With two-and-a-half-million people, Fukuoka is the most populous city in Kyushu, and the fifth most populous in Japan. Often referred to by its original name Hakata, this sprawling coastal metropolis is bordered on three sides by mountains and dissected by the Naka River, which flows out into the Sea of Genkai. Fukuoka's central position in Asia and easy accessibility have helped it flourish both economically and culturally, placing the city high on livability rankings and offering much for the modern traveler (of which two million visit each year).
Fukuoka holds a number of claims to fame. It's the home of Hakata ramen, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team, and the 700-year-old Yamakasa festival - which sees teams of men race through the city carrying gigantic floats. Edo-period Fukuoka Castle is a must-see, with its 47 turrets and sprawling sakura-dotted grounds. More contemporary attractions include the city's art galleries and museums, its immense shopping malls, the bustling Hakata Port, Marine World, and the iconic, tree-covered Acros Fukuoka building - a "center of international, cultural and information exchange."
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Shop in one of the most unique venues in Japan – Canal City Hakata. This immense shopping and entertainment complex is large enough to have earned the nickname “city within a city,” and houses hundreds of shops, plus cafés, restaurants, cinemas, a games arcade and more. It’s named for the canal that winds through the center of the complex.
Stroll along the boardwalk of Marizon Wharf at Momochi Seaside Park and enjoy food with superb water views. Select from one of the myriad restaurants here – French, Chinese, Italian, and seafood – while overlooking Hakata Bay.
Discover the allure of Fukuoka’s sparkling coastline at “Seaside Momochi.” The park area, set on reclaimed land on Hakata Bay, was developed as part of the 1989 Asia Pacific Expo, and boasts palm-dotted streets and beaches of clean, golden sand. A variety of shopping and dining outlets are located here, as well as the impressive Fukuoka Dome.
Glimpse the future at Robosquare, also in Momochi Seaside Park. The showroom here houses more than 200 robots, each capable of performing a number of everyday tasks. Visitors can interact with these mechanized residents and enjoy daily robot performances.
Step back in time at Shofuku-ji Temple, Japan’s original Zen temple. Built in 1195, the temple’s founder, Eisai, brought the Rinzai strand of Zen Buddhism from China into Japan. Visitors are not permitted inside the temples, but the traditional architecture is just as enjoyable from an outside perspective, and the gardens offer a blissfully tranquil retreat.
See what life was like in Meiji- and Taisho-era Japan at this quaint cultural folk museum. Comprising three machiya (traditional townhouses), this miniature neighborhood exhibits historical photos and depicts traditional Hakata culture, with local artisans demonstrating their crafts and folk performances throughout the day.
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Take in Japan’s historically- and culturally-rich Kyushu island on this whirlwind 5-day luxury tour. You’ll shop vibrant Fukuoka’s stylish boutiques, pay your respects in the once-devastated Nagasaki, visit the iconic Kumamoto castle, and spend your nights in some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
This 14-day excursion takes you through a major ski area in the Tohoku Region while also giving you the opportunity to explore some of the other local attractions. You’ll ski the powder-heavy slopes of Mt. Hakkoda and Mt. Zao and explore plenty of natural sites and traditional temples. There are also two snow festivals, and you’ll have the chance to sample plenty of great food.
This expansive hotel has 370 elegantly-furnished rooms and suites for guests to choose from, featuring deluxe amenities and high-speed internet. Guests may make good use of Club Olympus, the hotel’s health and fitness club, complete with a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, relaxation rooms, and massage rooms. Complimentary exercise programs and classes are also provided for guests on a daily basis. Conveniently, the entertainment and shopping complex, Canal City Hakata, is just a short walk from the hotel. Guests may choose from any one of the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka’s eight well-appointed bars and restaurants, serving up everything from sushi to Scandinavian food. Those planning meetings or events will be impressed by the hotel’s selection of facilities for such occasions, with two dedicated floors of meeting and wedding facilities, including a grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 1,500 guests. Just five minutes from the airport, and close to public transportation, guests will also find the Grand Hyatt to be conveniently-located.
Overlooking Hakata Bay, on the coast of Shikanoshima Island, and nestled into Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, guests of The Luigans Spa & Resort are treated to lush, verdant green surroundings, with expansive ocean views. The design concept of this hotel incorporates bold, vivid colors, a homage to famous architect, Luis Barragan. Rooms are simple and modern, with comfortable linens, and modern features like large, flat-screen TVs. There is an indoor spa, as well as yoga on the beach and tennis courts for guests’ use. Dining options here are plentiful, from the lounge on the water, two Japanese restaurants, a poolside barbeque restaurant, and a cafe-bar area providing ideal spots for guests to enjoy a meal and drink with friends or colleagues. With the ocean breeze constantly rolling in, guests looking for a beach resort atmosphere will find this hotel a great option.
This chic hotel has styled itself as a modern urban oasis, with luxurious, contemporary touches like a lit-up pool, complete with leafy centerpiece. The hotel’s 16 luxurious rooms are furnished with colorful, sleek pieces, and soft, plush linens, while all drinks, champagne included, are complimentary. The best part? Check out isn’t until 2pm the next day. A lounge is provided for the exclusive use of guests, as are restaurants, banquet halls, and even a stand-alone chapel for wedding ceremonies. Art and music is a major component of this hotel, intended to heighten guests’ emotions, thus creating a unique, inspiring environment throughout the entire abode. Guests may choose to dine at either the main restaurant, which serves up hearty Italian favorites, or the teppanyaki restaurant, where guests can pull up a seat to the bar that allows a front-row view of the chef preparing the dishes. This hotel is ideally-located, a short walk from the JR Hakata Station, and a short drive from the airport, while also being convenient for reaching Fukuoka’s must-see sights.
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