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Fukuoka (福岡) is the capital of Fukuoka prefecture and the largest city on the island of Kyushu.

Understand

Hakata Port in Fukuoka, as seen from a landing airplane
Watanabe-dori, in the Tenjin area of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka is a modern city, divided historically by the central river into two separate cities, Hakata (博多) and Fukuoka (福岡). The main railway station and port are still known as Hakata Station and Hakata Port. There are city centers in both Hakata and Tenjin.

There is a Tourist Information Center in Tenjin with English speakers available under the Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. For information in English, visit the Rainbow Plaza, located on the 8th floor of the Inter Media Station (IMS) building. The IMS is accessible by subway and is just a three minute walk from the Tenjin station. In the middle of Hakata JR train station there is a Tourist Information Center (sometimes with English speakers) with brochures in English, Japanese and other languages. They can help with transport information and bookings. On the third floor of the ACROS building, near Nakasu, you can find more information in English.

The surrounding cities and towns make up the prefecture of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka is a good starting point for first-time visitors to Japan. Being a sizable, modern city it's still not hard to get around. A subway connects most of the city's main attractions, providing transportation between Hakata, Tenjin, Fukuoka International Airport, Meinohama, and Nishijin (where you can find Fukuoka Tower and the baseball ground of the Softbank Hawks: Fukuoka Yahoo Dome). The main station in Hakata marks the terminus of the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train. The Kyushu Shinkansen line also terminates here, and links the Sanyo Shinkansen directly with Kagoshima, at the southern tip of Kyushu.

Get in

By plane

Fukuoka Airport (FUK  IATA) is to the east of the city, surprisingly close to the city centre (the domestic terminal is only 2 subway stops away from the Hakata JR station - there is a ~10 min. free bus connecting the intl. terminal to domestic). Within the country, Japan Airlines and ANA fly to Fukuoka from most larger cities, including Tokyo (both Haneda and Narita), Osaka (Itami and Kansai), and Nagoya (Komaki and Centrair Airport). There are scheduled flights to most major cities in China and South Korea, as well as Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but the only scheduled transpacific flights are to Honolulu and Guam.

The airport is split into 4 terminals.

T1 and T2 are essentially different parts of the same building, 5 min apart on foot. The subway station is located under Terminal 2.

  • Terminal 1 handles domestic flights to smaller cities (e.g. Sendai, Komatsu, and those around Kyushu)
  • Terminal 2 covers larger cities (e.g. Nagoya, Okinawa/Naha, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo).
  • Terminal 3 is also for domestic passengers, but is not used for departing flights.
  • The International Terminal is on the opposite side of the runway and requires a 10-min bus transfer to/from T2 (remember, T2 is where the subway station is located). Free, leaving about every 10 min.

From Tokyo, flying to Fukuoka is much faster than the Shinkansen, and not significantly more expensive. The usual one-way fare on Skymark Airlines from Tokyo Haneda is ¥19,800, compared to ¥22,320 from Tokyo Station on the Nozomi Shinkansen, and steep discounts are available if you book in advance (as low as ¥5,300 with Skymark's "SKY Bargain" discount). The flight takes 2 hr while the train takes five. If you have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), of course, you'll still want to take the train, though you can't take the fastest of the Shinkansen ("Nozomi") with the JR Pass.

By train

JR Hakata City, part of the Hakata station complex

Fukuoka's Hakata Station is the terminus of the Sanyo Shinkansen (south) and Kyushu Shinkansen (north). Sanyo Shinkansen services are offered from Kokura in Kitakyushu (20 min), Hiroshima (1 hr), Okayama (1 3/4 hrs) and Osaka (2 hr 30 min), and through via the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto (2 hr 45 min by Nozomi), Nagoya (3 hr 30 min by Nozomi) and Tokyo (5 hr by Nozomi).

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you cannot use the Nozomi (runs between Tokyo and Hakata) and Mizuho (runs between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo via Hakata), so if you are traveling from Tokyo or Nagoya you will have to take one of the two hourly Hikari trains from Tokyo and change at Shin-Osaka (alternatives are Shin-Kobe, Okayama, and sometimes Himeji) to a Sakura (or Hikari runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata only late in the evening) service. Travel time from Tokyo to Fukuoka using these trains is 6 hours.

Another option from Tokyo is to take a westbound sleeper express such as the Sunrise Izumo or Sunrise Seto, leaving Tokyo around 10PM, and then connecting to the Shinkansen at Okayama (or Himeji) early in the morning, to arrive in Fukuoka just before 08:30 (or by 09:15 if you have a Rail Pass and use a Sakura service). While this takes much longer and costs more than the Shinkansen (from ¥25,000), it provides the benefit of doubling as lodging and transport.

From Kagoshima, Kyushu Shinkansen Mizuho and Sakura trains make the run to Fukuoka in 80–90 minutes at a cost of ¥10,170. The Mizuho is NOT valid with the Japan Rail Pass. Most Sakura trains do travel through Fukuoka, connecting Kagoshima to Osaka with no transfers.

From Nagasaki, the limited express Kamome runs hourly (sometimes twice an hour), taking 2 hr and costing ¥4,710 each way.

For historical reasons, Fukuoka's train station is called Hakata. If you search for schedules to "Fukuoka" online, you will likely be given an itinerary for Fukuoka station, located in Toyama, in Hokuriku district of Japan.

