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27 Fun Things to Do in Fukuoka for First-Time Visitors

ByRoseanne Ducut

I recently spent a week in Fukuoka, Japan. Most people don’t stay that long, but there are actually a lot of things to do in Fukuoka, including exploring the city itself.

Plus, it’s a great hub for nearby day trips.

Here are 27 things to in Fukuoka, split by areas like nature and cultural sites, landmarks, and beaches.

📝 Read my full Fukuoka Itinerary to help you plan your trip.

I also did day trips outside of Fukuoka city.

All in all, I had a great time in Fukuoka, and it was a nice break from bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Book before your Fukuoka trip:

▢ Grab the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass for unlimited transit rides

▢ Book discounted hotels in Fukuoka (what I use)

▢ Join the most popular tours in Fukuoka

Must-See Landmarks in Fukuoka

1. Fukuoka Tower: This is Japan’s tallest seaside tower, at 243 meters (797 feet).

You’ll see panoramic views of Fukuoka from the viewing decks. It closes at 10pm so you can see night views as well.

Cost: 800 yen ($5.00 USD). Buy tickets online.

Fukuoka Tower, Fukuoka, Japan: The modern, glass-clad Fukuoka Tower standing tall against a foggy sky, with surrounding buildings and a few people walking nearby.

2. Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum: Originally built as an insurance company in 1909, it’s now a space for art and history and owned by the city. Cost: Free.

Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum, Fukuoka, Japan: The Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum, a historical building featuring ornate brickwork and green copper domes, set against a modern urban backdrop.

3. Kihinkan Hall: This French Renaissance-style building is located across Tenjin Park and where you’ll see a Fukuoka sign.

Add a photo op to your things to do in Fukuoka list. 📸

Tickets to go inside is 200 yen ($1.25 USD).

Fukuoka Sign at Kihinkan Hall, Fukuoka, Japan: The historic Kihinkan Hall with its distinctive architecture and green roof, accompanied by a large "Fukuoka" sign in the foreground, set against a cloudy sky.

4. Hakata Port Tower: You’ll likely pass by Hakata Port Tower when passing by Naka River. You can go up the observation tower for views of the harbor and cityscape.

It’s free but does close at 5pm.

Hakata Port Tower at night in Naka River, Fukuoka, Japan: The illuminated Hakata Port Tower glowing in pink and purple hues, reflected in the Naka River with city buildings in the background at dusk.

5. PayPay Dome: PayPay Dome is in the same area as the Fukuoka Tower.

A lot of people visit Fukuoka to attend concerts at PayPay Dome.

Outside of events, it’s open for tours that you can easily book online and is only $8 USD.

PayPay Dome concert venue, Fukuoka, Japan: The modern architectural design of PayPay Dome, a large concert venue with a distinct dome-shaped roof, located along a tree-lined street.

Beaches in Fukuoka

There are a lot of beaches in Fukuoka. While not very swimmable, the beach areas in Fukuoka are extensive and a great place to relax.

These are the beaches I went to and enjoyed and made to add to my list of things to do in Fukuoka.

🏖️ Read my full post on best beaches in Fukuoka.

6. Nata Beach: I chanced upon Nata Beach while exploring other sites. Listed as 奈多海岸 on Google.

It was a beautiful, clean and wide beach to walk along with dark teal waters.

Nata Beach, Fukuoka, Japan: A serene, wide sandy beach with gentle waves lapping at the shore and a clear blue sky stretching out over the horizon.

7. Shingu Beach: I was the only one here and it was so peaceful.

To get there from the nearest station, I walked though forests and Shimonofu Shingu Shrine, as well as the first suburbs I’ve seen in Japan.

Imagine a beach and forest just in your backyard!

Shingu Beach, Fukuoka, Japan: A tranquil beach scene under a cloudy sky, with gentle waves washing up on the sandy shore and distant hills in the background.

8. Momochihama Seaside Park: This is a large urban beach area located near PayPay Dome and right next to Fukuoka Tower.

There’s lots of pier eateries as well as the Marizon building and wharf.

