Our favourite hotels to stay at in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is enjoying a tourism boom right now – and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on the coast of Japan’s Kyushu region, this charming city’s slow pace, fantastic shopping options, world-class architecture and sacred shrines have caught the attention of travellers all over the world. 

As the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a rich and creamy pork bone broth, the city also features a great variety of delicious street eats. And for those looking to unwind on their Fukuoka holiday, you’ll find the picturesque town of Kurokawa Onsen – a gem just two hours from the city,  filled with a variety of indoor and outdoor hot springs for you to relax and soak away your troubles in. 

There are plenty of things to do in Fukuoka, but where should you base yourself when visiting? To take the stress out of booking your next holiday, we’ve curated a list of the best hotels in the city – most of which can be booked with Cathay.

Miyako Hotel Hakata

Conveniently located in the centre of town, a one-minute walk from Hakata Station and 10 minutes from Fukuoka Airport, the Miyako Hotel is filled with bright and airy rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of light. Many of the rooms feature terraces, with green walls supplying an eco-conscious decorative feature. The big draw at the Miyako Hotel, though, is the rooftop pool, which is filled with water from a nearby hot spring. In addition to the lap pool, you’ll find a hot tub, an indoor onsen, and loungers, where you can relax after a long day of exploring. Don’t miss the adorable Parisian-style patisserie in the lobby. 

Nest Hotel Hakata Station 

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head minus all the bells and whistles, Nest Hotel offers a modern, design-driven ambience for a wallet-friendly rate. The rooms may be petite, but they all offer premium mattresses for a comfortable night’s sleep. Decked out in soothing earth tones and biophilic textures, this is a great spot if you prioritise good design over lavish facilities. Fuel your body for the day ahead with their buffet breakfast, which combines western and Japanese favourites sourced locally and seasonally for a lower carbon footprint. 

The OneFive Villa Fukuoka 

Located right on one of Fukuoka’s many stretches of canal, the OneFive Villa offers supremely clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. A mere stone’s throw from the city’s major tourist attractions, it’s a great base for a weekend of shopping and eating. What we love most about this hotel is that a complimentary platter of seasonal sweet and savoury snacks will be delivered to your room every day – a gesture of hospitality to those visiting Fukuoka from your hosts in Kyushu. 

Lamp Light Books Hotel 

This cosy hotel is a bookworm’s delight: everything about this delightful spot - from the 24-hour bookshop where guests are welcome to borrow and return books for the duration of their stay, to the dimmable reading lamps placed all around the minimalist guest rooms - revolves around rediscovering the joy of reading. Browse the bookshelves and curl up with a hot drink at their cafe. Don’t miss the small but delicious à la carte breakfast menu, which will set you up for a full day of getting lost in pages.

Washington Hotel Canal City 

Heading to the city to shop till you drop? You can’t beat the location of Washington Hotel Canal City . It’s one of two hotels connected to Canal City Hakata, a vast shopping mall that’s home to some 250 shops, reasonably-priced restaurants, cinemas and gaming arcades, all built around Fukuoka’s canals. Spend the money you saved by booking this bargain hotel by snapping up cool fashion from independent Japanese designers (or load up on Uniqlo, we’re not here to judge) and then grab a bowl of flavoursome tonkotsu ramen, which no trip to Fukuoka is complete without, from one of the local restaurants. 

Hotel Nikko Fukuoka

This legendary Japanese hospitality brand has hotels all over the country, so you know you’re in safe hands at the Hotel Nikko . The rooms are soothing and comfortable in pleasant neutrals, but for a ryokan-esque experience, try the Japanese room - complete with tatami mats, rather than beds - that looks out onto a private garden. Hotel Nikko has a whopping eight dining outlets, including the buffet restaurant Serena and three Japanese restaurants featuring the freshest produce in Fukuoka. There’s also a covered rooftop pool, gym and full-service spa.