Overnight by train with rest stop

If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, and you wish to travel overnight from Tokyo (or any other distant city), you may want to split up your journey, stopping at an intermediate destination en route in order to sleep somewhere. The cost incurred will only be for the hotel room; the Rail Pass covers your transportation. This is a good way to travel overnight, especially if you are able to find cheap accommodations, such as a business hotel. Yes, it may be a little hectic, and it might require some research, but this method carries two significant advantages: location and money. You will more than likely find good accommodations very close to a main train station in a smaller city, compared to a big city such as Tokyo, and it will more than likely be cheaper than hotels found in big cities. You could use the money you save to forward some of your luggage to Fukuoka using a luggage delivery service and take an overnight bag with you, which will make the journey easier.

As of March 2012, here is one way you could go about this from Tokyo: at 19:00, leave for Himeji by taking the Hikari train and changing to a Kodama service at Shin-Osaka station. Once in Himeji (arriving around 23:00) you can take a rest at Himeji's Toyoko Inn which costs as low as ¥5230 for a single room or ¥2990 double occupancy. At 06:54 the next morning, board the first bullet train of the day, a Sakura service, and you will be in Fukuoka by 09:15. This trip takes longer than taking the overnight train and bullet train connection as described above, but it is cheaper; you only have to pay for the hotel room, complete with your own toilet and shower.

By bus

Many overnight bus services run into Fukuoka from other parts of the country.

The Moonlight overnight bus runs from Osaka Umeda to Fukuoka in 9 hr 30 min (¥10,000 one way); The Kyoto overnight bus runs from Kyoto to Fukuoka, also in 9 hr 30 min (¥10,500 one way); and the oddly-named Dontaku runs from Nagoya to Fukuoka in 11 hr (¥10,500 one way).

Willer Express has a service from Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe from ¥4,800 with advance purchase tickets as cheap as ¥4,100. Other services are Nagoya (¥5,400), Okayama (¥4,300) and Hiroshima (¥2,500). They have an English website with online booking available. Discounts for tickets purchased 21 and 14 days in advance.

If you're really ambitious, Nishitetsu bus runs an overnight service, the Hakata, from the Shinjuku expressway bus terminal in Tokyo to Fukuoka non-stop. The ride, at just over 14 hr, is Japan's longest overnight bus service (¥8,000 for economy class ¥12,000 for high seasons, ¥15,000 for business class and ¥19,000 for 1st class, some round-trip discounts are available).

By boat

JR Kyushu's Jet Ferry the Beetle hydrofoils to Busan (South Korea). It runs five times a day and takes just under 3 hr for ¥13,000 (¥24,000 round trip discount fare; ¥20,000 round trip on weekdays). They are quick, but in 2005 one hit a whale and had to be towed back to Busan. Since then, the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry Inc. plays sounds that whales dislike using speakers to avoid further accidents. An economy-class ticket on the Meimon Taiyo Ferry from Osaka to Kita Kyushu costs ¥6,000 (20% discount if booked online); tickets in other price ranges are available.

Three times a week Kyuetsu Ferry Co runs a service to Naoetsu in Niigata and then on to Muroran in Hokkaido.

Get around

Bullet train on the cheap

Want to try out the bullet train, but put off by those high fares? Ride the Hakata Minami Line (博多南線) from Hakata Station. Originally built to connect to the train depot, the 8.5 km, 10 min ride uses Shinkansen equipment (¥290.)

Fukuoka is served by 3 subway lines. The Hakata subway station, located under the JR Hakata Station, can take passengers straight to Fukuoka International Airport (6 min, ¥250), as well as to Tenjin, the city's de facto downtown district, and other major stops. An all day subway pass Ichinichi johshaken costs ¥600 on weekdays, all day passes on weekends and some holidays, called Ecopasses, are ¥500, while a ticket to the next station Otonari kippu ¥100;, and most commonly travelled distances ¥200 and up. The local rechargeable contactless smart card is called Hayakaken and is compatible with other smart cards like PASMO (Tokyo) et ICOCA (Kyoto and Osaka).

Fukuoka is well served by Nishitetsu buses. Buses around the Tenjin and Hakata area cost ¥100. Outside that area, prices go up slightly to about ¥440 for greater distances.

Downtown is small and compact enough to potentially wander around on foot. In the Tenjin area, Tenjin Chikagai (underground city) runs under Watanabe street and has many shops. It also connects the Tenjin and Tenjin Minami subways stations with most major department stores and the Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. There is a passenger tunnel which connects Hakata and Gion subway stations and is useful during the frequent rains in summer and the bitter cold winds in winter, the latter of which is close to some of Fukuoka's temples and shrines.

Taxis are available; they start from about ¥550, not the cheapest way to go. Some drivers speak English, but it's best to have your destination written down in Japanese if you do not speak the language. Velotaxis are also available; They are ¥500 for the greater Tenjin area. Also, an environmentally friendly option is the human operated bicycle taxis.

If you can get a hold of a bicycle, it is probably the best way to get around. Parking does become a problem in some areas, but in Tenjin there are long term (6AM-11PM) underground parking areas, which are free for the first 3 hr. BIC Camera's 8th floor, which is opposite Kego shrine, has free bicycle parking from 10:00-21:00.

In addition to the free parking in Tenjin, street bicycle meters are another great spot to park a bike. Much like many shopping centers around the world, it takes about ¥100 to release the bike lock, that wraps around the front wheel to be connected back into the slot. For a safer bicycle parking, use two bike locks and chain the front and back tires to the body of the bike.

