Fukuoka is a city that’s often only a quick stop for travellers, but it’s got a wealth of unique experiences for those who take the time to explore it. Young travellers looking for something different will certainly feel at home – amidst quirky cafes, unique shopping malls and intriguing cultural experiences. Here are 7 mini adventures that are not to be missed when you’re in Fukuoka.
1. Explore Hakata Old Town
Home to a number of temples and shrines, Hakata Old Town makes you feel like you’re back in the past. As you stroll along the calm streets you’ll encounter not just the city’s spiritual heritage, but its vibrant culture of performing arts, handicrafts and more. It shows you the true heart and soul of Fukuoka – a city full of heritage and not just a mere stopover destination.
2. Visit the Tocho-ji Temple
A stunning example of Buddhist architecture, this vibrant red temple is 10.8 metres tall and features 5 tiers of intricate carvings and artwork. Once you manage to peel your eyes away from its stunning exterior, venture into the main hall where you’ll come face to face with the temple’s famous Budhha statue that gracefully towers above you, decorated in shimmering gold accents.
3. Enjoy a Street Snack, Yatai Style
Yatai are mobile food stands and are an integral part of Fukuoka’s culinary scene. Once the sun sets, you’ll find these little eateries pop up along the streets, brightly lit and calling out to hungry pedestrians with mouthwatering aromas. Stop at one and order a delicious snack or beverage, and strike up a conversation with the vendor while you enjoy – it’s all part of the experience.
4. Lose Yourself in an Underground Shopping Mall
Fukuoka is known for its vibrant shopping scene but it doesn’t get better than the Tenjin Chikagai Underground Shopping Mall located near many Fukuoka apartments. Unlike your typical futuristic shopping mall, Chikagai is all iron, stone and brick, creating a kind of old world charm that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Featuring around 150 shops and restaurants, this mall is the ultimate haven that steals time away once you begin to explore!
5. Relax at Maizuru Park
Known as Fukuoka’s cherry blossom paradise, Maizuru Park is the perfect place to unwind if you happen to be staying in the city at the likes of lyf Tenjin Fukuoka during the right season. Home to over 1000 sakura blossom trees, the park transforms into a blanket of pink and white hues, making you feel like you’re within a painting. Whether you opt for a stroll or a quiet picnic, you’ll want to have your camera at the ready – you definitely shouldn’t miss snapping a few pictures of the marvellous world of colours around you.
6. Try Your Hand at Doll Painting
Hakata dolls are cute, intricate crafts that are unique to Fukuoka and date back to the 17th century, depicting various historical figures or scenes from everyday life in the city. Learning how to paint them at a workshop means that you’re learning an important part of Fukuoka’s culture, and you’ll even get to take your own painted doll home as a souvenir.
7. Visit an Island or Two
Exploring Fukuoka doesn’t mean you’re confined to its urban centre – you can take a day trip to one of its nearby islands for a tranquil getaway. Nokonoshima is one such island, where beautiful beaches call out in the summer and vibrant flower fields transport you to a fairytale world. Alternatively, you can visit Shikanoshima and tour its quiet cafe-lined streets on a bicycle tour.
Fukuoka is more than just another city to stop over at. If you take a chance and decide to explore, you’ll be rewarded with a world of experiences, where beautiful natural sceneries, hidden retail adventures and fascinating cultural experiences converge!
