Top reasons to visit Fukuoka
- Cultural Experiences: Fukuoka offers a rich tapestry of culture, with numerous shrines, temples, and the lively Hakata Dontaku Festival providing a unique insight into local traditions.
- Vibrant Shopping: Explore bustling shopping centres filled with friendly locals, offering everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion.
- Beautiful Parks: Enjoy tranquil urban parks perfect for relaxation and family outings amidst the city’s vibrancy.
- Delicious Cuisine: Savour Fukuoka's renowned local dishes, including Hakata ramen, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels and hostels catering to families, business travellers, and various budgets.
Find great hotels in Fukuoka
Explore an array of hotel accommodations in Fukuoka, where you can choose from welcoming hotels and budget-friendly hostels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly experience, business amenities, or LGBTQIA-friendly services, Fukuoka has something for everyone. Notable options include the Miyako Hotel Hakata and Hotel Nikko, both praised for their comfort and convenience. Dive into reviews to find the top hotels that suit your travel needs in this vibrant city.
- Hotel MyStays Fukuoka Tenjin: A charming 3-star hotel celebrated for its central location in Fukuoka, Hotel MyStays Fukuoka Tenjin boasts a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. The hotel features a selection of dining options, including Japanese breakfast and a daily restaurant service. Guests can unwind with entertainment amenities such as flat-screen televisions and pay movies in the comfort of their rooms. The hotel is conveniently located near a metro station, shopping districts, and entertainment venues, making it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant city life of Fukuoka.
- Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station: This elegant 4-star hotel, with a remarkable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, is ideally situated near Hakata Station, providing ease of access to transportation. The hotel presents a variety of dining experiences, including buffet breakfasts and light fare options. Guests can maintain their fitness regimen with 24-hour fitness facilities and enjoy modern entertainment through multiple television options. The property is well-placed for exploring the city centre, with nearby hospitals and shopping districts enhancing its convenience for visitors.
- THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier: This 3.5-star hotel, featuring an impressive guest rating of 9.4 out of 10, offers a blend of contemporary style and comfort in the heart of Fukuoka. Dining options include a daily restaurant, coffee shop, and a buffet breakfast service. Guests can take advantage of the fitness facilities available on-site, while the rooms are equipped with LCD televisions for entertainment. Its proximity to shopping districts and metro stations ensures that guests have easy access to the best of what Fukuoka has to offer, making it an appealing choice for discerning travellers.
Where to stay in Fukuoka
Fukuoka, a vibrant metropolis, offers a delightful blend of relaxation and excitement for families and business travellers alike. Explore its bustling shopping havens, where friendly locals welcome you, and immerse yourself in the rich culture. Nearby attractions provide a perfect escape, showcasing the region's charm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stay or an exhilarating adventure, Fukuoka and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
- Tenjin: Tenjin is a vibrant neighbourhood located at the heart of Fukuoka. Known for its bustling shopping centres and theatres, this area is a hub for both locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is lively year-round, with peak visitor numbers in April, July, and September. Families and business travellers flock to Tenjin for its array of entertainment options, including a variety of shopping malls and parks. Notable landmarks include the nearby stadium and sports facilities, making it an excellent destination for sports enthusiasts as well.
- Hakata Ward: Situated in close proximity to Fukuoka's cultural offerings, Hakata Ward boasts a rich blend of modernity and tradition. This neighbourhood sees a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, particularly in April, July, and September. It is an ideal destination for families and business travellers, featuring prominent shopping centres and theatres. Visitors can enjoy local attractions such as the transport museum and a thrilling theme park, providing a well-rounded experience that caters to diverse interests.
- Hakata Ekimae: Nestled near the bustling Hakata Station, Hakata Ekimae is a strategic location for exploring Fukuoka and its surroundings. With peak visitor numbers occurring from June to July and September, this area attracts families and business travellers alike. Accessible shopping centres and theatres are abundant, while local attractions include a stadium and sports facility, as well as a lively theme park. Hakata Ekimae offers a convenient and exciting base for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Fukuoka.
Things to do in Fukuoka
Shopping
Near the bustling centre, you can explore Tenjin Chuo Park, where the vibrant Tenjin underground shopping mall offers a range of unique shops and boutiques. For a more traditional experience, visit the local Yanagibashi Rengo Market, known for its fresh produce and artisanal goods, perfect for souvenirs.
Recreation
Fukuoka's Yufuin Onsen offers a tranquil retreat with picturesque views of Mount Yufu, where visitors can unwind in natural hot springs and enjoy soothing spa treatments. Nearby, the scenic Kuju Mountain Range invites hiking enthusiasts to explore its stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air.
Adventure
Explore the scenic trails of the Sefuri Mountains for hiking and breathtaking views. For water sports, visit the beautiful beaches of Itoshima, where you can enjoy surfing or paddleboarding. Experience thrilling rides at Marine World or take a boat tour around the stunning coastline.
Nightlife
Fukuoka's nightlife offers vibrant izakayas like Yakiniku Hotei, where you can savour grilled delights. For a lively bar scene, explore the bustling Nakasu district, filled with pubs and clubs. Don't miss the unique experience of a yanagibashi market evening, blending local culture and nightlife charm.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fukuoka
To save money on your trip to Fukuoka, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, June, or September. Utilise the subway and bus for affordable transport options, and enjoy free attractions like Momochi Beach and Kamado Shrine. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay, which is typically cheaper than Saturday. Look out for last-minute deals on Expedia and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Fukuoka are January, June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Fukuoka is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Fukuoka is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Fukuoka is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most economical hotel options first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Fukuoka with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Fukuoka
Fukuoka is an ideal destination for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring its numerous shrines, urban parks, and temples. The city and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of outdoor activities and family experiences, ensuring that every traveller can find something to enjoy during their vacation.
- Ohori Park: A serene urban oasis in the heart of Fukuoka, Ohori Park boasts a beautiful lake surrounded by walking paths, gardens, and a traditional Japanese teahouse. Families can enjoy picnics while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: This expansive seaside park offers eco-friendly attractions, including lush gardens and recreational areas. Families can explore the diverse flora and fauna, enjoy cycling paths, and engage in outdoor activities, all while appreciating the picturesque views of the ocean.
- Fukuoka City Art Museum: Nestled in the scenic Ohori Park, the Fukuoka City Art Museum showcases a rich collection of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can immerse themselves in various exhibitions that reflect the local culture and artistic expression, making it a cultural highlight of the city.
Best time to go to Fukuoka
The best time to visit Fukuoka can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Fukuoka falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Fukuoka falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Fukuoka
Flying into FUKuoka is convenient with Fukuoka Airport (FUK), situated 6km from the city centre. Notable accommodations nearby include the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, a 5-star hotel 3km away, and the 4.5-star Hotel Okura Fukuoka, also 3km from the airport. Alternatively, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, a 4.5-star hotel, is located 8km from FUK. Other airport options include Kumamoto Airport (KMJ), 93km away, with hotels like Hotel Nikko Kumamoto and Crowne Plaza ANA Kumamoto New Sky, both about 16km from KMJ. OITa Airport (OIT), 127km from Fukuoka, offers hotels such as Spa & Resort HOTEL SOLAGE and Villa Kunisaki, both within 18km of OIT.