See

Map
33°35′41″N 130°22′51″E
Map of Fukuoka
  • 1 Nakasu. This area is next to Tenjin and is Fukuoka's red-light district, with over 3500 restaurants, as well as ramen stalls (yatai), shopping, pubs, hostess bars, rooftop beer gardens in summer, one last surviving movie theater, and sex trade. The neon lights on the Naka River are famous with over 60,000 visitors a day, and it has the busiest street in Kyushu. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 2 Gion. This area has several historical shrines and Buddhist temples, including the 8th century Kushida Shrine, starting point for the annual Gion-Yamakasa Festival, Tochoji with its 10.8 meter wooden Great Buddha, and Shofukuji, Japan's first Zen temple. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 3 ACROS (Tenjin Chuo Park). ACROS has a rooftop garden which is open during the day until 16:00, and makes for a good view of the city. The building has a terraced roof that merges with the park and contains some 35,000 plants representing 76 species. Just east of ACROS is the former Prefectural Guest House, featuring turn of the century architecture. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 4 Oyafuko Street (親富孝通り). The street that comes alive with youth activity, especially on weekend nights. In Tenjin, it also has several ex-pat bars. It's only 400m long but swells with young people at night. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 5 Nagahama (Just northwest of Oyakuko St.). Famous for Hakata's Nagahama ramen, with stalls (yatai) that get set up daily to handle the locals who are proud of their ramen. You will most likely smell it before you see it, and if you want a true Fukuoka experience is definitely worth a look if not a full meal. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 6 Ohori Park. Tourists visiting Fukuoka should not miss this beautiful park located 2 stops west of Tenjin on the subway. The park has a 2 km jogging track that is popular with locals throughout the year. Also, next to Ohori Park is Maizuru park, featuring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and a good view of the city. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 7 Nishi Park (西公園) (About ten minutes on foot north of Ohori Park). A hilltop park with quiet walking trails, a shrine, an ocean and city view, and in springtime with over 3000 cherry trees is one of the finest places to see cherry blossoms in Kyushu. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 8 Fukuoka tower (福岡タワー). This tower is 234 m and the entrance fee is ¥800, and the view from the tower is magnificent. In Christmas and the Star Festival (Tanabata) on July 7, this tower is decorated. During the rest of the year the view is best at night time. This is an iconic symbol of Fukuoka. There is a restaurant which commands a ¥300 sitting fee in addition to the meal. The menu is limited and the food is mediocre at best. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 9 Momochihama (Near the Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Dome). A stretch of beach known as , where visitors can enjoy a bit of swimming and sun. While the water isn't as clean as the waters further west and east in Fukuoka, you can still take a refreshing dip. There are a few lovely patio restaurants and bars which are an ideal location to watch the sun set. The area behind the Seahawk Hotel is good. It's less crowded during the summer. (updated Mar 2016)
Momochi Beach
  • 10 ROBOSQUARE (Tucked into a building near Fukuoka Tower). You can see and play with different kinds of robots as well as watch some of the engineers at work. Be warned however, that despite the imposing sounding name ROBOSQUARE only consists of one medium sized-room with a few robotics exhibits and some toy robots and is primarily aimed at children. Some English explanations are now available. Free. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 11 Atago Shrine (愛宕神社). A hidden gem near the Muromi Subway Station, with a superb view of the city and Hakata Bay from a hilltop. You can also see many storks that fly by and nest in the area. Walk west from the subway station across the Muromi Bridge until you see the Atago torii gate with the stairs heading up. Alternatively there is a side road you can walk up if you don't like stairs. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 12 Nokonoshima (のこのしま). A small (about 12 km around) island in the middle of Hakata Bay and offers some splendid hiking, swimming, and camping. It is easily reached by a 10 minute ferry ride from the Meinohama Port. It also has the Nokonoshima Island Park (¥1000) that has several well manicured gardens and fields of flowers that vary by the season. (updated Mar 2016)
  • If you are visiting in November, be sure to check out the sumo matches held in Fukuoka. You are bound to see some of the sumo wrestlers out on the streets doing a bit of tourism as well.
  • Kabuki theatre is also an experience worth checking out. Check times and prices at the Hakata-za near Nakasu. If you don't want to stay for the whole show, or don't have so much money to spend, you can watch part of a show for about ¥800. Ask at the ticket office.
  • Noh theatre is also a cultural experience that some may not want to miss. There is a Noh theatre in Ohori Koen. Many of the performances are free, get more information at the Rainbow Plaza (IMS building 8th floor). Don't worry, if you fall asleep during the play, it's almost expected. It's all part of the Noh experience.

Do

Yamakasa participants carry one of the participating floats
  • Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. The 2014 Japan Series champions. Check out a baseball game at the Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome, which is about 15 mins walking distance from Tōjinmachi subway station. Ticket prices vary by day, but you can get an outfield unreserved seat from ¥1,000. 


For a good listing of what's happening and places to eat and drink, the local monthly English language Fukuoka Now magazine is a great start.

