There are many delicious foods in Fukuoka. Because the sea is near, the fish is fresh. That’s why Sushi in Fukuoka is the best. Ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe) are also specialties. There is also a big shrine named Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City in the southeast of Fukuoka city.
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Outline of Fukuoka
Map of Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture is located on the northern coast of Kyushu and is the largest area in Kyushu both in terms of population and economic activity. The center of tourism is Fukuoka City, the prefectural capital. As Kyushu’s largest city and the gateway to Kyushu, Fukuoka City has many attractive downtown areas such as Hakata, Tenjin, and Seaside Momochi. In addition, there are many yatai stalls in the central part of Fukuoka City where you can enjoy delicious local food. If you are planning to travel throughout Kyushu, you may want to tour around Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Aso, Beppu, and Yufuin from Fukuoka City. Within Fukuoka Prefecture, you may want to stop in Dazaifu City, home to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. If you are able to travel more leisurely within Fukuoka Prefecture, further visits to Kitakyushu City, Itoshima City, and Yanagawa City are also recommended.
Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport is the base airport for Kyushu and is very well served by both international and domestic flights. The terminal is divided into international and domestic flights. Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located only 5 minutes by subway to JR Hakata Station, the center of Fukuoka.
JR Hakata Station
JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka City is served by Shinkansen and non-Shinkansen JR trains and subways. The Shinkansen also runs from Hakata to Kyushu. From Hakata Station, it takes about 5 hours from Tokyo and 2.5 hours from Shin-Osaka. The Shinkansen also runs from Hakata to Kyushu. From Hakata Station, it takes about 35 minutes at the fastest to Kumamoto Station, and 1 hour and 20 minutes to Kagoshima Chuo Station on the southern coast of Kyushu.
Local Foods of Fukuoka
Ichiran Ramen chain in Fukuoka at Hakata railway station. Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen is found in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1960 = Shutterstock
From our Japanese point of view, we have a strong impression that Fukuoka has a lot of delicious food. Because of its proximity to the sea, sushi and other fish dishes are fresh. In addition, tonkotsu ramen, motsunabe (hot pot with pork and vegetables), and mentaiko (cod roe) are very tasty.
Fukuoka City
Night view of Momochi seen from Mt. Atago = Photo provided by Fukuoka City
Fukuoka City is Kyushu’s largest city, and its tourist attractions include the vigorous downtown areas of Hakata, Tenjin, and Seaside Momochi, as well as the local food available at yatai stalls in Nakasu. Learn more about Fukuoka City in the following article.
Kitakyushu City
Many retro buildings from the early 20th century remain in Moji, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Kitakyushu is the second largest city in Fukuoka Prefecture after Fukuoka City. Kitakyushu has developed into one of Japan’s leading industrial areas since the early 20th century, centering on the steel industry. Today, various old facilities from the early 20th century are the centerpiece of the city’s tourism. Kitakyushu also has a wonderful wisteria garden called the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. If you are a flower lover, this garden is highly recommended.
Mojiko Retro
Moji Port, along with the ports of Yokohama and Kobe, flourished as a trading port in Kyushu from the early 20th century. Old buildings such as the Mojiko Station building from those days, Moji Mitsui Club, a social salon established by a major trading company, a branch of Osaka Merchant Marine, and the customs house have been renovated for tourists in recent years. These buildings and areas are collectively known as “Moji Retro. Visitors to this neighborhood can stroll through the retro world of early 20th century Japan.
Kawachi Wisteria Garden
The wisteria flowers at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kyushu = Shutterstock
Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a garden park where wisteria flowers are extremely beautiful. From late April to mid May, every year, beautiful wisteria flowers bloom in the vast garden.
Itoshima City
White torii gate on the beach in Itoshima, FukuokaPrefecture, Japan=Shutterstock
Itoshima is a peninsula jutting out into the Genkai Sea, about 40 minutes west of Fukuoka city by car. It is a popular tourist destination for locals because of its beautiful seascape. In particular, Sakurai Futamigaura, whose symbol is a white torii gate, is very photogenic and is very popular. The coastline is dotted with stylish restaurants, cafes, and glamping spots.
Yanagawa City
People Waiting for a Boat Ride. Yanagawa is a famous canal town in Kyushu island = Shutterstock
Yanagawa City is an old castle town located 50 km south of Fukuoka City. Many moats have been established within the city since olden times, and transportation by small boats has flourished. Even today, there is a course for tourists that takes about one hour on a small boat with a capacity of about 10 people, and it is very popular as a highlight of the sightseeing tour. It is possible to take a day trip from Fukuoka City.
Dazaifu City
Dazaifu shrine in Fukuoka, Japan = Shutterstock
Dazaifu City is a quiet town with a population of 70,000 located 16 km southwest of Fukuoka City. Dazaifu used to be the base for the Imperial Court in Kyoto to rule Kyushu, and in the 9th century, there was a very distinguished nobleman in Kyoto named Sugawara no Michizane. In the 9th century, there was a very distinguished nobleman in Kyoto named Sugawara no Michizane, but he was shunned by the Fujiwara, a powerful clan in the imperial court at the time, and was left to Dazaifu, where he died. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was born in honor of Sugawara no Michizane.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the headquarters of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan. In Japan, Tenmangu Shrine is popular as the “god of learning” and many people visit the shrine when they take university entrance exams. Why not visit this shrine representing Japan?
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Many Tourists are walking pass the Torii gate of Dazaifu tenmangu shrine ,The most famous and ancient in Fukuoka, Japan = Shutterstock
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the head temple of Tenmangu, which is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. It is known as the “God of Learning” because Sugawara no Michizane was very intelligent. For this reason, students from all over Japan visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to pray for success in entrance examinations. Tenmangu Shrine is very spacious and has a calm atmosphere. The approach to Tenmangu Shrine is lined with many souvenir stores and food shops. The specialty is a rice cake called “Umegae-mochi.
Komyozen-ji Temple
Komyozen-ji Temple in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture = Shutterstock
Komyozen-ji Temple has two Japanese gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori, a famous 20th century landscape architect. The Zen garden at this temple is one of the best in Kyushu. In late November, the autumn colors are wonderful. However, please note that this temple is closed irregularly.
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