8 Best Things to do in Fukuoka
Planning a trip to Fukuoka? You’ve come to the right place!
Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Kyushu, and it makes the perfect base for exploring the island. Staying here means you can easily visit volcanoes and hot springs, but the city itself also has a lot to offer. Here, you can explore ancient shrines and flower-covered islands during the day, and then go izakaya-hopping at night.
When we first visited Fukuoka, we were a bit overwhelmed trying to decide what to do. So to help you make the most of your visit, we’ve rounded up the top things to do here whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or a bit of all three!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity was this private and personalized walking tour of Fukuoka! We loved that it was completely customizable—from exploring temples and historic sites to tasting street food at the yatai stalls, every moment was tailored perfectly to our interests.
Things to do in Fukuoka
1. Explore sacred shrines and dramatic cliffs in Miyazaki
- Duration: 9–10 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit Takachiho Gorge, Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Amanoyasukawara; enjoy scenic mountain views and spiritual sites in Miyazaki Prefecture
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, ice cream (summer only)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you don’t feel confident about driving in Kyushu, then we highly recommend booking this full-day tour so that you don’t miss out on any of the island’s top sights! This tour has a fantastic itinerary that takes you through some of Kyushu’s most iconic spiritual and natural sites, including Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, Amanoyasukawara, and Takachiho Gorge.
The day kicks off with a visit to Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine, which is tucked away in a forest of towering cedar trees. From there, you head to Amanoiwato Shrine, which is tied to the legend of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine and nearby sacred cave are full of history and mythology, and we love the fact that this tour gives context to these fascinating stories—you’d miss out on so much meaning otherwise!
Another big highlight is Amanoyasukawara, a cave featuring stacked stone “towers of prayer” along the Iwato River. But of course, the main event is witnessing the epic beauty of Takachiho Gorge! You’ll even have the option to rent a boat for a closer view, which we highly recommend doing.
All in all, we think that this tour is the perfect choice for travelers who want to get a well-rounded view of Kyushu without worrying about transport or logistics. But a word of warning: it does tend to sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long to book your spot!
Book this tour here with free cancellation before it sells out!
2. See Fukuoka like a local with a private guide
- Duration: 3-8 hours
- Time: Multiple start times available from 8 am–4 pm
- Highlights: Discover Fukuoka with a local guide, explore hidden gems and major sights like Ohori Park, Nanzo-in Temple, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and Canal City, experience authentic local food and culture, customizable itinerary
- Inclusions: Private local guide, personalized itinerary, meeting at your accommodation (optional)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want to see Fukuoka in a way most visitors don’t, we highly recommend booking this private and personalized walking tour. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time in the city or anyone who doesn’t want to worry about navigating on their own. You can choose between 3 and 8 hours, and you have the flexibility to tailor the day to your own interests.
Before the tour, you’ll fill out a quick survey to allow your guide to craft an itinerary that fits your preferences. From there, you might learn about feudal history at the Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Maizuru Park, or enjoy a serene stroll through the picture-perfect Nanzo-in Temple.
If you’re interested in food, you might end up sampling fresh seafood and local produce at Yanagibashi Rengo Market or checking out the iconic yatai food stalls in the lively Nakasu District. That’s the beauty of this tour—it’s completely adaptable, so you get to see the side of Fukuoka that interests you most!
For us, this type of personalized tour beats a cookie-cutter itinerary every time! Having a private guide means that you get to learn so much more along the way than you would in a big tour group. And you don’t just have to take our word for it, because you can read all of the glowing reviews right here!
This tour is likely to sell out, so grab your spot ASAP!
3. Discover Dazaifu’s temples and float through Yanagawa
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Visit the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, explore the Kyushu National Museum, and enjoy a scenic boat ride through the canals of Yanagawa, experience Fukuoka’s culture and countryside in one day
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round-trip train tickets, Yanagawa boat cruise, lunch, admission fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Dazaifu and Yanagawa on this full-day tour was a really charming cultural experience. Kyushu is full of sights, and this tour does a great job of showcasing its history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Our day started with a smooth train ride to Dazaifu, where we wandered through the beautiful Tenmangu Shrine. The gardens were tranquil, and we were impressed by the shrine’s intricately designed roof and guardians—a golden calf and a unicorn, in case you were wondering! We even got to try umegae mochi, which is a sweet rice cake treat that’s unique to this region.
Next up, we made our way to Yanagawa, which is also known as the “Venice of Japan”. When we saw its canals, we understood why! We got to cruise along the waterways in a traditional boat while our driver serenaded us, which was pretty magical—and it would be even more amazing during cherry blossom season!
We had some free time for lunch, and our guide gave us an amazing recommendation for fresh steamed eel. Then, we had some time to explore Yanagawa by ourselves before heading back to Fukuoka.
This tour is so much fun, and it’s full of cute little surprises. For us, what really made it stand out was the chance to see unique locations that we would have otherwise missed! Yangawa is full of character but it’s not super touristy, so it’s a really special place to explore.