  • Hakata-Dontaku(博多どんたく)This is a traditional festival. It is held on March,We can see traditional dance. "Dontaku" means "Sunday" in Dutch. People enjoy this festival.
  • The area is famous for 2 local annual festivals, the Dontaku (May 3–4) and the Yamakasa (July 1–15), both of which are some of Japan's oldest festivals and draw huge crowds..
  • For a view of the bay, check out the Bayside Place Hakata Pier:a marine terminal for the regular service ferries for Tsushima Island and Hakata Bay cruise boats. The terminal building has a 8 m tall "Aquarium," with 6,000 fish. The Hakata Port Tower has an observatory 70 m above the ground, allowing for a great view of the port and the streets of Fukuoka.
  • Rent bikes and tour about the city. There are a handful of shops that have reasonable prices. The cities best treasures are discovered while following any of the many paths or sidewalks. One webpage does advise of a rental facility near the piers, this is false as they have ceased renting bikes as of May 2011.
  • In the summer, many of the department stores have beer gardens on their roofs, with buffet style courses and all you can drink for about 2 hours. If you have a bit of cash (around ¥3500) it's a nice way to spend a hot summer evening.
  • The park behind Solaria Plaza, Kego Koen, is a great place to go to experience Tenjin's youth culture and do some people watching. Don't be surprised if some of these kids try to approach you for a bit of random conversation.
  • If you haven't tried karaoke yet, why not try it now? There are many karaoke places to choose from, some with costumes you can borrow (just don't try to take them home). If you just want to go for a couple of hours, most places will charge by the hour; morning and afternoon hours being the cheapest. If you want to make a night of it, from 23:00, most have free time systems which mean nomihodai (all you can drink) and all you can sing for about ¥2,500, until 05:00.
  • Get out of the city. Although Fukuoka doesn't seem like the premier beach destination city, there are quite a few beautiful beaches in and around Fukuoka city. Most are an easy train ride away. While surfing isn't very good during the summer, a few waves can be caught around Mitoma (take the subway to Kaizuka Stn, then transfer to the Nishitetsu Miyajidake line to Mitoma Stn. Takes about 20 min or so. From the station, it's a 10 minute walk to the beach. West of the city, Nijinohama and Futamigaura, are supposed to have nice waves. To get to Nijinohama, you'll need a car. Also, Shikanoshima, which has pristine beaches, is a easy 30 min ferry ride.
  • Drive to Maebaru IC, head in the Shima(志摩) direction along Kendo 12. Go straight at the intersection in front of Shima town office and turn left at Nogita intersection in front of 7-Eleven. 50 min from Tenjin. To get to Futamigaura, take a SHOWA bus for Tani from JR Chikuzen Maebaru (so first take a subway to Chikuzen Maebaru if you are in Tenjin or Hakata). Get off the bus at Imuta (around 30 min). About a 15 min walk to the beach.
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Itineraries

Hakata
  • From Hakata Station, head to the Machiya Folk Museum for a glimpse of the Hakata way of life. It's about 15 min away from the station on foot, or a bit less if you exit on Gion station. From there, head over to Kushida Shrine, which lies in the heart of old Hakata.
  • Canal City is just a hop and a skip away from Kushida Shrine. Canal City offers shopping, shopping and more shopping. However, if you've worked up a bit of an appetite while wandering Hakata, Canal City also offers several dining options for the hungry tourist. Indian curry, Japanese lunch sets, pasta, the famous Hakata ramen, sushi and fast food can all be found.
  • Walk along the river towards Hakata-za, Fukuoka's Kabuki theater. On the way, from about 16:00, you'll see the yatai (food stall) vendors setting up their booths and preparing ingredients for the evening crowds.
  • Alternatively, take a wander through the Nakasu Kawabata shopping arcade as you head towards Hakata-za. The arcade is a long, old-fashioned shopping streets with a variety of shops selling traditional Japanese goods among other items. Good for picking up souvenirs and other randomness.
  • Hakata-za is housed in the Riverain complex, a luxury boutique shopping mall. Next door you'll find the Asian Art Museum which hosts exhibitions from all around Asia.
  • Wander back to the riverside for a yatai dinner, drink and a chance to experience Hakata life and culture. A few of the yatai vendors speak a bit of English. Just be careful about the prices, sometimes the yatai don't have menus, so be sure to ask what they have and how much things are.
Tenjin
Shopping
  • Tenjin is very much about shopping, above and below ground. Starting from the Central Post office on Showa-dori, head downstairs to the underground shopping arcade. All of the major shops and department stores are connected to the underground.
  • Tenjin Core will provide you with a chance to see younger and more colorful fashion, ranging from frilly and cute to flashy and glam.
  • Solaria Stage houses Incube, a shop with a variety of kitsch toys and gifts.
  • IMS has quite a few clothing stores, but also has the Toyota Gallery where you can check out the latest models, the Artium gallery with new exhibitions every few weeks, Rainbow Plaza where you can get information about the city in English and the 12th and 13th floors with several dining choices.
  • Daimaru and Mitsukoshi, towards the end of the underground shopping are large departments stores with more or less the same products represented in both. Both also house grocery stores and deli-style gourmet markets in their basements.
  • Heading back to the surface, if you are by Daimaru or Mitsukoshi, you'll find yourself on Kokutai Dohro. Walking up this street can be a bit of a challenge at times as the sidewalk narrows and widens but the crowds don't go away. Head towards Nishidori and on the way, on your right just past the drugstore, you'll find Kego Shrine and Kego Park. Across the street is Bic Camera, for your electronic needs.
  • If you continue on Kokutai Dohro, you'll get to Nishidori, easy to find thanks to the Apple store on the corner. Make a right and begin your wandering. The area to your left is Daimyo, full of funky little boutiques and shops. There are also a countless number of restaurants, lunch time being a great time to try out their specials.
  • If it isn't too late (you haven't spent the entire day window shopping and being lost in Daimyo), head back to Nishidori and walk towards the Nishitetsu Grand Hotel. If you make a left and walk straight up that street, Meijidori, you'll eventually find yourself at the Fukuoka Castle ruins. They will be on your left just about 5–10 minutes walk past the Starbucks and McDonalds.
  • If you continue on down Meijidori, you'll find Ohori Park. There you can feed the ducks, fish or pigeons (if you so desire), rent a paddle boat to take on the pond or relax on one of the many benches in the shade of the trees. In the spring, check out the cherry blossoms. In the summer, around the beginning of August, a fireworks festival is held here.
  • The Fukuoka Art Museum is also located in Ohori Park. While it isn't huge, occasionally the exhibitions are worthwhile and not overly expensive.
  • Wander back to Meijidori and if you can't walk anymore, grab a bus back to Tenjin (天神). Get off at Daimyo 2 chome or Nishitetsu Grand Hotel Mae and head back into Daimyo for a bit to eat. A few places offer Happy Hour from 17:00-19:00, if you are looking for some refreshment before dinner.

