Explore Fukuoka — A Dynamic Blend of Heritage, Nature, and Urban Experience
Fukuoka Prefecture — Gateway to Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. Connecting the world to a region rich in ancient culture and stunning natural beauty. Fukuoka is a crossroads between cultures, cultivating diversity and cosmopolitan citizens who extend their warm welcome to those near and far.
→ Explore Fukuoka PrefectureFukuoka City has played a significant role throughout Japan's history. While evidence shows that people inhabited the area as far back as 30,000 years ago during the Paleolithic Era, the city's story truly began about 2,000 years ago. From that time onward, Fukuoka has cultivated a rich culture and deep traditions.
→ Learn more about Fukuoka City's history
Hakata Ward
A central hub of Kyushu's politics, economy, and tradition with unique landmarks, lively festivals, and deep-rooted culinary customs.
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Chuo Ward
The heart of Fukuoka City, home to the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle ruins, the Korokan diplomacy site, and the vibrant commercial hub of Tenjin.
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Sawara Ward
Home to the 234-meter Fukuoka Tower, man-made Momochi Seafront Park, and the Fukuoka City Museum.
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Higashi Ward
A residential, coastal ward known for Hakozaki Shrine, Umi-no-Nakamichi Seaside Park, and Shika Island.
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Nishi Ward
A scenic, residential ward in western Fukuoka with coastal views, easy access to Itoshima, and popular spots like Nokonoshima Island.
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Minami Ward
The southern ward of Fukuoka City — primarily residential with the Ohashi commercial center and a population of approximately 273,000.
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Jonan Ward
Known for Fukuoka University, Yūsentei Park, and Kikuchi Shrine — a quieter, authentic local experience near downtown Tenjin.
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The Fukuoka City Subway consists of the Airport Line (Meinohama–Fukuoka Airport), the Hakozaki Line (Nakasu-Kawabata–Kaizuka), and the Nanakuma Line (Hashimoto–Hakata). Trains operate between 5:30 am and 0:25 am, every 4–8 minutes.
Information and map from Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau. View subway map →
Fukuoka is served by Japan Railways (JR), Nishitetsu Railways, three subway lines, and a bus network. The city's main station is Hakata Station. Fukuoka Airport is only a five minute subway ride from Hakata Station — one of Japan's most centrally located airports.
Information and map from Japan-Guide.com →
- Prepaid Cards (Sugoca / Nimoca / Hayakaken) — Usable on all trains, subways and buses in greater Fukuoka. Suica and 7 other national IC cards also accepted.
- 1-Day Subway Pass — 640 yen — Unlimited subway use on one calendar day. Available at all subway station vending machines.
- Fukuoka Tourist City Pass — 2,500 or 2,800 yen — For foreign tourists only. Valid one day on virtually all trains and buses. 2,800 yen version includes the Nishitetsu train to Dazaifu.
- Fukuoka Wide Pass — 3,500 yen — Two consecutive days on JR trains around Fukuoka Prefecture. Does not cover shinkansen or city subways.
Hakata Old Town
There are many valuable things in Hakata Old Town, reflecting the area's rich history as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange.
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Canal City Hakata
A commercial complex built around an artificial canal — hotels, theater, movie theater, shops, restaurants, and showrooms all in one.
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Ichiran Ramen Tower
The iconic 12-story red headquarters of the world-famous tonkotsu ramen chain, which began as a small stall in 1960.
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Nakasu Yatai Street
Known for its lively atmosphere, this outdoor food stall street attracts both locals and tourists as one of Fukuoka's most popular spots.
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LaLaport Fukuoka
A large-scale commercial facility with fashion, cosmetics, electronics, character goods, gourmet food and entertainment.
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Fukuoka Toy Museum
Housed in LaLaport Fukuoka, visitors can play with 8,000 toys from Japan and countries around the world.
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TeamLab Forest
A new kind of museum by art collective teamLab, consisting of a Catching and Collecting Forest and an Athletics Forest.
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Ohori Park
Opened in 1929, developed on the site of the large moat of Fukuoka Castle — a reclamation of an inlet of Hakata Bay.
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Fukuoka Art Museum
Located by Ohori Park, the museum houses over 16,000 pieces of art ranging from pre-modern to contemporary.
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Tenjin Chikagai
The largest underground shopping area in Kyushu — 12 avenues with 150 shops of fashion, gourmet, books and more.
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ACROS Fukuoka
City Oasis "Mt. ACROS" — a large-scale green roof building climbable to a 60m observatory in the center of Fukuoka.
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Fukuoka City Zoo & Botanical Garden
A popular spot featuring over 700 animals including elephants, lions, and orangutans, plus a botanical garden with a greenhouse.
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Hakata Ramen
Thin noodles in a thick, creamy tonkotsu soup, topped with chashu. Fukuoka's most iconic dish.
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Mentaiko
Spicy cod roe eaten with cooked rice or as a seasoning in pasta dishes. A beloved Fukuoka staple.
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Motsunabe
A local hot pot with beef or pork tripe, cabbage, garlic, chives and togarashi peppers in soy sauce or miso broth.
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Tetsunabe Gyoza
Pan-fried dumplings served in large batches on hot iron plates — especially popular around Hakata Station.
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Mizutaki
Thick slices of boned chicken cooked with seasonal vegetables and eaten with ponzu sauce.
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Umegae Mochi
Rice dough filled with azuki bean paste and baked golden — a famous specialty sweet of Dazaifu.
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Eel Seiro Mushi
Steamed eel in a bamboo basket — synonymous with Yanagawa, a place renowned for its wild eels.
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Hakata Torimon
A soft European-style butter cookie filled with white bean paste. Japan's top confectionery award winner for 20+ consecutive years.
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Yakitori
Fukuoka citizens love yakitori. City streets are filled with yakitori restaurants unlike anywhere else in Japan.
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Mojiko Yaki Curry
Curry with rice topped with cheese and/or egg heated in an oven. Many original varieties served across the Mojiko area.
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