Ready to explore hidden gems? Book this tour here, with free cancellation!
4. Marvel at Mount Aso and unwind in hot springs
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Explore Mount Aso’s active volcanic crater, relax in an onsen hot spring, visit Kumamoto Castle, take in Kyushu’s stunning mountain scenery and cultural landmarks
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, lunch, Aso Volcano admission fee
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Kyushu’s Aso region on this full-day tour was one of the highlights of our trip! We love onsens, so we were already excited about ending the day with a soak, but the adventure leading up to that turned out to be just as memorable.
Our day started with a visit to the Aso Volcano, which is active, just FYI! It was so exciting to see big clouds of white smoke rising up from the caldera. And if the chemical levels at the crater get too high, you’ll still get to visit some stunning nearby viewpoints instead.
Next, we wandered through the Kusasenrigahama grasslands for a complete change of scene. Then we visited the Aso Shrine, a spiritual site dating back over 2,500 years. Yup, that means it’s one of the oldest in Japan!
Finally, we wrapped up the day with a relaxing soak at Kurokawa Onsen. This is a magical hot spring village with charming streets and, of course, plenty of open-air baths. We hadn’t even heard of it before we did this tour, but now we definitely want to come back here for an overnight stay in the future!
If you’re looking for a relaxing day out with charm and stunning scenery to boot, we can’t recommend this tour enough. If it doesn’t make you fall in love with Kyushu, then I don’t know what will!
Ready to discover the beauty of the Aso region? Book this tour here!
5. Pedal through Hakata and discover Fukuoka on two wheels
Duration: 3.5 hours
Time: 1 pm
Highlights: Discover Fukuoka’s top sights on two wheels, explore Hakata’s historic temples and riverside streets, learn local stories from your guide, enjoy a fun, eco-friendly way to see the city
Inclusions: Bicycle and helmet rental, English-speaking local guide, bottled water, small-group tour
Rating: 4.7 stars (check great reviews here)
Free cancellation: Yes
Price: Check price here!
Looking for a fun and active way to explore Fukuoka? Well, look no further than this bike tour! It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the city up close while getting a little exercise, and it does a great job of showcasing historic sites and charming lesser-known spots. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about directions or getting lost, because you’ll be with a local guide!
The ride starts at Fukuoka Castle Remains, where you can admire the long stone walls and imagine the castle in its heyday. From there, you cycle through Ohori Park, where you’ll take in the castle’s outer moat and take a short break from pedaling.
Next up is Shofuku-ji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple and the birthplace of Japanese tea! Visiting with a guide means you’ll hear lots of fascinating stories about its history and spiritual significance. This is a big perk because knowing the history behind a cultural attraction always makes us appreciate it way more.
Finally, the tour winds through the Kushida Shrine, which is a really important site for local deities. You’ll have a minute to take in the surroundings and offer up a prayer if you feel so inclined.
We love cycling tours because it’s always fun to see a city on two wheels. If you want a personal, hands-on introduction to Fukuoka, this is a fantastic choice!
Book this fun half-day bike tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
6. Taste your way through hidden izakayas
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Highlights: Experience Fukuoka’s nightlife like a local, hop between hidden bars and izakayas, taste regional drinks and snacks, and meet fellow travelers on a fun, social night out
- Inclusions: English-speaking local guide, dinner, drinks at selected bars
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Fukuoka’s hidden izakayas on this evening tour was an absolute blast. The city is full of charm, but the real magic happens when you venture down the side streets that most visitors never see! This tour gives you a taste of authentic local life, and we loved every minute of it.
Our night started in Tenjin, where we were led to a small, cozy fish izakaya that we never would have found on our own! The grilled fish and the sashimi were so fresh, and we got to wash them down with some local sake which naturally made them taste even better!
Next, we moved on to a second izakaya specializing in yakitori. Fukuoka is actually known for its delicious yakitori, so trying some is a real must while you’re in the city. We got to choose between salt or sauce flavors, and our guide ordered us some shochu, which is a traditional distilled spirit produced right here in the region!
We were in a small group and got to know each other over the course of the night. By the end, we were all laughing together like old friends! It really felt more like a fun night out than a structured tour. Don’t just take our word for it though—check out the five-star reviews here to see why this experience is such a hit with travelers!
Ready to experience Fukuoka like a local? Book this tour here!
7. Wander colorful flower gardens on Nokonoshima Island
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Explore Nokonoshima Island Park’s rolling flower-covered hills, visit a nostalgic Meiji-era village, enjoy scenic views of Hakata Bay, interact with farm animals, enjoy a Wagyu BBQ lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, park admission, Wagyu BBQ lunch, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape from Fukuoka without spending hours traveling, this Nokonoshima Island Park tour is a fantastic choice. The park is just 40 minutes from the city center but trust me, it feels like a world away!
The day begins with a short ferry ride to Nokonoshima Island. Tickets and park entrance are included with the tour and all of the details are handled for you, so getting there is a breeze. It’s nice not to have to try to figure out ferry schedules.