Momochihama Beach, Fukuoka, Japan: A sandy beach with a boardwalk and an ice cream cone decoration, leading to a Mediterranean-style building complex along the shore.

Fukuoka tours to book for your trip:

🔹 Private Fukuoka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems

🔹 Dazaifu Shrine, Yufuin (Ghibli town) and Beppu One Day

🔹 Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones + Shiraito Falls & Keya no Ohto (8am-4:30pm)

Fukuoka Shopping Areas

9. Canal City Hakata: Canal City Mall is a multi-level shopping complex and has a canal running through it with water shows.

This is the most popular shopping area and is always listed in the top things to do in Fukuoka.

A lot of the shops are international brands.

Canal City Hakata Mall Fountain Show, Fukuoka, Japan: A choreographed fountain show at Canal City Hakata Mall, with jets of water dancing in synchronization and people watching from the side. In top things to do in Fukuoka
Canal City Hakata Mall Fountain Show (aerial view), Fukuoka, Japan: An aerial view of the Canal City Hakata Mall's multi-level structure, with lush green terraces and a fountain show in progress below, surrounded by spectators.

10. Kawabata Shopping Arcade: This is a more traditional and covered shopping street with various local shops, including Japanese sweets like dango and mochi.

Perfect place for souvenir shopping.

Kawabata Shopping Arcade, Fukuoka, Japan: A bustling indoor shopping arcade with a high arched ceiling, filled with shops, hanging lanterns, and people walking through.

11. Tenjin Area: Tenjin is Fukuoka’s downtown and the busiest area in Fukuoka.

There are numerous businesses, shopping, and dining options. You can visit a Don Quijote here too.

12. Tenjin Underground Mall: This is one of the biggest underground malls I’ve ever been to, and is connected to Tenjin subway station.

There’s grocery shops, departments stores, cafes, local stores, and much more.

13. Yatai: Fukuoka is famous for its yatai, similar to food trucks.

I’ve seen some at parks and along the river. There are vegan options for any fellow vegheads.

I’ve seen a lot of international cuisine yatai as well.

Yatai Food stalls at Tenjin Central Park, Fukuoka, Japan: People gathering under umbrellas at vibrant yatai food stalls, with a sign advertising "Vegetable Spice Curry" amidst a rainy backdrop.

Cultural Sites

14. Kushida Shrine: This is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Fukuoka, dating back to 757 AD.

The city’s largest festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, is hosted here every July.

It’s only a few minutes walk from Canal City mall and is free to enter.

Kushida Shrine Torii Gate, Fukuoka, Japan: A series of bright orange torii gates leading to Kushida Shrine, with lush greenery and blooming flowers surrounding the pathway.
Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka, Japan: A decorative float on display at Kushida Shrine, featuring intricate carvings and colorful decorations, housed under a protective structure on a rainy day.

15. Shimonofu Shingu Shrine: I chanced upon this shrine while walking to Shingu beach.

A small shrine, but open and surrounded by all forest. It was surreal to be there.

Shimonofu Shingu Shrine, Fukuoka, Japan: A traditional stone torii gate leading to Shimonofu Shingu Shrine, surrounded by dense forest with a pathway extending into the distance.

16. Sumiyoshi Jinja: This shrine is popular to tourists for its tori gates and statue of a sumo wrestler.

Free to enter and like most shrines in Fukuoka, closes at 5pm.

17. Tochoji Temple: Located right next to Gion station, Tochoji temple is famous for its five-storied pagoda and large wooden Buddha.

It’s free to explore the area, but just 50 yen to go inside to see the Buddha.

Tochoji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan: The five-story pagoda of Tochoji Temple, with traditional red and white architecture, surrounded by dense green trees and a modern building in the background.

18. Asian Art Museum: This museum was perfect for a rainy day. I went for a special Asian Pop exhibition.

Tickets usually cost 200 yen ($1.25 USD). Check their website for current exhibits.

Asian Art Museum POP Show, Fukuoka, Japan: A vibrant mural featuring a mix of traditional and modern elements, with animals, flowers, and a large red sun against a colorful background.

