Fukuoka Hotels
Fukuoka – Kyushu’s Cosmopolitan Coastal City
Nestled on the west coast of Japan, Fukuoka is an attractive seaside city with a warm climate and an international outlook. As the closest major Japanese city to the Asian mainland, Fukuoka has been an important gateway to the country for centuries. Today, this modern metropolis has grown to become the sixth biggest city in Japan and the largest on the island of Kyushu. The dynamic downtown district has a cosmopolitan vibe, with stylish bars, restaurants, shopping malls and modern attractions such as Marine World and Fukuoka Tower. Visitors who want to delve deeper into the city’s history can head to Fukuoka City Museum or explore a selection of elegant shrines and temples. Plenty of green spaces can be discovered, such as Fukuoka Botanical Garden and Ohori Park, which houses the remains of the city’s castle. Travelers who visit in July can also experience the sights and sounds of Hakata Gion Yamakasa, an ancient festival which dates back over 700 years and features a famous race through the city in traditional costumes, as thousands of onlookers line the streets. Alternatively, guests can simply stroll along the seafront and soak up the laid-back ambiance of this charming port city.
Canal City Hakata
Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex in downtown Fukuoka, which has become one of the most popular attractions for local residents and visitors alike. Nicknamed “the city within the city”, it features approximately 250 retail outlets, a theater, gaming center, cinemas and hotels, with a waterway rippling through the heart of the complex. Fountains with water shows are hosted every 30 minutes. There are also many bars, cafés and restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine, including the “Ramen Stadium” - an area on the fifth floor that houses eight ramen shops with noodle dishes from across Japan, including the local specialty, Hakata ramen.
Dazaifu
Dazaifu is an enchanting ancient city on the outskirts of Fukuoka. Linked to the historic port of Hakata (also now part of Fukuoka), Dazaifu has a history that dates from the 7th Century, and it served as the administrative center of Kyushu Island for over 500 years. Due to its strategic location, as one of the closest points to the Asian mainland, Dazaifu played a key role in Japan’s diplomatic relations and defenses. Today, this historical city has been swallowed by the expanding metropolitan area of Fukuoka, but it retains its own distinct heritage. There are a several shrines and temples, including Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, as well as the large Kyushu National Museum which showcases the region’s cultural identity.
Yatai (Food Stalls)
Japan is famous all around the world for its unique cuisine, and Fukuoka is one of the country’s leading culinary destinations. At the heart of this culture are the “Yatai”, the open-air street food stalls that can be found throughout the city center and are one of Fukuoka’s best known symbols. Typically, these roadside dining spots can seat just seven or eight people and provide an intimate ambiance to try local specialties, such as yakitori (grilled skewers), oden (hot pot), gyoza (dumplings) and ramen (noodle soup) - especially the local variety of Hakata ramen. One of the best places to experience Fukuoka’s Yatai is at Nakasu Island, which features a long stretch of sizzling street food stalls.
Fukuoka PayPay Dome
The Fukuoka PayPay Dome is the largest sports stadium in Fukuoka, with a capacity of 38,585 spectators. Located on the waterfront in Chuo-ku, this impressive stadium (which was originally known as the Fukuoka Dome) was built in 1993 and became the first sports stadium in Japan to feature a retractable roof. Today, it is home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks - one of the most popular baseball teams in Japan - and also hosts major concerts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium, which includes the chance to step onto the field and explore the back-of-house areas, including the players’ locker rooms. Afterwards, guests can head to the adjacent Hawks Town shopping malls and entertainment complex.
Neighborhoods to Explore
- Kitakyushu City
- Gion
- Hakata Port Tower
- Tenjin
- Dazaifu City
- Marinoa City
- Marine World
Top Things to Do
- Entertain the kids at Anpanman Children’s Museum
- Discover the history of Dazaifu Tenmangu
- Take a tour of Hakata Old City
- Go shopping in Tenjin
- Enjoy retail therapy in Canal City Hakata
- Unwind in Ohori Park
- Take a trip to Shika Island
- Soak up the views at Nokonoshima Island Park
- Climb to the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower
- Discover the island’s heritage at Kyushu National Museum
- Taste the famous local ramen at a Yatai food stall
- Take a boat trip on the Yanagawa River
- See the city’s sights with an open top bus tour
- Relax at the seaside on Momochi Beach
- Learn about local life with a JR Hakata City tour