Located in the heart of Fukuoka, Hakata Station boasts excellent accessibility, just a 5-minute subway ride from Fukuoka Airport, which serves numerous domestic and international flights. If you hop on the Shinkansen, it’s only about 5 hours from Tokyo and just an hour and a half from Hiroshima.
Fukuoka is renowned for its rich food culture, with dishes like Hakata ramen, motsunabe, and mizutaki being incredibly popular. It’s practically a must to indulge in these culinary delights when visiting.
In my experience, Fukuoka has a vibrant urban vibe similar to Osaka. But what’s fascinating is how you can easily escape the hustle and bustle by just stepping away from the city center and immersing yourself in nature.
1. Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine ⛩️
Among the many Tenmangu shrines in Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine stands out as one of the most renowned.
At Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, nestled amidst serene surroundings, lies the sacred resting place of Sugawarano Michizane, revered as the “God of Learning.”
This revered site, considered one of the 12,000 Tenjin shrines across Japan, attracts millions of visitors annually, including countless students seeking blessings for their exams.
During my high school and university entrance exam years, I too made pilgrimages here twice, purchasing “academic achievement charms” to carry with me daily.
Michizane’s legacy as a prominent scholar of the 9th century, who rose to the pinnacle of academia and later served as a minister, left an indelible mark on Japan’s culture and politics, inspiring reverence across generations.
His exceptional talent and lifelong dedication continue to resonate deeply with us.
Inside Tenmangu Shrine, you’ll find eleven statues of cows, each holding a special connection to Sugawara no Michizane. It might seem unusual, but countless visitors come here to gently stroke these statues. But why?
It’s said that each stroke brings a unique blessing. For instance, stroking the cow’s head is believed to impart wisdom.
And if you stroke the part of the cow representing your ailment, the affliction is said to transfer to the statue, leading to your recovery. These cows have been stroked so often that they gleam, especially their heads.
And yes, I’ve joined in, giving these cows a gentle pat more than once.
This is more unusual shrine behaviour specific to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, here are general tips on proper etiquette for visiting Japanese shrines.
Eat local sweets: Umegaemochi
When I visited Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, I discovered a delightful treat you absolutely must try: Umegae Mochi.
The texture contrasts of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside make it incredibly satisfying.
By the way, when you think of bean paste, it’s not something most foreigners would expect to find delicious. But take one bite, and that expectation gets turned on its head. It’s a flavor that connects with the Japanese love for sweet bean paste, something deeply ingrained in our culture.
You’ll find several shops offering Umegae Mochi near the shrine, and I’ve highlighted some of the best ones on “You can’t miss eating These Foods in Hakata, Fukuoka”.
2. Food stalls 🥢
The hustle and bustle of the post-war era paved the way for the vibrant street food scene that defines Hakata in Fukuoka today. It’s practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting Hakata to dive into this culinary adventure.
Each area in Hakata has its own vibe: Nakasu teeming with tourists, Tenjin with its local charm, and Nagahama offering a taste of authentic ramen.
This, I believe, is the true charm of these food stalls.
Each food stall may not be grand, offering just a handful of seats. Yet, it’s precisely this cozy setup that brings people together. The close proximity to the stall staff and other tourist diners fosters a sense of camaraderie, making it easy for strangers to bond over a meal or a chat.
Plus, there’s something liberating about exploring the array of food stalls, each offering its own culinary delights. It’s like embarking on a flavorful adventure where you can nibble your way through various dishes, moving from one stall to the next without a care in the world.
And what’s great is the quick turnaround time – you place your order, and before you know it, your meal is right there, piping hot and ready to be enjoyed.
These stalls aren’t there round the clock; they come to life in the evening, bustling with activity around 9 p.m. It’s the perfect spot for a light dinner after you’ve already eaten, adding a delightful finishing touch to your evening.
But here’s the insider tip: be prepared.
These stalls aren’t like your typical restaurants. There are no restrooms nearby, so it’s best to take care of business beforehand.
And remember, cash is must at many of these spots, so make sure you’ve got some on hand to savor every bite without any hiccups.
3. Itoshima
It’s been ranked third globally as the ‘Most Enchanting Small City’ by a British magazine. With its lush nature, it’s a haven for surfers and hikers, and you’ll find art studios and pottery workshops scattered around.
Getting to the city is a breeze, just a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Fukuoka. And, you can even explore Itoshima by renting a bike!
When I personally visited Itoshima, I made a beeline for its sandy shores, known for stunning photo ops. But what really took my breath away was the Meoto Iwa (this meaning is married couple), those two rocks in the sea that seem to be cuddling, with a quaint white torii gate in between.
And let me tell you, sunset there? Absolutely magical. You’ve gotta snap a pic with your partner, it’s practically a must.
And, there are these awesome swings and benches shaped like hearts too! Spent over an hour just goofing around and taking pics there.
4. Yanagawa
A tourist spot located about an hour’s drive or 50 minutes by train from the heart of Fukuoka. In Yanagawa, moats were created during the construction of Yanagawa Castle. One of the popular tourist activities here is taking a boat ride along these moats.
During the boat ride, the boatman serenaded us with songs, adding a delightful touch to the journey. I had anticipated a leisurely cruise, but it quickly turned into an unexpected adventure.
As we glided along, we encountered obstacles—a series of trees lying across the water, blocking our path. Instead of turning back, our boatman instructed us, ‘Please crouch down. We’re going to pass under the trees.’ I initially chuckled, thinking it was a jest, but his seriousness soon became evident.
With hearts racing, we obediently crouched down, almost crawling on the floor of the boat, to navigate through the narrow passage under the trees.
Adding to the adventure, we even squeezed beneath a stone bridge, with the water surface just inches above us. It felt like we were moments away from bumping our heads against the bridge’s ceiling. The rush of navigating under those fallen trees and the stone bridge remains a cherished and exhilarating memory for me.
5. BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA 🎢
From Hakata Station, it only takes a quick train ride and a walk of less than 30 minutes to get to this expansive entertainment hub. Just by checking out their website or Instagram, you can sense the sheer excitement, making it one of the top spots on my must-visit list.
Within the seven-story building, each floor offers unique attractions, giving you the feeling that a single day might not suffice to experience everything it has to offer!
What really captivates me is the solo hanging rail coaster. Each turn swings your body wildly, and being suspended mid-air, the thrill is sure to be intense. Experiencing the sensation of hanging in the air from such a height might be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
There’s also a 100-meter tube slide descending from a towering height of 40 meters, and these two attractions are exclusive to this place in Japan.
Additionally, there are numerous VR attractions available, guaranteeing endless fun.
By the way, if you’re keen on enjoying VR attractions, there are places in Tokyo offering them as well, so be sure to check them out!
6. Dining Cinema 🎥
At United Cinemas, you get to indulge in a one-of-a-kind movie experience where you can enjoy a meal alongside the film, a concept exclusive in Japan. You get to pick between standard seats or cozy recliners.
While they might not always showcase the most famous blockbusters, there’s still a selection of about three films to choose from. Plus, they offer movies with English audio, so even if Japanese isn’t your forte, you’re covered.
For anyone craving a cinematic feast, this spot is a must-try. You can check detail on the official website (But only in Japanese).
Conclusion
Hakata is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering not just food but also opportunities to immerse in nature, history, and modern marvels.
If you’re planning a trip to Hiroshima, why not add a little extra adventure and explore Fukuoka and Hakata while you’re at it?
