.
This line built in 1975 is the second oldest Shinkansen line in Japan and currently has 5 trains covering this route: Hikari, Kodama, Sakura, Nozomi and Mizuho (the latter two are not included in the JR Pass).
The journey from Hiroshima to Fukuoka with the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train takes only an hour to arrive. If you don’t have a JR Pass, the ticket can cost between 50 and 70 euros depending on which train you take. A train leaves every 20 minutes.
2. From Hiroshima to Fukuoka by bus
The bus journey takes 4h 30min and costs 32 euros. It is taken from Hiroshima Central Station and dropped off at Fukuoka Downtown, Hakata Station.
Where to stay in Fukuoka?
The present Fukuoka is a union of the ancient city of Hakata and the ancient city of Fukuoka that were separated by the river that crosses the entire city until in 1889 united into one. Therefore, in Fukuoka there are two areas that are considered the center of the city: one in Hakata and another in Tenjin.
1. Hakata Area
The Hakata area is characterized by being an area of street stalls where you can eat ramen from 6 p.m. to midnight. These small food stalls where only 6-8 people usually fit are given the name of yatai. In addition, this neighborhood is also home to the train station and a huge, modern shopping center called Canal City Hakata.
2. Tenjin Area
The Tenjin area, on the other hand, is an area of large shopping and business centres. However, we can also enjoy a few beautiful sanctuaries and the Acros building, the most famous building in Fukuoka. Near Tenjin are two very popular neighborhoods: Daimyo, the hipster neighborhood, and Oyafuko Dori, the area of bars and discos.
If you are travelling alone or with friends and you are looking for a hostel with a good price, but which is also in the center, clean and modern, you can stay at Hatago Tenjin. For 16 euros a night, it is an ideal place to spend a few days during your stay in Fukuoka.
What to see and what to do in Fukuoka?
1. Acros Building
Less than 1km from Tenjin Station is the Acros Building (also known as Acros Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall). Opened in 1995 after 3 years of construction, it was one of the first green architecture buildings ever built. The front of the building is lined with terraces covered with thick vegetation that slope down to merge harmoniously with the park in front of the building.
The Acros Fukuoka is considered a landmark in green architecture and has inspired architects and urban planners to incorporate elements of sustainability into their projects. It represents a balance between urban development and ecological preservation.
2. Ruins of Fukuoka Castle
Built in the 17th century, during the early Edo period, as a symbol of power and a center of administration for the Fukuoka domain. It became the largest castle in the Kyushu region until 1871, with the abolition of the feudal system and the Meiji Restoration, when many castles were dismantled as obsolete in the new modern era.
Today, remnants of stone walls, gates and towers remain. The ruins are located within Maizuru Park, a popular recreational area that includes gardens and walking trails.
3. Ohori Park
Ohori Park, opened in 1929, is one of the most iconic parks in the city of Fukuoka. Its name, meaning “big moat”, refers to its origin, as the park was built around what used to be part of the moat of Fukuoka Castle.
Located right next to the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, with a huge pond in the center and three small islands connected by bridges, it is an ideal place to relax and for outdoor activities. Near Ohori Park one can also visit the Fukuoka Art Museum. Admission is free. Open 24 hours, although certain facilities such as the Japanese Garden have specific opening hours and prices.
4. Gokoku Shrine
This Shinto shrine has a deep connection to Japanese history and spirituality, as it was built to honor the soldiers and civilians of Fukuoka Prefecture who gave their lives in service to the country. “Gokoku” literally means ‘to protect the country,’ reflecting its purpose as a place of prayer for the peace and prosperity of Japan.
It is located near the Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park. The temple is on a large esplanade surrounded by trees, which looks like a small oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city. Without a doubt, my favorite temple in Fukuoka. If you want to enjoy some silence and peace, this is the ideal place. Free admission. Generally open every day from 6:00 to 18:00.
5. Shofukuji Temple
Although it is not a spectacular temple, it is characterized for being the first Zen temple built in Japan, in 1195. Eisai, the founder of the temple, wrote a treatise on the benefits of tea called “Kissa Yōjōki” making him a key figure in the introduction of tea to Japan. As such, Shofukuji Temple is not only a spiritual place, but also a testament to the history of Zen Buddhism and tea culture in Japan.
The temple is surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens that reflect the Zen aesthetic. These gardens are ideal for meditation and contemplation. Its serene beauty and historical legacy make it a must-see destination for visitors to Fukuoka. Generally open during the day, although some areas may be restricted. Free admission.
