Discover Fukuoka
with Cathay Pacific

Fukuoka is awash with centuries of history, full of ancient shrines and shogun-era castles. Yet the modern face of this city is just as compelling, full of delicious street food, verdant parks, quiet shrines and bustling shopping malls.
It’s the largest city on Kyushu – the most southerly of Japan’s main islands – making it an ideal jumping-off point for travellers looking to explore Japan beyond its better-known cities, with excursions to nearby islands and hot springs lying in easy reach. And with the airport lying less than 15 minutes from the city centre, it’s easy to hit the ground running. Read on for our list of the best things to do in Fukuoka.

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Things to do in Fuzhou

Try local delicacies

Fuzhou cuisine is famous for its light but flavourful plates of food that place emphasis on umami flavours, called xianwei in Chinese cooking, all served with a bowl of soup. But it’s the region’s street food and snacks — Fuzhou fish balls, dumplings, oyster cakes and pork floss — that are commonly the best just outside of the city.

Explore the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Once the most affluent neighbourhood in Fuzhou, Sanfang Qixiang, which translates to Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, holds an important place in Chinese history as the home of politicians, industrialists, ideologists and great literary writers. Now, it’s a Fuzhou tourist attraction with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings that have been lovingly preserved and house handsome teahouses, mini-museums and hotels.

Visit the Shizhu Mountain Temple

Just a 20-minute train ride from downtown Fuzhou, this impressive Taoist temple grips to the peaceful Shizhushan mountain. You’ll need to hike three-quarters of the way up the mountain, catching your breath at the various viewpoints, temples and pagodas, before climbing 3,000-stairs to reach the religious site.

Things to do in Fukuoka

Dip into the hot springs of Yufuin

The hot spring resort of Yufuin lies about two and a half hours by train from Fukuoka, and it’s well worth an overnight stay at one of the plentiful hot spring ryokan inns in the area. Many ryokans offer their guests private sessions, so they’re able to enjoy the hot spring baths in secluded peace. After an evening soaking in the onsen, get up early and beat the crowd to visit Lake Kinrin, revered for its morning mist.

Tuck into open-air street food

Fukuoka’s street food culture centres around its yatai – open-air food stalls which line the streets when dusk falls and open through to around 2am. Space is limited so it’s best not to linger: instead go yatai-hopping and sample Hakata ramen, grilled chicken skewers, oden stew and more all in the same night. Keep an eye out for Hakata Yatai Bar Ebichan, which serves up some 60 different cocktails from its tiny stall.

Stroll through Maizuru Park

A stroll through Maizuru Park – just 15 minutes from the city centre – offers enviable views of the Fukuoka Castle ruins, one of the most impressive Fukuoka attractions. Time your visit to coincide with cherry blossom season (between March and April) to experience the park in its sakura-strewn glory.