Breeze Around Fukuoka by Bicycle

Looking for a simple and easy way to see Fukuoka City while getting in some exercise? We recommend ChariChari, a bike sharing service that has over 4,200 bicycles available at over 690 locations throughout the city. Most of the bike ports are located in the Hakata and Tenjin neighborhoods for convenient access to all sorts of tourist attractions and local sights that you might miss out on if you’re traveling by car, train, or bus. Traveling by chari (Japanese slang for ‘bicycle’) is also a great option for the environmentally conscious, and if you don’t want to worry about crowds or rushing to catch a train. What’s more, this service is available all 24 hours of the day, 365 days a year, so you can get to where you need, whenever you need. Start your sustainable trip into the heart of Fukuoka with ChariChari, a fun and unique way to see this vibrant city! 

Nokonoshima, a Floral Paradise

Step into a floral wonderland on Nokonoshima, a small island in Hakata Bay surrounded by the sea and mountains. Only 10 minutes by ferry from mainland Fukuoka City, this island is the perfect location to enjoy seasonal flowers and picturesque natural scenery. Visit Nokonoshima Island Park to see iconic cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers in the summer, berry-colored cosmos in the autumn, daffodils in the winter, and much more. The park is particularly well known for breathtaking views of cosmos and canola flower fields overlooking Hakata Bay, so don’t forget your camera when you visit!

Try Sustainable Farming at Famnic

For the ultimate Fukuoka farm experience, head out to the Kitazaki area of Itoshima Peninsula on the Western coast of Fukuoka, where seafood and produce are abundant. Experience the bounty of the region’s natural resources first-hand at Famnic, a farm committed to sustainable farming practices and composting, and where visitors can enjoy planting and harvesting vegetables, followed by a picnic to taste a real farm-to-table meal overlooking the sea. For a taste of the earth, we recommend trying Kitazaki daikon, a local specialty, whether it’s raw, pickled, or cooked; and for a taste of the sea, the nearby Karadomari Ebisu Oyster Hut is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy the taste of fresh oysters and shellfish while looking out onto the sea. And of course, the scenic nature of the countryside and incredible ocean views are breathtaking, adding to this truly wonderful experience in the outskirts of Fukuoka City. Travel to Fukuoka’s West coast from Hakata and Tenjin via train has never been easier, so why not head out to this rural region for a garden-fresh taste of Fukuoka’s rich food culture. 

History and Culture in Hakata Old Town

In an energetic and emerging city like Fukuoka, it’s important to remember the deep historical, spiritual, and cultural roots that have helped to shape this unique region. The Hakata Old Town area is the perfect place to delve into this side of Fukuoka City. Make a stop at Kushida Shrine, a pillar of the local community and the center of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held every July. This grand shrine is home to a ginkgo tree that is said to be over a thousand years old, as well as several kazari yamasaka floats, paraded around during the festival, to get you into a festive mood.

The next place you should visit in the neighborhood is Tochoji Temple, home to the largest wooden seated Buddha statue in Japan. At 10.8 meters tall and weighing in at 30 tons, this particular statue took four years to finish! The rest of the temple is no less impressive, with a brilliantly colored five-storey pagoda and treasure exhibition hall that is open once a month. Interestingly, Tochoji Temple was founded by the famed Buddhist leader Kukai, or Kobo-Daishi, and later became the family temple for the feudal lords of Fukuoka. Now, the temple is a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Shofukuji Temple is another great spot for a breath of fresh air. Particularly notable at this temple is its grand Sanmon gate, built in 1911 in an architectural style typical to zen temples. It’s not just a gate, either, holding several statues including one of the thousand-armed Kannon. From outside the main temple building, the dark roof tiles create a striking contrast with the surrounding pine trees and blue sky, a sight you won’t want to miss. There are interesting design features around the temple grounds as well, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy your dive into Fukuoka history! 

Thinking Local and Global with Art Next 

Most people probably know Fukuoka as a city of fantastic food, with its proximity to the forests and the sea for bountiful harvests and fresh ingredients. But what you might not know is that Fukuoka is also emerging as a global city of art, with artwork quite literally pouring out into the streets. For the past couple of years, Fukuoka Art Next, a collaborative effort between the Fukuoka Art Museum and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, has worked to cultivate artists who make the city more vibrant and give Fukuoka citizens more opportunities to encounter art in their daily lives. Supporting the growing art scene gives back to the community by bringing excitement, starting conversations, and planting seeds of hope and joy for the future. And by calling on Japanese and foreign artists to come to create, exhibit, and sell their art, Fukuoka City is building bridges across the globe to create a colorful society. Already, displays such as the Fukuoka Wall Art Project have garnered attention for their creative use of construction site enclosures as canvases, allowing artists to exhibit their art for all to admire and appreciate. A simple walk through the city can turn into a thought-provoking, exciting, and colorful new experience!

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka: A Luxury Stay at Fukuoka’s Finest

There is nothing better than stepping into relaxation, luxury, and comfort after a long day out on the town. The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka offers just that, with impeccably designed rooms, several fine dining options, and gorgeous views of Hakata Bay. Guest rooms seamlessly weave together modern elements with traditional Fukuoka craftsmanship, from Hakata-ori textiles to lacquered woven bamboo. Among the culinary options at The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka are modern western restaurant ”Viridis”, where guests can have a taste of fresh local ingredients, Bay, the perfect spot for an original cocktail with oyster, and Genjyu, where three types of Japanese cuisine: kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki Japanese culinary traditions come together in a fantastic fusion. For an added level of luxury, visit The Ritz-Carlton Spa to find peace of mind, body, and spirit. 

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk: Grand Views from the City to the Sea

For unparalleled views of Hakata Bay and Fukuoka City, a luxurious Japanese stone bath, and more, consider a stay at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk. Located in the Seaside Momochi district, one of the "100 Best Urban Views in Japan,” and a short distance from the city center, this accommodation promises a comfortable and chic stay in Fukuoka. The city is known for its world-class food, and the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk offers five spectacular dining options, including refined teppanyaki  “Kinyoutei”, Bar & Dining CLOUDS with the spectacular night views and authentic Sushi “Tomozuna”. After your meal, why not head to either the indoor or outdoor pool to relax and refresh? 

Miyako Hotel Hakata: An Oasis in an Urban Hub

Enjoy your stay in Hakata, the gateway to Kyushu, at the Miyako Hotel Hakata, where you won’t have to trade comfort for convenience. This grand hotel is a mere 1 minute walk from Hakata Station, Fukuoka City’s main transit hub, and 15 minutes by subway from Fukuoka Airport. Its location in the heart of the city makes the Miyako Hotel Hakata a great option for those eager to start their journey around Fukuoka, with ample amenities to make your stay unforgettable. Their offerings include an outdoor pool with its own waterfall and surrounded by greenery, gourmet restaurants with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a natural onsen and sauna that will melt away all of the stress and exhaustion of travel. You will never want to leave this elegant home away from home! 

Fukuoka is an exciting, emerging city in Kyushu, a place you can visit again and again and still discover something new. From sustainable farming and thoughtful cuisine to luxurious stays and city rides, Fukuoka City has it all!