I’m ready for my next adventure, and this week, I’ll be exploring the region of Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan.
Fukuoka is more than just a city; it’s a large area and a diverse region, with a lot to offer to travellers wanting to explore the whole prefecture in South Japan.
I arrived bright and early on the overnight sleeper ferry, the Camellia Line, which was travelling from Busan, South Korea.
Here is my travel guide to exploring Fukuoka Prefecture:
Start your journey by Exploring Hakata, Fukuoka
Today, I’ll be exploring the Hakata area of Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Hakata is a wonderful base for exploring Fukuoka, as the Ferry Port, Shinkansen Train Station, and Fukuoka International Airport are all within close proximity.
I recommend enjoying freshly prepared sushi at the train station for a perfect departure lunch on the platform before you board the Shinkansen.
If you’re looking for a quiet spot, Kushida Shrine is a calm sanctuary escape nestled within the heart of busy Hakata.
The Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum is nearby. It explains the history of the local religious Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the world-famous Tonkotsu Ramen scene, which is in and around Hakata.
Stay at Hotel Torifito Hakata Gion, Fukuoka City
When you’re looking for a place to stay in Fukuoka, be sure to check out Hotel Torifito Hakata Gion.
Wonderful hotel with a great location full of Amenities for guests to make use of.
A relaxing onsen is Available for guests to use after a long day of working this is a great spot to enjoy.
The hotel has friendly staff and Spacious rooms for guests to enjoy. The breakfast buffet is wonderful too.
Discover Fukuoka City
Now to start my trip.
My first day was spent exploring Fukuoka City. Here’s what I got up to:
First, we went to the top of Fukuoka Tower to enjoy incredible views over Fukuoka Prefecture.
I spent some time strolling along the Momochi Seaside Park, which was most enjoyable in the sunlight.
I also enjoyed checking out the TeamLAB Forest Fukuoka, a selection of eight different digital interactive art installations to explore, discover, and enjoy.
Then I walked around Ohori Park and enjoyed the calm and tranquil landscape.
It’s free to enter, and you can visit a Japanese Garden and Matcha Tea Cafe as you walk around the PD.
I ended the day with a Fukuoka nightlife classic, a Yatai experience in Nagahama.
Cold Beer, Yakitori, Ramen and Udon were all enjoyed in a social and intimate outdoor setting.
Sightseeing and Punting in Yanagawa
If you’re visiting Fukuoka prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, you must visit Yanagawa and go on a local Yanagawa punting tour.
The easiest way to travel to Yanagawa is on the local Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.
Cruise around the extensive network of canals in a traditional punting boat called a donkobune, which is a charming way to explore the town.
I recommend taking a 60-minute one-way tour. After the tour, a free shuttle will take you back to the station. Remember to bring some cash, as this is a cash-only business.
You’ll get to relax as a local punting guide takes you back in time and shares stories about the area. If you’re lucky, they might sing a few local folksongs too.
Remember to rent a punting hat to enhance your experience.
Have fun punting around Yanagawa, Fukuoka.
Go sightseeing in Munakata
My adventure around Fukuoka Prefecture continues. Today, I will be heading to the coastal town of Fukutsu.
This charming town is home to the Toyomura Sake Brewery, which has been around for over 130 years.
You can tour the brewery and enjoy some sake tasting at the end.
Remember to look up at the roof beams, which are a rarity to see intact and still standing in this style.
After the brewery, I headed towards Munakata to walk around the grounds of Munakata Taisha Shrine.
It was wonderful to be surrounded by tranquil nature.
Across the road is the Uminomichi Munakatakan UNESCO Museum, which is worth visiting while you wait for your bus back to town.
Sightseeing in Kita Kyushu
Head to Kita Kyushu; you can easily reach the area by Shinkansen from Hakata to Kokura station.
From here, you can walk around and explore the grounds of Kokura Castle. Head to the top and learn about Samurai history as you navigate the exhibits showcased inside the castle.
You can purchase a multi-pass ticket, which includes entrance to Kokura Castle, Kokura Castle Gardens and a museum dedicated to the famous crime mystery novel writer Seicho Matsumoto.
Kokura Castle Garden, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, offers a quiet oasis away from Kokura’s busy city life as well as stunning views of Kokura castle from the traditional Shoin-style mansion.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the garden landscape that surrounds the pond.
Be sure to spend some time wandering around Tanga Market. It’s a great spot to pick up some tasty, locally sourced lunch items.
Also in Kokura is the TOTO museum, located next to the TOTO factory. This interesting museum displays the history of toilets and tableware manufacturing and explains the TOTO company brand throughout the years.
Discover Mojiko port and the Kanmon Straight Night View Cruise
Welcome to Mojiko Port, a neighbourhood in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The Waterfront area has a wonderful retro-Reminiscent atmosphere. It has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century, thanks to several well-preserved Western-style buildings.
One of these buildings is Mojiko Station, Japan’s oldest and most atmospheric train station.
Be sure to walk along the Kaikyo Plaza and enjoy banana ice cream and yaki curry, two classics that can be enjoyed in Mojiko.
End your visit with a peaceful sunset cruise from Moji Port. Enjoy a close-up view of Kanmon Bridge as the lights glimmer under the moonlight.
Boarding starts at 18:00, and departure is at 19:00. This trip ticket is cash only.
Thank you for reading my travel guide to Fukuoka Prefecture
Thank you for passing by and checking the blog post about exploring Fukuoka Prefecture.
I hope you found this travel guide valuable towards your trip planning.
If you would like to read my hiking guide to Kyushu, be sure to check out my travel guide.
If you have any questions about Fukuoka, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help.
Have a fantastic time exploring Fukuoka Prefecture.
