Discover the vibrant energy, rich history, and stunning natural beauty of Fukuoka with our recommended travel itinerary. This itinerary takes you beyond the typical tourist spots, introducing you to local favorites.
Fukuoka City Itinerary
Let’s start with a model itinerary for Fukuoka City.
Model Itinerary 1: Hakata and Tenjin Area Exploration & Fukuoka Gourmet Tour (Full Day)
This itinerary covers the Hakata and Tenjin areas, offering a comprehensive experience of Fukuoka’s history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food.
Tocho-ji Temple
Known as the first esoteric Buddhist temple founded in Japan by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Tocho-ji Temple is a historic site located in the heart of Fukuoka City. Explore the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, experience the eerie Hell and Paradise journey, and admire the beautiful five-story pagoda.
Kushida Shrine
Famous as the home of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, Kushida Shrine has a rich history dating back to 735 AD. The shrine houses numerous important cultural properties, including the main hall and the kagura hall.
Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall
Explore the largest underground shopping mall in western Japan, with over 200 shops offering fashion, gourmet food, and miscellaneous goods.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Indulge in the rich and creamy Hakata tonkotsu ramen, made with a slow-cooked pork bone broth. Many specialized ramen shops are scattered throughout the city, each offering its unique flavor.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Admire the historical Fukuoka Castle Ruins, a symbol of Fukuoka. The castle was built by Kuroda Nagamasa and served as the seat of the Fukuoka Domain during the Edo period.
Ohori Park Japanese Garden
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Relax in the beautiful Ohori Park Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy the traditional Japanese garden design with its pond, tea house, and strolling paths.
Nakasu Yatai
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Fukuoka at Nakasu Yatai, a bustling food stall area. Enjoy a variety of local delicacies, from ramen and oden to yakitori and more.
Model Course for Sightseeing in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Next, let’s explore a model itinerary for Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
モデルコース：北九州市内を満喫
北九州市内の有名観光スポットを1日で観光できるおすすめのモデルコースです。
1.門司港レトロ散策
2.三宜楼
3.門司港焼きカレー
4.小倉城
5.角打ち
6.北九州新三大夜景「皿倉山」
それぞれの観光スポットについて、魅力や観光ポイントをご紹介します。
Mojiko Retro Area
The two-story wooden station building, constructed in 1914, is a beautiful example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. In 1988, it became Japan’s first active railway station building to be designated as an Important Cultural Property. The building’s blend of historical grandeur and modern amenities is a must-see. Its symmetrical design is particularly striking, and at night, the building is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
The area around Mojiko Retrot Station has been developed as a tourist destination called Mojiko Retro Retro. It’s home to a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood and Mojiko famous baked curry. You can also enjoy shopping at souvenir and general goods stores.
Sankiro
Located in the Moji Port Retro area facing the Kanmon Strait, Sanki-ro is a three-story wooden ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) built in 1931. It is one of the largest surviving ryokan buildings in Kyushu and is registered as a tangible cultural property.
On the third floor, there is a spacious 100-tatami room called “Hyakujou-jiki” that offers breathtaking views of the strait. This space is used for various purposes, including banquets and weddings.
Mojiko Baked Curry
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Mojiop Baked Curry
If you visit Mojiko, you must try the local specialty, “baked curry.” In the 1940s, a local Western restaurant owner combined leftover rice and curry and baked it in an oven, which unexpectedly became a hit and established itself as a local specialty.
This dish features a layer of melted cheese on top of curry rice, baked to a golden brown. The combination of the savory curry and the rich, creamy cheese is simply irresistible.
Mojiko offers a wide variety of baked curry dishes, from classic beef curry to seafood, vegetable, and chicken curry. You can also choose from different types of cheese and toppings to create your own perfect combination.
Kokura Castle
Kokura Castle, located in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, was built in 1597 by Nagamasa Kuroda, a vassal of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The white castle tower, nicknamed “Shirasagi-jo” (White Egret Castle), is well known to the citizens of Kokura as a symbol of the city.
From the castle tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kokura. The night view is especially beautiful, and you can discover new charms of Kokura.
“Kaku-uchi,” the culture of Kitakyushu
”Kaku-uchi” refers to drinking sake at a liquor store.
In Kitakyushu, Kaku-uchi culture flourished because it was a useful place to drink day and night. The Yawata Steel Works opened in 1901, and the large number of workers working in three shifts had an influence on the culture of kaku-uchi. From long-established establishments to newer stores, you can enjoy drinking in a sibilant atmosphere.
Sarakurayama, one of the three most famous night views in Japan
Sarakura, located in Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu City, is a 622-meter-high mountain from the top of which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kitakyushu. The night view is particularly beautiful and has been called “a night view worth 10 billion dollars,” and is recognized as one of Japan’s new top three night views.