Learn

There are several schools for studying Japanese in Fukuoka.

  • Japanese School Asahi Nihongo (Asahi Nihongo), Yodo Bldg. 2F, 2-9-30 Daimyo, Chuou-ku (7 min walk north from Tenjin in the Showa Street on the left side towards Akasaka), ☏ +81 92 7166212, fax: +81 92 7166214, . Short-term Japanese school for foreigners, offering intensive Japanese courses, internships, and marine sports. 
  • Genki Japanese and Culture School (GenkiJACS), 1-16-23 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, Japan, 812-0013 (5 minute walk from Hakata station), ☏ +81 92 472-0123, fax: +81 92 472-0124, . Offers short programs: full and part time Japanese lessons in a small classroom style. Includes pop culture, tea ceremony, kimono and trips to experience Japanese outside of the classroom. Program open to schools and individuals. Home stays are also available. 
  • YMCA, Asahi Building, 2nd floor, 3-4-7 Tenjin, Chuuouku, Fukuoka City (5 minute walk north from Tenjin), ☏ +81 92 781-7410, fax: +81 92 712-4223, . Offers a 1 year program and sponsorship for student visas. 

Buy

Canal City

Tenjin (天神) is Fukuoka's largest shopping district. You can find here, designer stores housed in towering retail blocks such as Tenjin Core, IMS, Vivre to the east, and Solaria Plaza Vioro to the west. There are also several large department stores, Iwataya, Daimaru and Mitsukoshi (all with food available.) Also, there are boutique areas, including Tenjin Chikagai, housed in a pleasant underground area adjacent to the Tenjin subway station and under Watanabe street. Nishi-Dori and Oyafuko-Dori (actually the same street, separated by Showa-Dori) contains a multitude of stores and restaurants, both mainstream and independent.

The Shotengai or shopping arcades are also good places to shop. In Tenjin, to the west of Solaria Stage you can find a shotengai with great deals and a used kimono store. Near Nakasu, across from Eeny Meeny Miny Mo (a large mall), you can find the Nakasu-Kawabata shopping arcade. Here you can find traditional paper goods, Noren curtains and inexpensive bakeries.

Over the past few years, the main shopping, eating and drinking area has been moving away from north Tenjin and the Oyafuko-dori street south towards Daimyo, Kego and Imaizumi. With a different feel to the commercial district of Tenjin, just to the west (past Nishi-dori) is Daimyo, an area filled with small, mostly independent shops, bars and restaurants. Plan on staying all day; for daytime shopping and eating dinner. On Sundays, this area is full of young people out shopping. For a similar feeling area, check out Kego and Imaizumi, two upcoming areas to the south.

A uniquely designed mall called Canal City, which houses clothing stores, restaurants, rare character shops - including a Studio Ghibli goods shop - and even a well-appointed theatre, is located midway between Tenjin and Hakata, next to the Nakasu entertainment district. If you have time, be sure to catch one of the hourly fountain shows held in the centre of the bowl-shaped complex.

Another large shopping area is the recently renovated Hakata Station area, called Hakata City. It includes over 230 shops, restaurant floor, and roof observation deck. With regards to gift-giving, if you're pressed for time, take a quick look around the craft and boutique stores in Hakata Station before leaving. Many carry the white clay Hakata dolls that are unique to Fukuoka. Prices range from under ¥1,000 and up. Prices comparable to those found in Tenjin.

In case you are into cameras, computers or other electronics, you can find a huge Yodobashi Camera store right outside of Hakata station. Go out to the eastern side of the JR station (Chikushi Gate), go down 2 blocks and it will be on your right.

The latest large shopping area to open is Kanoha Mall Hashimoto, at the Hashimoto Station which ends the Nanakuma subway line. While perhaps not worth a special trip all the way there, it's worth a look if you happen to be anywhere near the area.

Don't miss out on the ¥100 shop. A great place to shop for souvenirs (although many items are made in China), dishes, toys and everything else you didn't think you needed. There is one located in the bus centre building next to Hakata Station. Another is in Daiei, in Tenjin behind the MINA building.

Eat

Tonkotsu ramen

Hakata is famous for its style of ramen, which has a very pungent smell thanks to a pork rib broth called tonkotsu (豚骨). Enjoy it with pickled ginger and lots of sesame seeds. Save the broth, because you can order a refill of noodles (kaedama) for around ¥300 at many places (another oddity you won't see available elsewhere).

