Fukuoka in 5 days: an itinerary for every traveller

Fukuoka, a compact yet dynamic city on Japan’s Kyushu island, is a treasure trove of sights, sounds and tastes. With its delightful cuisine, stylish shops, vibrant nightlife, rich history, and stunning scenery, the city caters to every type of traveller. To help you make the most of your trip to Fukuoka, we've created five different one-dayitineraries tailored around different interests, giving you flexibility to mix and match or immerse yourself in a full week of exploration.  

For nature lovers 

If beautiful scenery is what you’re after, begin your day with a walk around Ohori Park , home to an ornamental lake and Japanese-style garden. Later, sit down to a leisurely lunch at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park , a family-friendly spot known for its seasonal flowers, cycling paths, and expansive green spaces. There’s also a mini zoo where you can get up close to one of the internet’s favourite animals, the capybara. 

Looking for a day trip? Take a ferry to Nokonoshima Island Park , a delightfully picturesque location replete with flower fields and sea views. You can also enjoy panoramic views 195 metres above sea level at the Nokonoshima Observatory. Meanwhile, resort-like Nokonoshima Camp Village Beach offers summer water activities like floating trampolines and sea scooters. 

As the evening approaches, indulge in a relaxing onsen experience. You’ll find plenty of onsen ryokans – traditional hot spring inns – in famous hot spring towns like Futsukaichi Onsen, located on the outskirts of the city. Perfect for unwinding, hot spring baths also offer a taste of Japanese culture. 

For discerning foodies  

Fukuoka's food scene is a showcase for all the diverse specialties of Kyushu. Start your day with a bowl of classic Hakata ramen: a variation of tonkotsu ramen that originates from Fukuoka. Served with thin, firm noodles, the pork bone broth is left to simmer for hours to deepen the flavour. Enjoy a bowl at Ichiran , a popular chain known for its 24/7 service, solo dining booths, and the secret sauce that comes with its tonkotsu ramen. 

After breakfast, take a stroll through Yanagibashi Rengo Market, one of the oldest and most popular seafood markets in Fukuoka. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample local delicacies such as karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and Yobuko squid. For lunch, head over to Yamanaka Honten , a well-known local eatery, to enjoy Hakata's famous motsunabe (offal hotpot) alongside fresh sushi. 

For dinner, head to an izakaya for beloved dishes like Satsuma-age (fried fish cake) or mizutaki (chicken hot pot), washed down with a lemon sour, a popular local drink. If you're feeling adventurous, check out modern ones like Robata Hyakushiki and Koyama Parking , where creative young chefs blend Japanese and Western styles of cooking. 

For history enthusiasts  

Fukuoka’s historical sites allow you to step back in time and experience its traditional culture. In the morning, visit the Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Maizuru Park. As you wander around the tree-shaded remains of this Edo-period castle, you’ll also get excellent views of the city.  

Next, head west to the Kushida Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in 757 AD. It's a cornerstone of local culture and history, and famous for hosting Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a huge annual summer festival that involves a procession of giant, colourful floats.  

Close to the shrine is the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum ; after a spot of lunch, pop inside to learn about the culture, traditions and crafts of the Hakata area. In the same area, you’ll also find Shofukuji Temple, Japan's first-ever Zen temple, established in 1195. Its tranquil environs offer a glimpse into the Zen Buddhist practices of the past. 

For keen shoppers  

Shopping in Fukuoka is always a treat, with many malls, boutiques and shopping streets to explore. The Tenjin area is a great place to start: lose yourself in shopping malls like Solaria Plaza , Vioro, and the upscale Iwataya department store, where exclusive Japanese fashion labels await.  

For something special, head to the Daimyo District, famous for its one-of-a-kind boutiques. Highly recommended is Bingo Bongo , which sells rare and vintage menswear. Other choice vintage shops include Are You Different and Ace In The Hole , plus larger chains like 2nd Street and Ragtag , the latter of which specialises in luxury brands. 

Still got energy left? Head to Fukuoka’s Hakata district and spend the afternoon at Hakata Riverain , a centre for Japanese arts and crafts. Alternatively, peruse the interesting collections at the Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum , or seek out Kawabata Shopping Arcade for artisan gifts and Hakata dolls. 

For night owls 

As night falls, you’ll find bustling streets and lively bars in and around Nakasu, an entertainment-packed quarter bordered by two rivers to form an island in the heart of the city. Here, you can kick the evening off with a traditional Yatai experience. Yatai, the iconic open-air food stalls in Nakasu, are a hallmark of Fukuoka's food and night-time culture. As well as an array of delicious street food, they offer a chance to mingle and soak up some tradition.

If you’re looking for music, wander east to Oyafuko street, known for its clubs, bars and youthful, dynamic atmosphere. Tenjin, the district it belongs to, is the centre of Fukuoka's nightlife scene, with establishments catering to every style and musical taste. You can also find creative cocktails bars such as Bar Oscar , Citadel and Japanese Salon Shizuku .

Call it a night with a bowl of comforting hot ramen from an all-night eatery (Ichiran boasts a branch on Nakasu island, if you’re craving more of that rich broth and secret-recipe sauce). 

Once you’ve curated your ideal holiday with the above itineraries, there’s just a couple of things left to do – but don’t worry, we can help with these, too. You can book your flights to Fukuoka with us here and browse a great selection of Fukuoka hotels over on Cathay Holidays.