🏮 Editor's Perspective: A Complete Travel Guide to Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Kyushu's largest city, is not only a transportation hub but also a culinary paradise. It boasts a vibrant food stall culture, rich tonkotsu ramen, and a vibrant mix of historical and modern attractions. Whether you're on a short layover or enjoying a deeper journey, Fukuoka offers a truly vibrant experience.

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🏙 Recommended must-see attractions

1. Canal City Hakata

• Highlights : A large shopping and entertainment complex with water dance performances, shops, restaurants and cinemas.
• Editor's tip : Suitable for rainy days, the water dance and lights are super beautiful at night.

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2. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

• Highlights : This is a place dedicated to the god of learning and a famous place for praying for exams in Japan.
• Editor’s Tip : You must try the umegae mochi (梅ヶ枝冰) while strolling through the small shops along the main approach.

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3. Fukuoka Tower

• Highlights : Japan's tallest seaside tower, with an extremely romantic night view.
• Editor’s tip : Climb the tower at dusk to enjoy both the sunset and the night view.

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4. Ohori Park

• Highlights : A large lakeside park in the city center with different scenery in each season.
• Editor’s Tip : Both the cherry blossom and maple leaf seasons are beautiful and perfect for strolling or cycling.

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5. Hakata Gion Yamakasa Kaikan

• Highlights : Showcasing the history and floats of Fukuoka's famous Gion Yamakasa Festival.
• Editor’s tip : If you visit in July, don’t miss the live festival.

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6. Nakasu Yatai Street

• Highlights : The riverside yatai (street stalls) are lined up and are the soul of Fukuoka's nightlife.
• Editor's Tip : The restaurant is most popular between 8-10 pm, so it's recommended to reserve a table early.

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🍜 Must-try food in Fukuoka

1. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen

   • The rich white soup paired with thin straight noodles is a satisfying bite.
   • Recommended restaurants: Ichiran, Hakata Ikkosha, Shin Shin

2. Yatai cuisine

   • Grilled chicken, oden, tempura, ramen, eating and chatting together is a great atmosphere.

3. Mentaiko cuisine

   • Mentaiko rice balls and mentaiko pasta are salty and fragrant and go well with rice.
   • Recommended brand: Fukuya

4. Umegae mochi (umegae mochi)

   • Grilled mochi cakes with red bean paste are a must-try on the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

5. Hakata hot pot chicken

   • The thick soup hotpot made with chicken bones, served with chicken and vegetables, is warming and healthy.

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🚋 Fukuoka Transportation Guide

City transportation

• Subway : Fukuoka City's three subway lines (Airport Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line) connect major attractions with the airport.
• Bus : Nishitetsu has a dense bus network, suitable for traveling to the suburbs or places not accessible by subway.
• Walking & Biking : The city center attractions are not far away, and it is easy to rent a bicycle.

From the airport to the city

• From Fukuoka Airport (domestic line), take the subway Airport Line directly to Hakata Station in 5 minutes.
• There is a free shuttle bus from the international terminal to the domestic terminal.

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🗓 My personal 2-day itinerary suggestion

Day 1 (Classic Downtown Route)
Canal City Hakata → Hakata Gion Yamakasa Hall → Ohori Park → Fukuoka Tower → Nakasu Yatai Night Snack

Day 2 (Cultural and Culinary Tour)
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine → Umegae mochi on the approach to the shrine → Mentaiko (cod roe) shop → Hakata Mizuki chicken hot pot dinner

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💡Editor 's friendly reminder :

• Most of the food is paid in cash and the seats are limited, so you need to be patient and wait for a table.
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is crowded during holidays, so it is recommended to go there in the morning.
• Fukuoka Airport is very close to the city center, so you don't need to reserve too much time for transportation on the return trip. However, it is still recommended to check in at the airport in advance during peak season.