  • Although there are restaurants all over town serving ramen at various price levels, some of the best joints are yatai, mobile food stalls. The stalls are set up early evening and can be found on major streets; particularly in Tenjin (near the post office), Nakasu and Nagahama-Dori. Also, along the river from Canal City, an entire strip of yatai can be found. Although ramen is the norm, you can find anything from yakitori to Italian cuisine. Brush up on your Japanese or pointing skills as these guys don't speak English at all. A few tips: respect other customers' space, don't go in large groups (split up and assault multiple stalls), and don't stay too long.
  • Ichiran (一蘭), 5-3-2 Nakasugawa, Hakata-ku (2 min from subway Nakasu-kawabata exit 2; five other outlets around town), ☏ +81 92 262-0433. 24 hr, 365 days. A well known ramen chain, dedicated solely to perfecting tonkotsu. Buy a ticket from the vending machine outside (just hit the big top button) and take a seat at the counter. Each seat has a curtain in front and dividers on the side, so nothing distracts you from the noodle experience that awaits. Cellphones, children or conversation are not allowed. Hand over your ticket, receive a questionnaire on how you like your noodles (available in English at some outlets), and choose the middle option (基本 kihon, or "standard") for everything. In under a minute, a bowl of noodles will appear. If you want more noodles or an egg, press the button and ask for kaedama or tamago respectively. ¥650. 
  • Mana Burgers, 2-15-20 Kego, Chuo-ku (From subway Akasaka (Kuko/Airport Line) exit 2, turn right, turn right again at the Asasaka crossing (about 5m), continue straight on until Kego crossing (where you can see a Family Mart ahead of you), take a right, then in just a few metres you'll come to Kego-Nishi crossing; turn left and you'll see Mana Burgers on the other side of the road (white storefront).), ☏ +81 92 986-0759. 10:00-21:00 M-Sa, Su/holidays, closed W. Entirely-vegetarian burger restaurant - several of the burgers and side orders are vegan, as are all the desserts (including ice cream). They make their own burger patties - many kinds - from soybeans. The owner, Tora, can speak English and they have an English menu. Health foods (including ground-on-the-premises peanut and almond butters) and eco-friendly cleaning products are for sale here as well. ¥430+. 
  • Mami-chan (まみちゃん) (Across from the post office and down the street). Has ramen available, but is better known for the other excellent choices on their menu. Mami-chan's is unusual in this respect as many yatai don't have menus or listed prices so its often best to find out how much an item is before ordering or you might find your bill a bit higher than you expected. At Mami-chan's, Mami, the proprietor is jovial and friendly, often serving a bit extra to customers and taking photos of everyone that passes through. 
  • Ramen Stadium (5th floor of Canal City). Daily 11:00-23:00. This celebration of ramen offers 8 restaurants with every style of ramen between Kyushu and Hokkaido. Ballots collected at the center determine a monthly favorite. Place your order by purchasing a food ticket from the vending machine before entering the restaurant. 
  • 1 Yama-chan. Tasty ramen and late night hours off the streets of Oyafukodori. Cut through the park behind the police box and you're sure to find it. Yama-chan is the owner. 

Another regional product Hakata is famous for is the spicy mentaiko (明太子), or cod roe condiment, though in actuality these days it is all imported. Both products are widely available for tourists in JR Hakata Station as well as major department stores, although the mentaiko needs to be refrigerated.

Fukuoka is also known for having good gyoza (pork dumplings) and there are many places to try some. (They are a perfect appetizer/side dish for ramen, incidentally.)

  • Tetsu-Nabe (鉄鍋) (near Gion station in Hakata). There is another located in Nakasu, but the Hakata one seems to be the most popular. Be aware though that when you enter, you will be expected to be quick with your order as the place is usually very busy. 
  • Sancho Panza, Daimyo building 11511 (enter from Nishidori). has a fabulous lunch menu, most dishes around ¥700-800. Tasty wrap tacos and other Latin-American style food is on available. On weekends, there is often live guitar music in the afternoon. In the evening the restaurant also opens the floor to dance: salsa, bachata, merengue and the cha-cha-cha all make their appearance at some point. Usually a ¥500 charge. 
  • Propeller Drive, 1-13-30 Imaizumi Fukuoka, Japan 810-0021 (nearby the Tenjin train station), ☏ +81 92 715 6322. Propeller has a trendy feel, with chandeliers and mirrors hanging all around. Sunday through Thursday they have Happy Hour until 20:00, drinks are ¥300. Until 21:00 they serve the Venus Special, a dinner set for ¥1,050. 
  • Harinezumi (On Oyafukodori across from the police box). The sets are pretty standard Japanese teishouku style, rice, soup, meat or fish, veggie. Although Ma-chan only speaks a very little bit of English, he's typically game for conversation and if you aren't into conversation, there's a massive TV on the wall. Lunch sets start at ¥500, dinner set from ¥650 yen. The owner, Ma-chan also offers a ¥1,000 beer and snack set.. 
  • RingerHut. A chain restaurant that does Champon (a kind of Chinese noodle dish with seafood and vegetables). Some branches have a system where you put your money in a machine, push the button under the dish of your choice and give your ticket to the staff. Other branches you just order from the menu. 

Lunch time is probably the best value for the money. Most restaurants will do lunch sets at 1/2 or 1/3 the price of their dinner sets, but serve the same course. If you have a bit more cash to spend and want to have a nice Japanese style lunch, the Grand Hyatt at Canal City and the Excel Hotel near Nakasu are both good. Most of the larger, nicer hotels in the area will serve beautiful lunch sets. Many restaurants and cafes in the area will have lunch sets under ¥1,000.

