Here are the top 5 must-visit spots in Fukuoka for foreign visitors! Fukuoka offers an exciting blend of food, history, and shopping, making it a popular destination.
Hakata and Nakasu Area
The heart of Fukuoka, Hakata offers a mix of tradition and modernity. You can visit Kushida Shrine or experience the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held in July, a cultural highlight of the city. Nakasu is famous for its yatai (food stalls), where you can enjoy authentic tonkotsu ramen and other local dishes.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, and is a popular spot for those wishing for academic success. The main approach to the shrine is lined with shops where you can buy souvenirs and try the famous umegae-mochi (sweet rice cake). The shrine is also close to the Kyushu National Museum, which has a modern architectural design and offers insights into Japanese history.
Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Seaside
Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan, provides a stunning view of the city and Hakata Bay. It’s especially popular at night for its beautiful city lights. Nearby, you can visit Momochi Beach and Seaside Momochi, where you can relax by the beach and enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Tenjin Area
Tenjin is Fukuoka’s main shopping and dining district, featuring an underground shopping arcade, department stores, and local cafes. You can also visit Canal City Hakata, a large entertainment complex that includes shopping, dining, and even a canal running through it—perfect for rainy days.
Nokonoshima Island
- Just a short ferry ride from Fukuoka City, this small island is famous for its seasonal flowers at Nokonoshima Island Park. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, and in autumn, beautiful fields of cosmos flowers. The vibrant flower fields make this a picturesque spot, ideal for photos.
Fukuoka offers a great mix of urban and natural attractions, making it a fantastic destination for tourists to experience a variety of activities and scenery!
Tonkotsu Ramen
Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, known for its rich, creamy broth and thin noodles. The most famous area for tonkotsu ramen is Hakata, where you’ll find popular chains like Ichiran and Ippudo, as well as many local shops. Be sure to try the ramen topped with green onions, pickled ginger, and sesame seeds for an authentic taste.
Tonkotsu Ramen – Ichiran (一蘭)
Ichiran is one of the most iconic ramen chains in Japan, originally from Fukuoka. Known for its solo dining booths and customizable flavor profiles, it’s perfect for experiencing authentic tonkotsu ramen in a unique setting. The broth is rich and creamy, and the thin noodles pair perfectly with the savory flavor. There’s a main branch in Nakasu, which is a popular spot for tourists.
Motsunabe (Offal Hot Pot)
This hot pot dish is made with beef or pork offal, vegetables like cabbage and garlic chives, and a soy sauce or miso-based broth. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal, especially popular in winter. Motsunabe restaurants are spread throughout Fukuoka, where you can enjoy this dish in a cozy setting.
Motsunabe – Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama (博多もつ鍋 おおやま)
Ooyama is one of the best places to try motsunabe in Fukuoka, offering a delicious selection of offal hot pot flavors, including miso and soy sauce bases. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and rich flavors, and they provide high-quality offal that melts in your mouth. They have multiple locations in Fukuoka, including one in the Canal City Hakata shopping complex.
Umegae-mochi
A traditional sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste, umegae-mochi is popular around Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. The mochi is slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect treat after exploring the shrine and its surroundings. This sweet has a long history and is a beloved snack for both locals and visitors.
Umegae-mochi – Kasanoya (かさの家)
Kasanoya is a renowned shop located near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where you can enjoy freshly made umegae-mochi. The shop has been around for generations and is beloved for its traditional flavor. The red bean paste filling is perfectly balanced, and the outer mochi is slightly crispy, creating a delightful snack.
Hakata Gyoza
Fukuoka’s version of gyoza (Japanese dumplings) is smaller and crispier than usual, typically served in small portions that are perfect for sharing. The gyoza are usually pan-fried and served with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. You’ll find many gyoza bars and izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving this delicious snack.
Hakata Gyoza – Tetsunabe (鉄なべ)
Tetsunabe is famous for its crispy pan-fried gyoza served in an iron skillet. The gyoza here are bite-sized, golden, and crispy, with juicy fillings. This restaurant is located in the Hakata area and has a warm, local atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy a plate of authentic Hakata-style