Once on the island, you’re free to explore the park’s many highlights. You can stroll through the rolling hills, which are usually blanketed in different colored flowers at different times of year, or walk through the nostalgic Meiji-era village. And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to go and meet the resident rabbits and goats!
Perhaps best of all, this tour includes a barbecue lunch, during which you’ll get to grill your own Wagyu beef exactly to your liking over a charcoal grill. And if you’re still hungry afterwards, we recommend stopping for some handmade udon noodles along the way—the park is famous for them.
We love this tour because it makes it so easy to visit this beautiful park. The flowers are absolutely stunning and the park is the perfect place for families or groups to relax and explore together.
Book this fun half-day tour here and enjoy free 24-hour cancellation!
8. Learn the art of sushi making
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Learn how to make traditional maki sushi, tempura, and miso soup, enjoy seasonal fruits for dessert
- Inclusions: All ingredients and tools, tips from a Japanese home cook, apron, mini towel, recipes, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’m obsessed with sushi—I eat it every chance I get! And I think that this sushi-making class is a real standout. I mean, it’s one thing to eat sushi in a restaurant, but it’s another to roll it yourself in a real Japanese home!
You’ll start off on a traditional note with a cup of traditional Japanese tea, and then get hands on making maki rolls and crafting your own tempura. The menu even features a classic miso soup, which is a staple of Japanese cuisine.
What sets this class apart is that the hosts take the time to explain the flavors and techniques that make Japanese home cooking so distinctive. It’s beginner friendly, and parents can even bring kids under 5 along free of charge, so we think this is a great activity for families to enjoy together. I wish I had learned to make sushi as a child!
If you’re new to Japanese cuisine, it can all feel a little overwhelming at first—and here in Japan, the authentic dishes can feel quite different to the westernised versions you’ve tried before. This class is a fantastic way to experience Japanese cuisine without feeling lost or out of place, and you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions. Best of all, you’ll learn how to recognize real, authentic sushi when you see it!
Ready to roll? Book this hands-on sushi making class here!
Where to Stay in Fukuoka
Now that you know what to do in Fukuoka, you just need a great place to stay! The best areas are Tenjin, which is the city’s central nightlife and entertainment hub, and Hakata, which is known for its shopping malls and great food. Both are well connected to the rest of the city and staying in either one makes it easy to arrange tour pickup or get to a central meeting point.
Plus, since they’re popular areas for visitors, both areas boast a great range of accommodation for every budget. To save you some time, we’ve shared our top picks below.
Luxury – $$$
One Fukuoka Hotel offers sleek 5-star comfort right in the heart of Fukuoka—in the buzzing Tenjin area, no less! The rooms are stylish and super comfortable, and plush bathrobes and nightwear are provided for you. Best of all, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic city views.
A generous continental breakfast is included with your stay and there’s a cozy lounge area where you can enjoy drinks and light bites at any time, as well as an American steakhouse on-site. The location is excellent, too, as the hotel is just a 6-minute walk from Tenjin Station and close to tons of great shopping and dining.
Prices here start at around $600 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Okura Fukuoka is a smart hotel in Hakata-ku that offers excellent value for money! Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and deep bathtubs, plus those high-tech toilets Japan is famous for. It’s in a great location, too, as it puts you just steps from Nakasu-Kawabata Station and a short walk to Kushida Shrine and the Tenjin shopping district.
Foodies are certainly spoiled for choice here because there are ten different dining options on site, from teppanyaki and sushi to Chinese cuisine. In fact, the hotel even has its very own microbrewery, which would be enough of a reason alone for me to stay here! You can pretty much satisfy any craving you can think of without even leaving the property.
Rooms typically range from $150 to $850 USD per night. Read the great reviews and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami is a reliable and comfortable option right in the heart of the city. The rooms are a good size for a budget-friendly Japanese hotel and feature cozy beds and modern bathrooms. The whole place is clean and spotless, and there are lots of useful facilities like self-service laundry, luggage storage, and family rooms.
It’s also spot-on location-wise, too. You’re just a short walk from Tenjin Central Park, subway stations, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. It’s not flashy but it has great reviews and it makes a reliable base for exploring the city.
Rooms typically range from $80 to $150 USD per night. It books up fast, though, so be sure to reserve your stay in advance!
For even more amazing stays, take a look at all the best hotels in Fukuoka here!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
While Fukuoka might be known for its food scene (and yes, the ramen really does live up to the hype!), we were so happy to discover that there’s so much more to this city than just great eats. From exploring colorful flower fields and peaceful temples to cruising canals and soaking in nearby hot springs, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for day trips all around Kyushu!
If you’re planning more adventures in Japan, we’ve got plenty of tips and guides to help you out. Check out all of our Japan blogs here—we love sharing our favorite experiences and hidden gems to help you plan an unforgettable trip. To get started, here are a few of our favorites below!
8 Best Things to do in Hiroshima
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Hiroshima: 2-Day Itinerary
How to Spend ONE or TWO DAYS in Nagano, Japan: 1 or 2-Day Itinerary
