From large-scale urban developments like the Tenjin Big Bang project to world-class accommodation and thriving creative spaces, Fukuoka invites you to experience its idiosyncratic charms. The strategic location and modern infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for global travelers seeking a mix of cultural heritage and contemporary attractions.
Here are seven must-visit spots that showcase Fukuoka’s diverse and ever-evolving urban landscape.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka: Luxury Meets Tradition

Opened in June 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka redefines luxury in Kyushu. Located in the bustling Tenjin district — the center of Fukuoka’s shopping and entertainment — this five-star hotel combines modern elegance with designs inspired by the traditional Fukuoka craft, Hakata-ori (a traditional Japanese textile that has been produced in the prefecture for centuries). With 167 spacious guest rooms, an array of restaurants and bars, a spa, and a fitness center, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka offers more than just accommodation: it’s an immersive experience. Guests can relax in solid wood interiors that blend Japanese modernity with comfort, creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the city. Bars and restaurants celebrate locally grown ingredients from throughout this particular region of Japan, including black beef from the pastures of Iki Island, seafood from the Genkai Sea, whiskey from Japan’s finest distilleries, and tea from Kyushu. The hotel is also conveniently located for business travelers and tourists, offering easy access to Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport — all within 20 minutes by car or public transportation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka
Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City 2-6-50, Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel: +81 92-401-8888
Official website

NOT A HOTEL FUKUOKA: Redefining Urban Experiences

Located in the Yakuin district, NOT A HOTEL FUKUOKA challenges the conventional idea of hotels. This urban condominium features eight luxurious units with a distinctive design that resembles several boxes stacked atop one another, each spanning over 100 square meters and inspired by a different concept. The building’s facade is covered with greenery, unifying with the surrounding landscape, and plants and terraces surround each room. Whether you’re looking for a workspace, a private suite with a terrace whirlpool bath, or a venue to host a chef-curated meal, each room offers a bespoke experience. The first-floor lounge, +BLANKC, is perfect for wine and gourmet lovers seeking an exclusive dining experience. The innovative concept behind NOT A HOTEL makes it the ideal spot for travelers who value personalized stays and innovative architecture.The property is fully equipped with all the essential furniture and appliances needed for daily life, making it ideal for long-term stays.

NOT A HOTEL FUKUOKA
2-3-34 Omiya, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Official website
 

Artist Cafe Fukuoka: A Creative Oasis

For art enthusiasts and creatives, Artist Cafe Fukuoka is a haven. This multifunctional space, housed in a former junior high school building, provides artists with resources for growth, collaboration, and exposure through consultations, exhibitions, and events. Featuring coworking spaces, production studios, and a welcoming cafe, it’s open to everyone who appreciates art — whether you’re an artist or simply a curious visitor. Beyond its role as a hub for local artists, the cafe hosts workshops and community events encouraging the connection of art with the city and its people, guided by its motto, “a society where art circulates.”

Artist Cafe Fukuoka
Sannomaru Square, 2-5 Jonai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel. +81 80-2481-5997
Open 11:00-19:00 (Closed: Every Monday, Year-end and New Year holidays)
Official website

TAG STÅ: Where Coffee Meets Art

Located in the Haruyoshi district, TAG STÅ is more than just a coffee stand. Known for its expertly brewed espresso and hand-drip coffee, it also doubles as a gallery, hosting exhibitions by talented artists from Japan and overseas. The minimalist design and early morning opening hours make it a popular spot for locals starting their day. The attached gallery space offers a rotating showcase of contemporary art, creating an informal environment where anyone can drop by and engage with art while sipping good coffee. 

TAG STÅ
1-7-11 1F Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel. +81 92-724-7721
Open 7:00-20:00
Official website

Todoroki Saketen Yakuin Stand: A Taste of Fukuoka’s Sake Culture

Todoroki Saketen’s second location in Yakuin is essential for lovers of sake, wine, and shochu. Featuring over 100 varieties of sake, 50 types of shochu, and 400 wines, this liquor store doubles as a casual bar where you can enjoy a drink in the kaku-uchi (stand-drinking) style, choosing among a list of beverages in season. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through their extensive selection, offering tailored recommendations to suit your preferences or the tastes of the person you are buying a gift for. 

With its relaxed atmosphere, Todoroki Saketen provides an authentic introduction to Japan’s diverse and intricate sake culture, as they introduced you to a friend. You won’t leave just with a bottle, but also with a deeper appreciation for Japanese artisanship.

Todoroki Saketen Yakuin Stand
1-16-4, Shirogane, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel. +81 92-753-8311
Liquor Store Open 12:00-21:00
Kaku-uchi (Stand Drinking) Open 16:00-21:00 
(Closed: Sunday and Monday)
Official website

COFFEE COUNTY Fukuoka: An Invitation to Enjoy Specialty Coffee

Situated in the cultural hub of Yakuin, COFFEE COUNTY Fukuoka is the second store of this roastery from Kurume City specializing in coffee from Central America, carefully brewed to convey the personality of the local producers and the natural environment where it was grown. With an expanded menu that includes a wider range of drinks other than coffee, and homemade sweets inspired by Latin America and seasonal fruits, this stylish cafe, decorated in a purple theme, offers a warm and inviting space to relax.

COFFEE COUNTY Fukuoka
1-21-21 Takasago, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel. +81 92-753-8321
Open 11:00-19:30 (Closed: Wednesday)
Official website

OHORI BREWERY: Craft Beer in the Heart of the City

Located near the peaceful Ohori Park, OHORI BREWERY is Fukuoka’s newest hotspot for craft beer lovers. With a stylish design reminiscent of New York or London bars, this microbrewery provides a range of home-brewed beers and also features a dining space, offering dishes from popular restaurants all around Kyushu that are perfect complements to its beers. A must-try? The OHORI IPA, paired with the signature Kawabe fried chicken. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of watching the brewing process from their tables.

OHORY BREWERY
1-3-7 Ohori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Tel. +81 92-406-7362
Open: Tuesday-Friday 16:00-22:00; Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 13:00-22:00 (Closed: Monday)
Official website

Experience the Pulsating Heart of Fukuoka City

Fukuoka is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. Its urban developments, cultural hubs, and world-class hospitality make it an appealing destination for travelers looking for an authentic yet cosmopolitan experience. From the creativity of its cafes and galleries to the luxury of its accommodations and the charm of its sake bars, Fukuoka offers something for everyone. Whether you’re sipping sake at a local stand, exploring contemporary art in a cafe, or indulging in luxury at a five-star hotel, Fukuoka promises to leave a lasting impression. The city’s vibrant energy and warm hospitality make every visitor feel at home while discovering something extraordinary.