Drink

Yatai
Yatai at night

Yatai, or street stalls, are plentiful throughout Fukuoka and present a great place to grab a bite to eat and drink while mixing with the locals. Yatai are usually a last stop on a pub crawl since they provide cheap eats that taste better after a long night, and it's easier to start a conversation with a stranger after many beers. Don't rely on one for dinner! And bring your meishi (business cards) if you have any, because they often get swapped here.

Tenjin, 100 yen by bus from Hakata Station or to the west of Fukuoka Nishitetsu Station, is one of the best places in the whole country to explore Japanese nightlife. This also includes Daimyo, a farther out area which is becoming the "new Tenjin". Unlike comparable areas in Tokyo, there are no scam bars in Tenjin, and the "snack bars" are not ridiculously overpriced. The area is aimed towards the locals but it is still large, new, fashionable, and full of unique experiences. This is one of the safest places imaginable to drop into a new bar, so why not give it a try?

Note that some of the smaller bars down the backstreets will often have a table charge of ¥200-500 per person. This usually means you get a tiny bowl of nuts, chips or pickled octopus.

For extremely unadventurous groups, the area abounds with chain izakaya (Japanese pubs) that have picture menus which make it easy for the traveler who speaks no Japanese. Watami わたみ wara wara わらわら are two such chains. Shirokiya, another izakaya, is decent and fairly easy to find. It is on Nishi-dori, across from the Nishtetsu Grand Hotel above Kitamura Camera in the same building as Sam and Dave's, a night club popular with the hip-hop crowd.

  • Infinity (1-12-52 Daimyo, Chuo-Ku. ☎ +81 92 711-8828. Open Tu-Su. Tu-Th 6:30PM-2AM, F, Sa and holidays 19:30-05:00). A standard in the hip hop bar/club scene, offers funky interior design with specials all week. Check out the website for the event schedule. 
  • The Craic and The Porter, ☏ +81 92 4514-9516. 2F Kusano Bldg (Above ABC FLower shop on Oyafuko-dori). A beer bar for "beer lovers." Features numerous, hard-to-find American and European imports by a very interesting American expatriate. An entertaining time is guaranteed for all. 
  • Off Broadway (2F Beans Bldg, Oyafukodori. ☎ +81 92 724-5383) in Tenjin is run by a friendly American expatriate and is a favorite with navy personnel passing through the region. Serves a great hamburger, but don't expect it to come too quickly. Happy hour from 18:00-20:00 everyday.
  • The Dark Room close to Off Broadway is the de facto hang-out for foreign rock bands playing in the area. The proprietor, Moses, ensures a good time in this multi-level indie hangout. Also has a 8th floor beer garden, which is a great place to kick back on summer evenings. Thursdays are ¥300 Corona beer night.
  • The ubiquitous Hard Rock Cafe chain has a Fukuoka outlet, situated at the Hawks Town mall, next to Yahoo Dome in momochi (subway: Nishijin)
  • Happy Cock, 9F, 2-1-51 Daimyo (5 minutes walk west from Tenjin Fukuoka Station). Ignore the suggestive name; this is a popular crowded spot for locals and gaijin alike. The British expat owner is very friendly. All drinks ¥500; all-you-can-drink or all-you-can-eat-and-drink specials available early evenings and some nights ¥2500-3000. 

The Happy hour concept is just beginning to make its way into the bars in the area, so you can now find places that do cheap drinks. Thursday night is also a good time to avoid weekend crowds, find the local ex-pat population and get some good deals on drinks.

  • Morris' British Pub in Daimyo does Happy hour from 17:00-19:00. Guinness,Old speckled Hen ￥590 a pint,and cocktails are half price. Fish and chips. Around the corner from the KFC on Nishidori. Open from 17:00.
  • Tattoo (1-18-36 Imaizumi, Chuo-Ku. Open 6PM-4AM. ☎ +81 92 716-6119) and Propeller Drive (owned by the same guy and both located in Imaizumi) have Happy Hour from 18:00-20:00 Su-F, drinks ¥300 yen.
  • Bar Bliss, Chuo-ku, Yakuin 2-choume 11-24 (19:00-02:00 closed Su) (5 min walk from Yakuin station, 10 minute walk from downtown Tenjin), ☏ +81 92 713-2058. Bar/restaurant is a great place to meet interesting locals, variety of shochus and a wide range of western style foods. Guinness is served on tap. Eclectic mix of local Fukuokans. 
  • Three Kings British Pub, Chuo-ku, Daimyo 1-11-22 (5 minute walk from Tenjin Station, off Nishi-doori), ☏ +81 92 403-3622. 17:00-midnight, closed Monday. British-owned pub serving traditional pub food, and with a wide range of import beers on tap. 
  • Blue Banana, 2F Bacchus House 3-4-15 Tenjin, ☏ +81 92 732-6232. An African themed bar in the same building as The Dark Room. The owner, Tim, is very friendly and will play the drums along with music. On weekends they sometimes have live music. 

Sleep

The Luigans Spa & Resort

There are several hotels located around Hakata Station, as well as the Gion area, Nakasu, and Tenjin. Hotel options range from capsule hotels and reasonably priced western hotel rooms to more expensive tourist hotels.

