With so much to see and do around Kyushu, the cosmopolitan hub of Fukuoka is a great place to start your adventure to experience the urban buzz before exploring the more peaceful and scenic rural regions. With just 48-hours to spend in this vibrant yet historic city, you’ll have time to see and experience some its best locations and flavours, from panoramic city views high above the skyline and walks in sprawling parklands to visiting popular dining spots to taste some authentic local dishes. Here are some must-visit places for your 48-hour Fukuoka itinerary.
The Hakata Sennen-no Mon Gate
Located in the temple and shrine district of Hakata, Fukuoka City, the Hakata Sennen-no Mon Gate was built to welcome visitors to the magnificent temple town area that is filled with historical and cultural treasures to explore. The gate’s doors are built with one-thousand-year-old camphor wood with the entire design modelled on the Edo-period “Tsuji-no-doguchi Gate” that was once the entrance to the road connecting Hakata to the Dazaifu government office. Take a leisurely stroll along the adjoining stone-paved pathway towards the nearby riverside walkway to soak up the area’s historic architectural beauty.
Fukuoka open-top bus tour
If you have limited time, a great way to see more of the amazing sights Fukuoka has to offer is to explore the city by open top bus. Fukuoka Open Top Bus takes visitors on leisurely journeys around the city’s highlight spots with three different routes to choose from. You can choose to explore the historic streets of Hakata’s old town, travel to the popular and scenic Ohori Park and seaside Momochi area or enjoy a dusk to nighttime tour of Fukuoka’s vibrant cityscape. Whichever journey you decide to take, an open top bus tour is an easy and efficient way to discover many of Fukuoka’s most iconic sights and experiences in the short time you have.
Night view from Fukuoka Tower
Located in the Seaside Momochi area and jutting 234 metres into the skyline, Fukuoka Tower is one of the city’s most renowned landmarks. As the tallest seaside tower in Japan, you can visit the tower’s observation deck that stands 123 metres above the ground for 360-degree panoramic views of the Fukuoka skyline and Hakata Bay, which after dark is recognised as one of the “100 Best Night Views in Japan”. At night, you can also enjoy the tower’s Sky Illumination which brings together spectacular city views and incredible tower lighting displays featuring seasonal decorations.
Ohori Park
Located in the centre of Fukuoka, the historic Ohori Park surrounds a beautiful lake and is only a 5-minute subway ride from Tenjin Station or a 12-minute ride from Hakata Station to Ohorikoen Station. Recognised for being one of the most romantic scenes in Fukuoka at night, the lake features three islands in its centre which are connected by bridges and illuminated every evening in dramatic colours during the Christmas season. You can simply take a leisurely walk through the park to admire the greenery and seasonal foliage, enjoy a paddle boat ride on the lake, or even visit the Fukuoka Art Museum which is located within the park. Enjoy some delicious food and drink with views over the park at &LOCALS – a Japanese style café located on the first floor of Ohori Terrace, known for its sweets and meals made with Yame tea from Fukuoka.
Try one of Fukuoka’s most loved dishes
Enjoy dinner at Toriden Hakata Honten restaurant where you can experience the popular local dish, mizutaki. Mituzaki is a type of Japanese hot pot featuring a rich but delicate chicken broth containing chicken meatballs and locally sourced ingredients from Kyushu.
Have an authentic yakitori experience
Located in Nishi-Nakasu which is less than a 10-minute walk from Tenjin Station, you’ll discover Fujiyoshi – a well-established yakitori restaurant founded in 1961. Here, you can enjoy fresh seasonal sashimi from the restaurant’s live seafood tank and succulent grilled meat skewers – with the restaurant recognised by locals for its precise cooking methods. Fujiyoshi also serves other local Hakata dishes to ensure you enjoy a well-rounded Fukuoka foodie experience. Meanwhile, Fujiyoshi offers an authentic and relaxed dining atmosphere where you can choose to eat at the traditional counter or at a table for a more private dining experience.
