Just because travelling to Japan isn’t on the cards at the moment, doesn’t mean we can’t start planning for a much-needed vacation there. However, as tourists might be heading towards places like Tokyo and Kyoto, you’d want to make a detour and hit up quieter gems that are equally charming – somewhere like Fukuoka.
From futuristic skyscrapers to serene temples, the ramen capital has a myriad of must-see attractions. The best part is, some of these activities are even free. So before you frantically exchange some more Japanese Yen to cover your trip, have a look at this whopping list of 7 free things to do in Fukuoka.
Japanese women don’t seem to age. Perhaps they’re blessed with good genes, or maybe it’s because they’ve been visiting Kushida Shrine – one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Image credit: @fukuoka360
Like most touristy hotspots in Fukuoka, expect to see flocks of visitors at the entrance early in the morning. Besides praying for luck and fortune, you can also sprinkle holy spring water on yourself and see if it lives up to its reputation of helping people stay forever young.
Another highlight at Kushida Shrine includes a 1,000-year-old Ginko tree at the front gate and a towering 13m-tall festival float. It features figurines like samurais and animals and belongs to Hakata Gion Yamakasa – a popular annual summer festival that gathers millions of spectators from all around Japan.
Address: 1-41 Kamikawabata Town, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan.
Opening hours: 4am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +81 92-291-2951
Once your shrine and temple touring frenzy are over, make a pit stop at Ohori Park if you need to find a quiet place to relax and recharge.
Located in the middle of the city centre, the tranquil park is a suitable destination for couples, groups of friends and even families with kids. It consists of a big lake, maple trees, and things to do like swan boat riding, cafe hopping and picnicking. There’s also a Japanese garden with a traditional teahouse and a kids’ playground.
Keep in mind that only entrance to Ohori Park is free. The rest of the activities come at a cost. For example, a swan boat ride can cost you around $19 for 30 minutes.
Address: 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Telephone: +81 92-741-2004
If things like heated toilet seats with an air freshening function excite you, then you’d want to consider a trip to TOTO Museum – Japan’s premium toilet gallery.
From the Japanese squat-style toilets that are believed to be better for your posture to the latest robotic models that can clean your behind, this swanky space will take you through the story and inspiration behind each design. Perhaps after the tour, you’ll finally understand how this Japanese bathroom manufacturer is able to take the world by storm with its creations.
To make the most out of your trip to TOTO’s museum of toilets, check out its interactive exhibits which showcase its products capabilities, as well as the retail corner where you can shop for small bathroom-themed trinkets.
Address: 2-1-1 Nakashima, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Japan
Opening hours: Tue–Sun, 10am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: +81 93-951-2534
Canal City Hakata is a massive shopping complex that houses hundreds of stores, arcades and a cinema. But if you’re not in the mood to shop and drop tons of cash, there are other things you can do that are absolutely free – like watching a 3D dancing fountain performance.
Every 30 minutes, you’ll be able to catch the water spins and splashes to the beats of the music, with vibrant LED lights to boot. In the evening, the surrounding glass walls turn into an epic 2,500-inch 3D projection that always draws a big crowd.
This thrilling performance takes place in the Sun Plaza open space in basement 1. However, you should be able to watch the show if you’re anywhere between basement 1 and the 4th floor.
Address: 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Telephone: +81 92-282-2525
If you claim to be a flower enthusiast and haven’t missed a floral display at Gardens by the Bay, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to Nokoshima Island Park ASAP.
Located 10 minutes away from Fukuoka city centre, the island is home to over 30 different types of flowers – like poppies, marigolds and sunflowers – that bloom all year round.
With sweeping views and hills blanketed in fine florals, Nokonoshima is the photogenic backdrop you need to produce some drool-worthy IG photos. Aside from the flowers, there are numerous other activities, such as a pottery workshop and a farmers market selling fresh produce and fish.
Address: 1624 Noko, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan
Opening hours: Mon–Sat, 9am-5.30pm | Sun 9am-6.30pm
Telephone: +81 92-881-2494
Venture 20 minutes west of Fukuoka city centre and you’ll reach Momochi Seaside Park – a suburban oasis comprising a man-made beach and a Mediterranean-inspired shopping complex.
Whether you’re after a lazy day lounging on the beach, taking a dip in the sea or playing volleyball, you can do as much or as little as you’d like. There’s also a variety of food options ranging from self-cook BBQ to fancy Italian dining for you to choose from. However, keep in mind that swimming is only allowed between July and August.
As Momochihama is one of only a few beaches in Fukuoka known, it can get busy on the weekend. If you’d like to beat the crowd, think about visiting during the week.
Address: 2-902-1 , Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Telephone: +81 92-822-8141
No overseas holiday is complete without a trip to the city’s highest viewpoint to get a bird’s eye view of the glimmering city skyline. In Singapore, it’s the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands. As for Fukuoka, people come to Fukuoka Tower – Japan’s tallest seaside tower – to get the lay of the land.
At 123m above the ground, the top observation deck of this mirrored building offers 360 panoramas of the city, with Sefuri mountains, yacht harbour and Momochi Seaside Park in its vicinity. Once you’ve savoured the magnificent city view, have a go at pinball, try some VR games and grab a souvenir on your way down.
On a regular day, a visit to Fukuoka Tower can cost you roughly $9.39. However, if you’re dropping by on your birthday, you’ll get free entry.
Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan
Opening hours: 9.30am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +81 92-823-0234
For another dose of both history and scenery, hit up Maizuru Park. Built around the ruins of Fukuoka Castle that has been around since the Meiji era, the park is a popular spot for cherry blossoms in April when roughly a thousand trees are in full bloom.
But if you’re not here during the sakura season, you can still take a stroll through the park and explore ancient castle walls and turrets. It is only a 20-minute walk from Ohori Park subway station and within walking distance to Ohori Park.
As you stare down at flight tickets and accommodation prices, you often think that a trip to Japan can be an expensive one. But then you look at places like Fukuoka, with its wealth of free museums, shrines and parks, and you realise you can have a fun holiday without emptying your wallet.
However, a trip to Fukuoka won’t be complete without sampling the food that attracts even the locals from all around Japan. If you must splurge on this trip, we say you spend it right by feasting on these Fukuoka staple dishes below.
If you eat noodles on the regular, you might want to check out the OG pork-boned broth tonkotsu ramen at either a Yatai open-air food stand or Ichiran no Mori Itoshima – where noodles are made fresh daily. Plus, you can even DIY your own ramen, soba and udon using Ramugi – a special ramen powder that was developed in Fukuoka.
Image credit: @teohanyangeffendijeremy
For those who drench their food with Mentaiko, have a look at Fukuya mentaiko at either Ganso Hakata Mentai Ju or Haku Haku Hakata. Not only can you buy a tin or two home, you’ll also be able to try your hand at making this tasty marinated cod roe from scratch. Besides eating it with rice, the locals suggest you try pasting it in a baguette to experience a burst of flavour.
Fans of fresh fruits can head over to Ichigo Kirari and enjoy some of the most flavourful Amaou strawberries that can only be found in Fukuoka. For a taste of authentic Japanese green tea, try Yamecha which is made from hand-plucked tea leaves and can be purchased at various locations such as the Hoshino Tea Museum and Ohori Terrace.
Image credit: Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
While you’re crossing your fingers for a Japan VTL announcement, bookmark this list of things to do and dishes to eat in Fukuoka and start planning your holiday.
This post was brought to you by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association.
Cover image adapted from @ryo_roots, @l.00_am, @mikaeradesu.
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