Fukuoka Guide: How to Plan Your Trip + Itinerary
Fukuoka, in northern Kyushu, is Japan’s fifth-largest city with around 1.6 million people.
It doesn’t have a lot of major tourist sights, but it’s a great place to stay or use as a base for exploring nearby areas.
by kim hyo woon | Roméo A. | Vien Dinh
Getting to Fukuok
From Tokyo to Fukuoka:
A flight takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The Shinkansen takes around 5 hours and costs ¥23,610.
From Osaka to Fukuoka:
A flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The Shinkansen takes about 2.5 hours and costs ¥15,820.
From Fukuoka Airport to the City Center:
Fukuoka Airport is just 3 km from central areas like JR Hakata Station.
By Taxi: ¥1,500–2,000
By Bus/Subway:
- From the International Terminal, the Nishitetsu bus is the most convenient. It takes about 30 minutes to Hakata Station and costs ¥310. Tickets can be bought on-site.
- From the Domestic Terminal, the subway is the fastest option—just 5 minutes to Hakata Station and costs ¥260.
- A free shuttle bus runs between the International and Domestic Terminals. The ride takes 10–15 minutes.
Recommended Hotels in Fukuoka
Fukuoka doesn’t have many major tourist attractions, so most visitors use it as a base for day trips or short overnight stays in nearby cities.
Staying near JR Hakata Station is the most convenient choice.
Here are two hotels within a 5-minute walk of JR Hakata Station:
HOTEL FORZA HAKATAEKI CHIKUSHIGUCHI
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Fukuoka
Sample Itinerary for Fukuoka & Kyushu
Day 1:
Morning: If the weather is good, take a bus (about 70 minutes) to Sakurai Shrine Futamigaura Torii to see the white torii gate and have lunch nearby.
Afternoon: Head back to the city and visit Ohori Park (nearby you’ll also find the Japanese Garden and Fukuoka Art Museum), or go to Fukuoka Tower for panoramic views.
Evening: Stay near JR Hakata Station (as mentioned above), and enjoy dinner or shopping at one of the nearby malls.
If you’re traveling with kids, consider a day trip to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park for outdoor fun.
Day 2: Nagasaki Day Trip
Days 3-4: Beppu & Yufuin 2-Day/1-Night Trip
Day 5: Explore Kumamoto during the day, then head to Kagoshima and stay overnight
Day 6: Sightseeing in Kagoshima, then return to Fukuoka in the evening
Attractions in Fukuoka
1. Ohori Park / Japanese Garden / Fukuoka Art Museum
These three attractions are located right next to each other and are easy to visit together. Plan to spend about 2–3 hours in total.
Ohori Park
Opened in 1929, this lakeside park is great for a relaxing walk, renting a boat on a nice day, or letting kids enjoy the playground.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Getting There: Take the subway from JR Hakata Station to Ōhori Park Station. The ride takes about 9 minutes and costs ¥260.
Official Site: ohorikouen.jp
Watch: Ohori Park Fukuoka City ＠Mavic3 cine
Watch: 大型の滑り台やダイナミックな遊具が特徴的な公園
Japanese Garden
Built in 1984 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ohori Park, this traditional garden features classic Japanese landscaping and a peaceful atmosphere.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: ¥250 (adults), ¥120 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: 15-30 minutes
Official Site: ohoriteien.jp
Watch: 大濠公園日本庭園内を歩
Fukuoka Art Museum
This museum focuses on modern art, and one of its best features is the surprisingly affordable admission.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: ¥220 (adults), ¥150 (high school/university students)
Recommended Visit Time: 30-60 minutes
Official Site: fukuoka-art-museum.jp
Credit: Fukuoka Art Museum Official Website
2. Fukuoka Tower
Built in 1989 to celebrate Fukuoka’s 100th anniversary as a city, this 234-meter tower has a three-level observation deck. The highest level, 123 meters above ground, offers 360-degree views of the city and the sea.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed on the last Monday and Tuesday of June)
Admission: ¥800 (adults), ¥500 (elementary/junior high students)
Recommended Visit Time: 30-60 minutes
Tips for Visiting:
View the observation deck layout
The 2nd floor has a restaurant - see menu & prices
Getting There: From Hakata Bus Terminal (Platform 6 on the 1st floor, next to JR Hakata Station), take Nishitetsu Bus #306 to the Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi stop. The ride takes about 29 minutes and costs ¥260.
View timetable
Official Site: fukuokatower.co.jp
Watch: 夏の福岡市 シーサイドももちドローン空撮
Watch: 日本で一番高い海浜タワー『福岡タワー』徹底散策
3. Itoshima - Sakurai Shrine Futamigaura Torii
Itoshima is a peninsula known for its scenic coastline. Most visitors come to see the white torii gate and Meotoiwa—both part of Sakurai Shrine (officially called “Sakurai Futamigaura”). The views are best on sunny days and not recommended in rainy or overcast weather.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 30-90 minutes
Getting There: From Hakata Bus Terminal (Platform 32, 3rd floor, next to JR Hakata Station), take the express bus West Coast Liner (ウエストコーストライナー) to the Futamigaura (Meotoiwa-mae) 「二見ヶ浦（夫婦岩前）」 stop. The ride takes about 71 minutes and costs ¥1,150 one-way. Tickets can be bought at vending machines.
View timetable
Watch: 糸島 二見ヶ浦 福岡ドローン空撮
Watch: last day in fukuoka, day trip to itoshima
4. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
The park stretches about 6 kilometers east to west, covering around 300 hectares. It features small animals, playgrounds for kids, and a 12-kilometer cycling path. Similar to Tokyo’s Showa Memorial Park or Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, it’s a great spot for family outings and flower viewing—enjoy baby blue eyes flowers in April and cosmos flowers in October.
Hours:
March to October: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
November to February: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Occasionally closed — check dates
Admission: ¥450 (adults), free for children
Recommended Visit Time: 4 hours or more
Getting There: From Hakata Station, take the JR train to Uminonakamichi (about 50 minutes, ¥560).
You’ll need to transfer once at Kashii Station.
Official Site: uminaka-park.jp
Watch: 海の中道海浜公園 -福岡
Watch: I went to see the nemophila this year!
Hope you enjoy your Fukuoka adventure!
ヽ(´▽`)/