From the tranquil expanse of Ōhori Park to the shoreline of Hakata Bay, water accompanies strolls, café visits, fishery culture, and resort-style escapes. The city’s “East & West Coast” initiative further invites travelers to explore beaches, islands, and coastal viewpoints, all located just minutes from the central area. 

Below are five distinct waterside destinations where Fukuoka’s lively city life meets the soothing seaside calm.

1. Ohori Park Area

A haven for history lovers and culture seekers, fusing art and watery landscapes in one beautifully walkable setting.

Ohori Park, in Fukuoka’s Chuo Ward, is one of Japan’s most celebrated waterscape parks. Once serving as the outer moat of Fukuoka Castle, it opened as a public park in 1929. Today, it features a two-kilometer promenade circling a wide central pond used daily by joggers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. Paddle boats float across the surface and, after sunset,A magical nighttime scene unfolds, where the starry sky and the city lights seem to melt into one another. The premises include a Japanese garden and a Noh theater – the perfect destination for a relaxing cultural outing.

The park also hosts the Fukuoka Art Museum, designed by architect Kunio Maekawa, which houses around 16,000 works of fine antiques, modern and contemporary art. Its diverse collection reflects Fukuoka’s long-standing international ties as a historical port city. The museum includes a restaurant and barrier-free facilities, as a welcoming space for both residents and tourists. Closed on Mondays and during the year-end/New Year holidays. Admission is 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger; special exhibitions incur additional fees.

>>read more: Discover Your Favorite Artwork at the Fukuoka Art Museum, Located on the Waterfront of Ohori Park

Nearby at Ohori Terrace, the Japanese-style café & LOCALS serves dishes made with Yame tea and Kyushu ingredients, including the popular Dashi Tamago-yaki Set - limited to 30 servings per day - featuring individually hand-grilled omelets made with dried sardine stock and fresh eggs, served with rice and miso soup. Their Dashi Tamago Sandwich is another favorite. On the ground floor, a retail market sells teas, snacks, seasonings, alcohol, and other food items for gifts and souvenirs.

Ohori Park
Opening hours:
May-September: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Address:
Ohori/Nishi Park Management Office 1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

Fukuoka Art Museum
Opening hours:
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Friday/Saturday, July to October 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Admission: 
Adult 200 yen, High School & University student 150 yen, Younger children Free
Address:
1-6 Ohori Koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka city

& LOCALS
Opening hours:
9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Address:
1-9 Ohori Koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka city

2. Nagahama Fresh Fish Market “Uoza”

A seaside hub offering a taste of Fukuoka’s local fishing heritage.

In Nagahama, visitors can experience a more rustic side of Fukuoka's fishing culture at the Uoza seafood promotion facility. In the open food hall with approximately 60 seats and the dining area called “Umi no Kuni,” you can enjoy dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, and fried fish made with fish delivered directly from the adjacent market. The site also sells processed marine products, kitchen tools, and occasionally even offers hands-on cooking classes. Enjoy sea-breeze dining while experiencing the area’s traditional fishery lifestyle.

Nagahama Fresh Fish Market Uoza
Opening hours:
Food court: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shop: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Address:
Market Hall, Fukuoka City Fish Market, 3-11-3 Nagahama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

3. East Coast: Shikanoshima Island & Uminonakamichi

From outdoor thrills to kid-friendly discovery, a stretch of coastline offering the ultimate mix of seaside adventure and family fun.

Fukuoka’s East Coast is home to two different, complementary waterfront escapes. Shikanoshima Island, connected by land for a scenic drive, forms part of Hakata Bay and is popular for nature walks and cycling. 

It also hosts historically significant sites: Kinin Park, where you can see the replica of the King of Na Gold Seal, a National Treasure gifted from China’s Han Dynasty in the 1st century and discovered on Shikanoshima Island in the 18th century, and Shikaumi Shrine, a spiritual power spot dedicated to sea deities. Shiomi Park’s observation deck offers sweeping 360-degree views of both sea and city, which are particularly striking at sunset and at night.

>>read more: Introducing Shikanoshima’s Special Activities! A Full-Day Sample Tour

Across the water, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park stretches between Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea on a sandbar-like landform. The park is known for its seasonal flower gardens that paint the scenery in vibrant colors.

The park features an Animal Forest where squirrel monkeys, capybaras, and kangaroos can be observed up close, alongside other family-friendly attractions such as a giant leisure pool, a mini steam locomotive, and go-karts. Next door, Marine World Uminonakamichi features dolphin shows themed around the seas of Kyushu.

Near the park, about 20 minutes by car from central Fukuoka, is THE LUIGANS Spa & Resort. Its facilities include THE SPA ~luz del Sol~, multiple restaurants, large public baths, a pool, fitness club, chapel, and gift shop. Seasonal events such as outdoor BBQs, fireworks, and cinema nights are held throughout the year. A free shuttle service and ample parking make it especially accessible for travelers.

THE LUIGANS Spa & Resort
Address:
Saitozaki 18-25, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City
 

4. West Coast: Kitazaki Coast and Futamigaura 

A romantic, oceanfront view of picture-perfect sunsets.
 

Along the Kitazaki Coast in Nishi Ward, Beach Cafe SUNSET offers front-row seats to one of Fukuoka’s most iconic horizons. With indoor ocean-view seating and a garden-style terrace, the café is renowned for sunsets that resemble painted seascapes. The menu highlights ingredients from Itoshima, including local vegetables, eggs, and pork, in Italian- and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, original cocktails, and homemade sweets. 

The café is pet-friendly, making it a favorite among visitors exploring the coast with their dogs. It is conveniently accessible by bus from Kyudai Gakken Toshi Station on the JR Chikuhi Line. Take a bus and get off at “Futamigaura / PALMBEACH-mae”, then it’s about a 1-minute walk from the bus stop.

Beach Cafe SUNSET
Opening hours:
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closed on Thursday and Every third Wednesday)
Address:
Nishiura 284, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka city

5. HIGHTIDE STORE

A chic retreat for thoughtful design and a touch of everyday Fukuoka style.

Situated just a 10-minute walk from the Naka River, Hightide Store combines a design-forward stationery shop with a relaxed café. More than half of its products are original items, including the popular brand Penco®. Sit back with a coffee, homemade lemonade, or craft beer on the terrace after browsing an eclectic collection of lifestyle goods – a moment of calm that reflects Fukuoka’s chic blend of design and everyday living.

HIGH TIDE STORE FUKUOKA
Opening hours:
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Address:
Shirogane 1-8-28, Chuoi-ku, Fukuoka city

Why Travel “Waterside” in Fukuoka?

In Fukuoka, water provides more than just a beautiful view. Water is part of daily life, a source of creativity, and a window into the city’s rich portside history. Consider immersing yourself in Fukuoka’s native flow, and use the search engine on the city’s Official Tourist Guide to craft your perfect itinerary.