9 Things To Do In Fukuoka, Japan | International Traveller

Stored away like a secret love letter, Fukuoka Prefecture, in Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu, is ready to reveal its heart to international travellers seeking new experiences.

Whether you fall for Fukuoka’s laidback vibe, its breathtaking natural beauty, or unforgettable cuisine (voted in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel List 2023’ in the food category, no less) Kyushu’s most northern prefecture has an undeniable buzz that whisks you into its multifaceted world. With a language containing over 3,000 characters, each stroke more intricate than the next, Japan is masterful at creating surprising experiences.

Just a two-hour flight from Tokyo, Fukuoka is where Buddhism and Shintoism join hands, celebrating life, culture, and spirituality. The volcanic landscape, famous for its healing thermal hot springs (onsen), is a culture by itself. Cosmopolitan, trendy, yet with an ancient belief system, Kyushu Island rolls out the red carpet when it comes to adventure.

Read on and create your must-visit in Fukuoka list:

1. Fukuoka Tower

Float 123 metres skywards in Fukuoka Tower to take in the 360-degree panoramic view of Fukuoka’s sprawling metropolis and the sweeping vista of Hakata Bay. With its impressive triangular structure and 8000 half-mirrors reflecting the ocean, the 234-metre-high tower, dubbed the Mirror Sail, dominates the city’s skyline.

view of the city skyline from the Fukuoka Tower — Stare in awe at the 360-degree view of the city. (Image: Lynn Gail)

On a clear day, mountainous peaks, often shrouded in mist, are visible from the observation level. Visit after sundown to admire one of four seasonal illumination themes lighting up the tower at night, beautiful beacons that can be seen across the city all throughout the year.

the tallest seaside tower in Fukuoka, Japan — The Fukuoka Tower soars above the prefecture. (Image: Lynn Gail)

2. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Bow twice, clap twice, and toss a five-yen coin (considered the most fortunate) into an offering box to awaken the gods at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine before praying, then pay your respects with a final bow. Dating back to 919, the shrine is built over the burial site of the famous scholar Sugawara Michizne enshrined as Tenjin.

one of the attractions at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka — The famous Shinto Shrine embodies Japan’s long history. (Image: Lynn Gail)

As Japan’s most sacred place, Dazaifu Tenmangu is head of the nation’s 12,000 Tenjin shrines. Landscaped gardens, on-site museums, contemporary and historical artworks, along with vibrant festivals, attract locals year-round.

people passing through the bridge at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka — Marvel around the tranquil surroundings. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Shinto devotees believe over eight million gods exist in all things Mother Nature, and forever strive for harmony.

For a small donation, write your wishes on a wooden votive tablet and hang it with hundreds of other worshippers’ wishes.

small wooden plaques with written wishes hanging up at the shrine in Fukuoka — Make a wish and hang it alongside the wishes of others. (Image: Lynn Gail)

3. Kyushu National Museum

Kyushu National Museum is on Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine’s grounds. Shaped like a wave, its huge windows reflect the surrounding woodland. One of four national museums in Japan, permanent displays showcase the history and story of foreign cultural exchanges between Asia, Japan, and Europe. Various themed exhibitions and renowned artists are also shown throughout the year.

a glass structure at Kyushu National Museum in Fukuoka — The museum has an eye-catching glass structure. (Image: Lynn Gail)

4. Yatai – Fukuoka’s street food

Make sure to include a Yatai ‘dining’ experience in your itinerary. Lining the streets like well-spaced bus stops, makeshift food carts come with tiny fully fledged kitchens from which delicious dishes are cooked up in the flick of a frying pan.

a man cooking a meal at a Yatai Food Stall in Fukuoka — Witness how your food is cooked before serving. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Take your pick from roadside carts cocooned in heavy plastic taupe and slide in next to a local – you might not speak the language, but you’ll immediately feel part of Fukuoka’s after-dark street culture.

a Japanese dish at Yata Food Stall, Fukuoka — Satisfy your palate. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Try the melt-in-your-mouth Tamagoyaki Japanese rolled omelette, Yakisoba fried noodle dish or Oden hotpot washed down with sake or local beer.

