Fukuoka 1 Day Itinerary With Map

Many Japan travellers choose to travel from Fukuoka to Busan in Korea by ferry. And they wonder: Is Fukuoka worth a visit? We think it absolutely is. So if it is worth a visit, how much time do you need in Fukuoka? We only spent a day in Fukuoka. This was barely enough to see the highlights in town. We think Fukuoka is a great base from which to explore Kyushu island and hence would stay longer the next time.

In our Fukuoka travel blog, we share an efficient Fukuoka itinerary to see the best of Fukuoka in one day!

• Fukuoka in One Day
  • Fukuoka Itinerary Map
  • Where We Stayed in Fukuoka
  • Fukuoka 1 Day Itinerary

Fukuoka in One Day

Fukuoka Itinerary Map

Where We Stayed in Fukuoka

For our visit to Fukuoka, we stayed at the Fukuoka Hana Hostel. First and foremost we loved the HUGE beds – I mean look at the picture, that’s a dorm bed! Additionally, the location is great: It’s in central Hakata within walking distance from the train station and close to the harbour as well. Also, the staff was lovely, the bathrooms were plentiful and clean, and there was a small communal kitchen.

Fukuoka 1 Day Itinerary

Morning – Hakata

Start your Fukukoa itinerary in Hakata, the oldest part of Fukuoka. All of the sights here are within easy walking distance of each other. The area is full of temples and other historic sights.

These are most of Hakata’s highlights:

• Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate is located at an old entrance to Hakata (free).
• Jotenji Temple with its beautiful Japanese sand garden.

• Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s oldest Zen temple (free).
• Tochoji Temple with its five-story pagoda and big Buddha (free).
• Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Folk Museum, a folk museum with replicas of traditional townhouses.
• Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka’s oldest shrine (free).

Lunch – Ramen

We asked a local what the best thing to do in Fukuoka is. Their reply? Eat Ramen! Fukuoka is not only the birthplace of udon and soba noodles but also of Hakata-style Ramen. Hakata-style Ramen is a type of tonkotsu noodle dish.

Ichiran and Ippudo, two of Japan's most famous Ramen chains were founded in Fukuoka. In case, you don’t feel like eating at a chain restaurant, we have marked a spot where we had delicious Ramen on our map.

Afternoon – Parks

Ohori & Maizuru Park were a recommendation from our lovely hostel staff.

The main highlight of Maizuru Park is the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. This is also the best sport in town to watch the cherry blossoms.

Right next to Maizuru Park, you can find Ohori Park. It features a huge lake with islands in the centre – you can rent a boat here if you like. You can also explore the Ohori Japanese Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with different landscapes (entrance fee 250 Yen).

The Fukuoka Art Museum is right next to Ohori Park. It combines Buddhist statues with sculptures by modern artists like Miro and Dali.

Evening – Momochihama

Fukuoka is a beach town and the area around Momochihama features some of the best sights in Fukuoka.

Some of the highlights of Momochihama are:

• Momochihama Beach.
• Momochi Seaside Park.
• Fukuoka Tower (ticket).
• Boss E ZO entertainment complex with TeamLab Forest (ticket).
• Fukuoka City Museum.

Disclaimer: We didn’t make it to this area because we visited during the Hakata Dontaku and were busy watching the parade. Here’s a Fukuoka blog post about the area that we missed.

Dinner – Yatai Markets and Canal City

We seriously missed street food culture in Japan so we were extremely happy about the Yatai markets in Fukuoka. Yatai stalls are open-air food stands. They are only open in the evenings and nights so they make the perfect dinner spot.

The most (and arguably best) Yatai stalls can be found along the banks of the Nakasu River.

Another great thing you can do along the river are Nakasu River Cruises. They start right next to Fukuhakudeai Bridge.

Canal City Hakata, the largest shopping mall in Fukuoka, has a free fountain show every night from 5:30 pm to 10:10 pm – a perfect end for your one day in Fukuoka!

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