PIXEL VISA

FUKUOKA, JAPAN

FUKUOKA AT A GLANCE

CITY

Fukuoka (福岡市)

COUNTRY

Japan (日本)

TIMEZONE

UTC+9 (JST)

TRAIN

JR Kyushu and Fukuoka City Subway (¥250 JPY / $1.67 USD)

BUS

Nishitetsu Bus and Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau (¥250 JPY / $1.67 USD)

TERRAIN

Medium City, Temperate Deciduous

WEATHER

Spring: 50°F - 68°F March to May / Summer: 86°F+ and Rainy June to August / Autumn: 50°F - 68°F September to November / Winter: 41°F - 50°F December to February

AVERAGE MEAL COST

¥1000 JPY / $6.67 USD

AVERAGE HOSTEL COST

¥3500 JPY / $23.33 USD

LAST UPDATED

24/04/2024

LANDSCAPE

NOTABLE FEATURES

Fukuoka, a dynamic city on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and culinary delights. As a bustling economic hub and major port city, Fukuoka seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, boasting a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers and historic landmarks such as Fukuoka Castle and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Fukuoka is celebrated for its lively festivals, including the Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku, which showcase the city's colorful heritage and community spirit. Additionally, Fukuoka is revered as a gastronomic paradise, famed for its delectable Hakata ramen, fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea, and yatai (open-air food stalls) lining the streets of Nakasu Island. With its warm hospitality, bustling entertainment districts, and proximity to natural wonders like Nokonoshima Island and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka captivates visitors with its eclectic charm and endless delights.

ACTIVITIES

Popular Activities

Explore Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Discover the remnants of this historic castle, offering panoramic views of the city from its elevated position in Maizuru Park.
Indulge in Hakata Ramen: Savor the rich flavors of Hakata ramen, a local specialty known for its creamy tonkotsu broth and thin noodles, at renowned ramen stalls and restaurants throughout the city.
Visit Kushida Shrine: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Kushida Shrine, known for its vibrant festivals and traditional architecture, including the impressive Oiyama float used in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
Stroll through Ohori Park: Relax in this spacious park featuring a large pond, Japanese gardens, and walking paths, perfect for picnics, boat rides, and enjoying seasonal cherry blossoms.
Experience Nakasu Yatai: Dine at Nakasu Yatai, Fukuoka's famous open-air food stalls, where you can sample a variety of local dishes and interact with friendly locals in a lively atmosphere.
Shop at Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade: Explore one of Japan's largest underground shopping malls, offering a plethora of shops, boutiques, and restaurants beneath the bustling streets of Tenjin.
Attend Hakata Dontaku Festival: Join the festive atmosphere of Hakata Dontaku, a lively event held during Golden Week featuring colorful parades, traditional performances, and street celebrations.
Relax at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Unwind at this expansive seaside park, featuring flower gardens, cycling paths, amusement rides, and a beach area with stunning views of Hakata Bay.
Discover Fukuoka Tower: Take in panoramic views of the city and beyond from the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower, one of Japan's tallest seaside towers, especially breathtaking during sunset.
Explore Yanagibashi Rengo Market: Wander through this bustling market known for its fresh seafood, fruits, and local delicacies, offering a glimpse into Fukuoka's culinary scene and vibrant street life.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Hakata District: Located in the eastern part of the city, Hakata is one of Fukuoka's central districts and serves as a major transportation hub with Hakata Station, one of Japan's busiest railway stations. Hakata is known for its commercial activities, shopping districts, and iconic landmarks such as Kushida Shrine and Canal City Hakata, a large shopping and entertainment complex.
Tenjin District: Situated to the west of Hakata, Tenjin is another bustling commercial district renowned for its shopping malls, department stores, and vibrant nightlife. Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade offers an extensive array of shops and eateries, while the nearby Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station provides convenient access to transportation.
Waterfront Areas: Fukuoka boasts scenic waterfront areas along Hakata Bay, including Momochi Seaside Park and Fukuoka City Beach, which offer recreational activities, seaside dining, and views of iconic landmarks such as Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome.
Residential Neighborhoods: Surrounding the central districts are residential neighborhoods that provide a mix of modern apartment buildings, traditional houses, and quiet streets. Areas like Sawara and Meinohama offer suburban living with easy access to amenities and transportation.
Parks and Green Spaces: Fukuoka features several parks and green spaces that provide residents and visitors with opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Ohori Park, located near the city center, boasts a large pond, gardens, and walking paths, while Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers expansive seaside views and seasonal flower displays.

HOW TO GET HERE

Plane

Arriving in Fukuoka by plane is a convenient option for travelers from both domestic and international destinations. The city is primarily served by Fukuoka Airport (FUK), located just a short distance from the city center. Fukuoka Airport handles both domestic and international flights, with numerous airlines operating routes to and from major cities across Japan and other countries. Domestic flights from cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo are common, as well as international flights from destinations such as Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei. Flight prices vary depending on factors such as the departure city, time of booking, and airline choice. For instance, a one-way domestic flight within Japan might range from $50 to $200 USD, while international flights from major cities like Seoul or Taipei could range from $200 to $800 USD or more. Overall, flying to Fukuoka offers travelers a convenient and efficient way to reach the vibrant city in Kyushu.

Train

Fukuoka is well-connected to other major cities in Japan by the Shinkansen, or bullet train, providing travelers with an efficient and comfortable option for arriving by rail. The Sanyo Shinkansen line links Fukuoka with cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, offering high-speed travel with reliability and convenience. For example, the journey from Tokyo to Fukuoka via Shinkansen takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of about 1000 kilometers. Shinkansen ticket prices vary depending on factors such as the distance and class of travel, with fares ranging from $150 to $300 USD for standard class seats on longer routes. Additionally, conventional JR (Japan Railway) lines provide access to Fukuoka from neighboring prefectures and regions across Kyushu and Honshu islands, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers throughout Japan. These train options offer passengers a scenic and enjoyable journey to Fukuoka, allowing them to experience the efficiency and comfort of Japan's renowned railway system.

Bus / Van

For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking an alternative mode of transportation, buses and vans offer affordable options for arriving in Fukuoka from various cities across Japan. Long-distance highway buses, operated by companies like Nishitetsu Bus and JR Kyushu Bus, connect Fukuoka with major cities and regions throughout the country. Travelers can opt for overnight buses from cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Hiroshima, covering distances of up to 500 to 1000 kilometers. The journey duration and ticket prices vary depending on the departure city and route, with overnight buses typically costing between $50 to $100 USD for one-way trips. Additionally, local buses and airport shuttles provide transportation from Fukuoka Airport to different parts of the city, offering budget-friendly options for travelers arriving by air. Overall, buses and vans offer a cost-effective means of reaching Fukuoka, with options available for both domestic and international travelers.