Budget

  • Fujisaki Pine Heights. 2-3-26 Yayoi Sawara-ku Fukuoka-shi. check-in: 10AM～; checkout: 10AM. Fujisaki Pine Heights International Guesthouse is located 10 minutes walking from Fujisaki subway station (exit 1) and offers affordable, spacious private tatami rooms (20.30m2) with private bathroom and toilet. The comfortable common area with TV and DVD player, dining room and kitchen can be used by all tenants 24/7. Coin laundry machines are available. Both short stay and long stay (6 months+) possible. Direct access to and from Tenjin, Hakata and Fukuoka Airport by subway. Prices: ¥1,750/night, ¥51,000/month up from 7 days to 6 months, 6 months+ ¥39,200/month. No credit cards accepted. 
  • ESPA Hotel (pronounced "ess-pa"). A capsule hotel about an 8 min walk south of Hakata Station. Pleasant conditions (for a capsule hotel), an excellent spa, jacuzzi and sauna area, 24 hr restaurant as well as massage facilities available. About ¥4,000/night including spa entry, no tattooed customers allowed.
  • Personal Hotel Omiya. Standard doubles for ¥4,800 at last check, and bookable online. Simple but cute, quiet and clean. Located <1 min from Yakuin Station, 7-Eleven, and a large grocery. However is on the Nanakuma line - not much there for tourists, transferring to the more useful Kuko line requires a 5-10 min underground walk along a long shopping corridor connecting the lines. .
  • Fukuoka Youth Hostel, ☏ +81 92 473-4555. Hakata-ku, 6-7-23 Hakata-eki Minami, (subway Hakata). This hostel is part of the Japan Youth Hostels group and seems very new. The rooms range in price from ¥3,300-3,700 and are much bigger than the ones at Khaosan. The downside is that it's about 15 min further away from the Hakata station by foot and lacks the social atmosphere, that can be found at the Khaosan. No check-in until 4PM, but they'll let you put your bags in the room while you wait. 
  • Green Inn Capsule Hotel, Tenjin District, a bus ride from JR Hakata station. This places you within walking distance of the best entertainment areas in Fukuoka. Ask at JR Station Tourist Info for details. Its nice to have a walk home after drinking. Taxis are pricey.
  • International Hostel Khaosan Fukuoka (インターナショナルホステルカオサン福岡), ☏ +81 92 404-6035. Hakata-ku, Hiemachi 11-34 (subway Hakata), about 15 minutes walking from Hakata station, but a bit further away from the central area. The first hostel in Fukuoka city. Dorm from ¥2,400. Free Wi-Fi. 
  • Media Cafe Popeye (internet cafe), multiple locations, e.g. in the Bus Terminal building next to Hakata station as well as in Tenjin. An internet cafe that offers free drinks, razors, tooth brushes, and a shower. Check in between the hours of 22:00-08:00 with options of staying 5-10 hrs. 5 hrs stay will cost ¥1,200 where as 10 hr stay is ¥2,600.
  • Hotel Cabinas If you can read Katakana letters you should be able to spot the big red sign reading カプセル (kapuseru) opposite you, slightly to the right, just as you leave Hakata Station. If you walk (cross over the big road, turn right at Starbucks, and it's immediately after 7-Eleven), it shouldn't take more than 3 min to get there. No women, or tattooed customers, allowed (you might get away with it if you have small/nonobvious tattoos, but it's a rule and they could throw you out for it if spotted). Big, clean and nice facilities. A standard capsule is ¥3,800, and capsules located in their own private rooms cost more; conversely various discounts can be used (buying a membership card, showing the "Offers" page on their website on your phone when you check in) to get the price down to around ¥2,900. There are some English speaking staff, but it seems most of them know a lot of basic hotel-related nouns in English. Free Internet available on the 1st floor (2 PCs) and 2nd floor (5 or so PCs, plus Ethernet sockets where you can plug your own in). Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is before 11:00. If you book the next day's stay when you check out, they'll let you leave your luggage in your locker all day. Be warned, checking out late will cost you ¥500/hr (¥700/hr after 4 hours). All services within the hotel (restaurant food/drinks; massages/body care) are paid for using your capsule number/key wristband, you settle your bill when you check out.

Mid-range

  • Comfort Hotel Hakata Next to Hakata station. Rooms start at from ¥6,000. Free Internet (Ethernet cable in room), breakfast included. Smoking rooms smell are smoky, but non-smoking rooms are not.

Splurge

Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk
  • With The Style, 1-9-18 Hakataeki-minami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-Shi, Fukuoka 812-0016 Japan (7 Minute walk from Hakata station and close to the airport), ☏ +81 92 433-3901, fax: +81 92 433-3903. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 16:00. A Ryu Kosaka designed upscale boutique resort. Italian dining, Japanese nabe, bar scene, rooftop outdoor spa and an intimate private stay guest lounge. The rooms are spacious and elegant with private balconies, stocked with a complementary mini-bar. English speaking staff. 

Cope

Consulates

Go next

JR train tickets (set of 2 or 4) for one day travel on Limited Express trains are cheaper than individual tickets. The Bullet Train has cheap rates to Kitakyushu on the weekend (¥3.000 return.)

  • Beppu — and its famous Hells (unique hot springs for viewing) is a potential day trip at 2 hrs via Sonic Limited Express trains (departing via Hakata Station), or a bit longer via bus.
  • Dazaifu — a site of pilgrimage every new year for Japanese students, this small town houses the beautiful Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (dedicated to a Shinto deity of learning) and the recently built National Museum (Kyushu).
  • Kurume — famous for its ramen noodles, 30 min from Tenjin by train.
Routes through Fukuoka
Sanyo Shinkansen ← through service ←  N  S  → Shin-Tosu → Kagoshima
Hiroshima ← Kokura ←  N  S  → through service → Kyushu Shinkansen
← Kitakyushu ←  N  S  → Chikushino → Kumamoto
← Kitakyushu ←  N  S  → Chikushino → Kumamoto


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