Fukuoka Travel Guide: What to do in Fukuoka, Japan

Last Updated on March 23, 2024

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan

Japan has been on my travel bucket list for ages, and in October Nick and I finally had a chance to visit.

Our Japanese adventure lasted two and a half weeks, and our itinerary consisted of Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Visiting this many cities gave us a fantastic overview of Japan, and the many things that it had to offer.

The first city that we visited was Fukuoka, which Nick added to our itinerary, so neither of us knew much about it.

Our first day was very eventful, as we weren’t able to leave the airport due to a typhoon, so instead of having two full days to explore the city, we only had one.

When we finally left the airport, we headed to the Candeo Hotel, which is where we were staying. It was located opposite Canal City, a huge shopping centre with a cinema, amusement areas, two other hotels, and a canal running through the centre of it.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Canal City

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Canal City gardens

There were so many shops here, that on the shopping centre map they were divided by north, east, and south, and were spread out amongst five floors.

There was a whole floor dedicated to ramen called Ramen Stadium. Here we ordered our meals from a machine at the front of the restaurant, then gave the waiter at the restaurant’s entrance the ticket that the machine provided us with.

The first tourist attraction that we saw in Fukuoka was Tochoji Temple, which was only a 15-minute walk from our hotel.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Tochoji Temple

The Temple was located on a busy road, but upon entering it you can’t hear any road noise at all, making it a peaceful getaway.

Its surrounding grounds had gorgeous pagodas and sculptures all throughout them. On the day we went there weren’t many tourists, nor were there many English translations to tell us what each attraction within the Temple meant, but this didn’t take away from the joy of it.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Tochoji Temple garden

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Tochoji Temple sculptures

Just as we were about to leave, I saw a sign to the entrance of where the Buddha was. Luckily I researched this attraction prior to visiting, as I learnt that you could walk under the Buddha, which is what we did.

Located just 500m from Tochoji Temple, was the gorgeous Kushida Shrine, which was jam packed with tourists, and jam packed with things to see.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine entrance

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine gardens

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine garden sites

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine Torii Gate walkway

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine walkway

And like many other attractions in Japan, there are many vending machines to satisfy any hunger or thirst you may have.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine vending machines

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine Torii Gates

It was here that I learnt about what to do at a Temple’s water pavilion station, which is where you wash away any heart and physical impurities.

Firstly, you scoop water into the ladle with your right hand and pour water over your left hand, and then you do the same thing in opposite hands.

After this you pour water into your left hand and rinse out your mouth, making sure you don’t touch the ladle to your mouth. You rinse out your mouth and spit the water outside of the water pavilion station, and use the remaining water to rinse the ladle off.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kushida Shrine water pavillion

After Kushida Shrine we caught a train to Kumamoto Castle, which took about 30 minutes on the Shinkansen (bullet train). It was worth the train ride as the Castle is one of the three most exquisite Castles in Japan, and has an interesting 400-year history.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle exterior

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle staircase

The underground passageway (Kuragari Tsuro) is the Castle’s official entrance. Once you reach the Castle you can walk through each of its six stories, learning about the Castle’s history, and view historic artefacts.

We were here for a couple of hours, but there were many other tourist attractions surrounding the Castle that we would have loved to go to, but didn’t have enough time.

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle rooftop view

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle view from the top

Fukuoka Travel Guide What to do in Fukuoka Japan Kumamoto Castle view

I loved our full day in Fukuoka. It was a large city, and didn’t have as many tourists as the better known areas of Japan. I’d love to spend more time there.

Do you have any Fukuoka recommendations?

Share to..

Similar Posts

Notify me of..
Notify me on
guest
2 Leave a comment
Newest
Oldest
Inline feedbacks
View all comments
Ting
December 15, 2014 7:57 pm

Thanks for sharing! x

http://www.eatlovemerry.com

Lisa
December 16, 2014 5:38 pm
Reply to  Ting

You’re welcome.