Open until the early hours of the morning, Yatai is a laid-back no-frills foodie experience.

customers sitting and dining on a Yatai Food Stall in Fukuoka — Pull up a chair before all seats are taken. (Image: Lynn Gail)

5. Mt Sarakura Cable Car – Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu city is as sweet as it sounds. Step back in time and catch the train from Hakata to Mojiko Station. Opened in 1891 the city’s transport hub has all the bells and whistles of a bygone era hanging in its historical building.

a boat cruising along the river near Mojiko Station at Kitakyushu — Take a boat ride tour from Mojito to Shimonoseki. (Image: Lynn Gail)

From there, head to Mt Sakakura and catch the cable car climbing 622 metres up a steep incline to the summit. The dazzling cityscape sparkles around snaking inlets leading to the Genkai Sea, the southwestern tip of the Sea of Japan.

top view of the Fukuoka cityscape from Mt Sarakura Cable Car at dusk — The city lights glisten at dusk. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Called the “10-billion-dollar-nightscape" the sparkling panorama is now recognised as one of Japan’s most scenic views. A restaurant at the observation lookout serves basic fare, the vista though is magnificent, day or night.

the exterior view of the Kitakyushu Riverwalk — Stroll along Kitakyushu Riverwalk. (Image: Lynn Gail)

6. Kokura Castle – Kitakyushu City

Stroll along the Murasakigawa Riverbank to Kokura Castle, an elegant five-storey Edo Period structure built in 1602.

The original castle was destroyed by fire in 1866 and reconstructed to its former glory in 1959. Each level showcases artwork from the 1600s along with a variety of vibrant modern pieces.

Visit during springtime, and you’ll likely see cherry blossoms blooming in their hundreds. Just over the bridge, river cafes, restaurants and speciality shops add to the explore Kitakyushu experience.

the exterior of Kokura Castle with cherry blossom trees in the background — Find cherry blossoms outside the castle. (Image: Lynn Gail)

7. Ohori Park

Ohori Park is a place that comes to mind when you think of Sunday strolls. Registered as a place of scenic beauty, the park is listed as one of Japan’s most prominent recreational areas.

The centrepiece, an oval pond with three mini-islands topped with pine trees, was originally part of Fukuoka Castle’s moat. Walking paths, red-painted bridges, and Ukimi Pavilion, a structure extending over the water, create a relaxed ambling-along atmosphere.

a stream surrounded by lush greenery at Ohori Park Japanese Garden — Take a break away from the city at Ohori Park Japanese Garden. (Image: Lynn Gail)

8. Ohori Park Japanese Garden

For a small fee visit Ohori Park Japanese Garden located at the southern end of Ohori Park. Manmade, with slow strolling in mind, the polished three-acre landscape lulls you into a meditative pace.

a japanese garden with a trickling stream surrounded by evergreen shrubs at Ohori Park — Reconnect with nature at Ohori Park Japanese Garden. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Pebbled paths lead to a display of rhododendrons, azaleas and evergreen shrubs edged by waterfalls and bridges. For green tea connoisseurs, a teahouse is available to rent for private ceremonies.

a waterfall splashing gently into the stream at Ohori Park Japanese Garden — Hear the relaxing sound of water splashing from a nearby waterfall. (Image: Lynn Gail)

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9. Fukuoka Art Museum

A short wander from Ohori Park will lead you to Fukuoka Art Museum where pre-modern art is on show in the shape of Buddhist Art from Tokoin Temple as well as temporary displays by modern and contemporary artists exhibiting throughout the museum.

On the ground level, an architecturally inspired cafe sells delicious sweet treats. A restaurant on the second floor serves Japanese or Western-style options created to contain a characteristic element of the exhibitions on view. Extensive views of close-by Ohori Park can be enjoyed while you dine in style.

a Buddhist statue at an art exhibition in Fukuoka Art Museum — Find Buddhist art sculptures inside the museum. (Image: Lynn Gail)

Travel tips for Fukuoka

Accommodation

Modern: Nishitetsu Grand Hotel in the heart of Fukuoka City. Guest rooms are elegantly designed, comfortable and well-appointed.

Traditional Ryokan: Route Inn Grantia Dazaifu offers hot-spring baths, a Korean sauna, and a relaxation room with massage chairs. The hotel’s modern rooms are well-appointed with ample space.

Restaurants

Ohori Park Royal Garden Cafe. Patrons can enjoy dining while enjoying the open scenery of the park.

Tanga Yatai Sushi Manten serves unforgettable sashimi. Book in advance: +81 93-511-2333

Getting there

Japan, Malaysian, and Qantas Airlines all fly to Japan from Australia.

The writer travelled as a guest of Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

9 ways to forget time in laidback Fukuoka, Japan