19. Fukuoka Art Museum: This museum is located right next to Ohori Park and is much larger.

It’s open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and closed on Mondays. Cost: 200 yen ($1.25 USD).

20. teamLab Forest Fukuoka: Fukuoka also has a teamLab! Explore interactive digital art experiences and exhibits.

Their website is in Japanese, but you can buy tickets online on Klook ($15 USD).

21. Hakozakigu: This shrine is especially popular in September for the annual Hojoya Festival, one of Fukuoka’s major festivals.

You can also see hydrangeas bloom here in the summer.

Nature Sites in Fukuoka

I loved being surrounded by so much greenery in Fukuoka.

Exploring nature sites (as well as beaches) was one of my favorite things to do in Fukuoka.

22. Naka River: You can enjoy a scenic walk along this river flowing through Fukuoka, or take a river cruise.

I loved passing by Naka River every day, especially at night.

Naka River, Fukuoka, Japan: A peaceful river scene with an arched bridge spanning the Naka River, framed by urban apartment buildings on a cloudy day.

23. Tenjin Central Park: A nice green space in the heart of the city.

It’s a popular spot for picnics, lunch breaks, and outdoor activities. I’ve seen yatai stalls set up here as well.

Tenjin Central Park, Fukuoka, Japan: A person with a red backpack walking along a wet, tiled path in Tenjin Central Park, surrounded by lush green trees on a rainy day.

24. Ohori Park: This is the most popular park in Fukuoka and one of the top things to do in Fukuoka.

It has a large central lake, bridge, and multiple walking paths. You can also rent row boats or ride a swan boat.

Ohori Park, Fukuoka, Japan: A scenic view of Ohori Park with a tranquil lake, lush greenery, and a traditional Japanese pavilion on the water under a clear blue sky.

25. Ohori Park Japanese Garden: This well-landscaped traditional Japanese garden has ponds, bridges, and tea houses.

There’s usually a mist show giving the garden an eery, magical feel.

Cost: 250 yen ($1.60 USD).

26. Maizuru Park: A popular and historical park with seasonal flowers and castle ruins. It’s located right next to Ohori Park.

It also has Korokan Square, where locals run and relax on. There’s usually events in the area.

The first time I went, I joined a small fair with live music and local stalls.

Benches at Maizuru Park, Fukuoka, Japan: Wooden benches along a tree-lined path in Maizuru Park, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in soft, early morning sunlight.

When I went during late April, I passed by azalea gardens towards the west exit of the park:

Flowers near Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Fukuoka, Japan: A vibrant garden with pink and purple azaleas in full bloom, surrounded by green trees and historical stone walls.

27. Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Located inside Maizuru Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins was originally constructed during the Edo period in the 17th century and is also one of the top things to do in Fukuoka.

Now, you can explore remnants of stone walls and guard towers. I went here twice and it was a nice area to explore.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins Walls, Fukuoka, Japan: The stone walls of Fukuoka Castle Ruins, flanked by lush green trees and a wet pathway on a misty day.

Farther Things to Do in Fukuoka

Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones, Fukuoka, Japan: A picturesque beach scene featuring a white torii gate and the famous Meoto Iwa (Couple Stones) connected by a sacred rope, set against a blue sea and sky.

I also took days trips that are technically still in Fukuoka ward, but require some travel time.

Read my day trips from Fukuoka post next, but here are some of them:

I hope this post was helpful! There’s lots of things to do in Fukuoka that you can pick and choose from depending on how long you’re staying. Enjoy!

Fukuoka tours to book for your trip:

🔹 Private Fukuoka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems

🔹 Dazaifu Shrine, Yufuin (Ghibli town) and Beppu One Day

🔹 Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones + Shiraito Falls & Keya no Ohto (8am-4:30pm)

More Fukuoka Posts

ALL JAPAN GUIDES

Watch my Fukuoka vlogs:

Top things to do in Fukuoka 🇯🇵 Japan Solo Travel Vlog & Itinerary 🎥
Realistic (and closest) day trips from Fukuoka 🇯🇵 Japan solo travel vlog 🎥

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.