6. Hakata Port Tower
Hakata Harbor Tower is an iconic landmark in Hakata Harbor. With its retro design and panoramic views, it is an attractive place for tourists and locals alike.
This tower in the Hakata area was built in 1964 and is 103 meters high. At 70 meters high, there is an observation deck that can be accessed free of charge to view Fukuoka from the top. This tower is an excellent vantage point to appreciate the city, the harbor and the seascape of Hakata Bay. Generally open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, although opening hours may vary.
7. Fukuoka Tower
Built in 1989 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Fukuoka’s founding, it is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic buildings and Japan’s tallest coastal tower. Located in front of Momochihama Beach, the 234-meter-high Fukuoka Tower is the tallest building in the city.
Its triangular structure is clad with more than 8,000 panels of mirrored glass, giving it a futuristic, shimmering appearance, especially as it reflects the sky and the sea. It is earthquake and typhoon resistant, built with advanced technology to withstand extreme weather conditions.
For 800 yen (adult prices), you can climb up to the tower’s observation deck to enjoy views of the city and bay. Generally open from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm, with the last access at 9:30 pm. Opening hours may vary on public holidays.
8. Reclining Buddha of Nanzo-in Temple
On the outskirts of Fukuoka, 20 min by train from Hakata station is the Nanzo-in Temple with its huge bronze reclining Buddha. It weighs almost 300 tons and at 41 meters long, it is said to be the largest bronze statue in the world. The statue depicts Buddha at the moment of his death, or the entrance to Nirvana.
It is part of the famous Sasaguri Pilgrimage Route, which includes 88 temples honoring Shingon Buddhism, similar to Shikoku’s 88-temple pilgrimage. The temple is known for its focus on health, prosperity and peace, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Free admission.
How to go from Fukuoka to Busan?
If you want to go from Japan to South Korea, Fukuoka is one of the best connected cities as it is only 210km between Fukuoka and the Korean city of Busan. From Fukuoka you can go to Busan by ferry and plane.
1. From Fukuoka to Busan by Ferry
There are two ferry companies, the Camellia Line and JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry. Camellia Line is the cheapest, is a huge boat, leaves 7 times a week and takes 5h 30m. The JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry are smaller boats that depart daily. It departs 16 times a week and takes 3h 5m.
Depending on the day and the offer the prices for a one-way ticket can be around 50 euros minimum and 100 euros maximum. You can buy tickets online at Directferries.com or at Aferry.co.uk. Apart from the ticket, you will have to pay the 500 yen (4.5 euros) port fare.
2. From Fukuoka to Busan by Plane
However, if you prefer and by plane, the trip takes only 55 minutes. There are several companies that make direct flights without stopovers. You have to be careful if at the border to enter Korea you are asked for the ticket out of the country. These things change every year, so it’s best to be well informed before you go. The price of a one-way ticket can cost you between 60 and 200 euros.
Why is worth visiting Fukuoka: Personal opinion
1. An ideal city to live in
The city of Fukuoka had been on my list for a long time as I had read in some travel blog that it was one of the best cities to live in Japan. Whenever I travel I take the opportunity to visit potential cities where I could live someday, so since I decided to go to Japan it was clear to me that I had to see this city.
The truth is, the city didn’t disappoint me at all. First of all, I loved it because it’s one of these cities that are big enough not to bore you, but it’s not one of those giant cities that you have to take meters of an hour to go from one place to another.
2. City with few foreigners
Another aspect to keep in mind is that it is a city that is not yet plagued by foreigners. There are enough to make you a good group of foreign friends (in the end, we always need to feel a little at home) but it is not crowded. Besides, whether you like it or not, if there are fewer foreigners, it will be easier to make friends with the locals, they will surely treat you better and it will be easier to get a good job.
3. Coastal city near South Korea
The location of the city is ideal. It’s an hour’s flight from South Korea and perfectly connected if you want to travel further south from Japan to Nagasaki or north to Hiroshima and Osaka.
Last but not least, of course, the fact that it is a coastal city already earns a lot in his favor. Without a doubt, those of us who are born near the sea always end up needing that sea breeze and that horizon of water and serenity. If you want to check more beautiful places of Japan, you can check my post about Kyoto, the most famous place of the city.
Even when months and years are long, life is short.
(Japanese proverb)
