Home Travel Exploring Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

Exploring Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

24
0


I’m ready for my next adventure, and this week, I’ll be exploring the region of Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan.

Fukuoka is more than just a city; it’s a large area, a diverse region that offers many travellers wanting to explore the whole prefecture in South Japan.

I arrived bright and early on the overnight sleeper ferry onboard Camellia Line, which was travelling from Busan, South Korea.

Here is my travel guide to exploring Fukuoka Prefecture:

Start your journey by Exploring Hakata, Fukuoka

Today, I’ll be exploring the Hakata area of Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Hakata is a wonderful base for exploring Fukuoka, as the Ferry Port, Shinkansen Train Station, and Fukuoka International Airport are all within close proximity.

Remember to enjoy freshly prepared sushi at the train station for a perfect departure lunch on the platform before you board the Shinkansen.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 221

If you’re looking for a quiet spot, Kushida Shrine is a calm sanctuary escape nestled within the heart of busy Hakata.

The Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum is nearby. It explains the history of the local religious Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 257

Remember to explore the world-famous Tonkotsu Ramen scene, which is in and around Hakata.

Discover Fukuoka City

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 668

To Start my trip exploring Fukuoka City, this was what I got up to on my first day:

First, we went to the top of Fukuoka Tower to enjoy incredible views over Fukuoka Prefecture.

I spent some time strolling along the Momochi Seaside Park, which was most enjoyable in the sunlight.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 742

I also Enjoyed checking out the TeamLAB Forest Fukuoka, a selection of eight different digital interactive art installations to explore, discover, and enjoy.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 824

Then I walked around Ohori Park and enjoyed the calm and tranquil landscape.

It’s free to enter, and you can visit a Japanese Garden and Macha Tea Cafe as you walk around the PD.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 910

End the day by experiencing a Fukuoka nightlife classic, a Yatai experience in Nagahama.

Cold Beer, Yakitori, Ramen and Udon are all enjoyed in a social and intimate outdoor setting.

Sightseeing and Punting in Yanagawa

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 114

If you’re visiting Fukuoka prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, you must visit Yanagawa and go on a local punting tour.

The easiest way to travel to Yanagawa is on the local JR line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.

Cruise around the extensive network of canals in a traditional punting boat called a donkobune, which is a charming way to explore the moats.

Please take a 60-minute one-way tour. After the tour, a free shuttle will take you back to the station. Remember to bring some cash, as this is a cash-only business.

Relax as a local punting guide takes you back in time and shares stories about the area. If you’re lucky, they might sing a few local folksongs too.

Remember to rent a punting hat to enhance your experience.

Have fun punting around Yanagawa, Fukuoka.

Go sightseeing in Munakata

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 302

My adventure around Fukuoka Prefecture continues. Today, I will be heading to the coastal town of Fukutsu.

This charming town is home to the Toyomura Sake Brewery, which has been around for over 130 years.

You can tour the brewery and enjoy some sake tasting at the end.

Remember to look up at the roof beams, which are a rarity to see intact and still standing in this style.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 401

Then I headed towards Munakata to walk around the grounds of Munakata Taisha Shrine.

Wonderful to be surrounded by tranquil nature.

Across the road is the Uminomichi Munakatakan UNESCO Museum, worth visiting while you wait for your bus back to town.

Sightseeing in Kita Kyushu

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 565

Head to Kita Kyushu; you can easily reach the area by Shinkansen from Hakata to Kokura station.

From here, you can walk around and explore the grounds of Kokura Castle. Head to the top and learn about Samurai history as you navigate the exhibit showcased inside the castle.

You can purchase a multi-pass ticket, which includes entrance to Kokura Castle, Kokura Castle Gardens and a museum dedicated to the famous crime mystery novel writer Seicho Matsumoto.

Kokura Castle Garden, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, offers a quiet oasis from Kokura’s busy city life and stunning views of Kokura castle from the traditional Shoin-style mansion.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the garden landscape that surrounds the pond.

Be sure to spend some time wandering around Tanga Market, a great spot to pick up some tasty, locally sourced lunch items.

Also in Kokura is the Toto museum, located next to the Toto factory. This wonderful museum displays the history of toilets and tableware manufacturing and explains the Toto company brand throughout the years.

Discover Mojiko port and the Kanmon Straight Night View Cruise

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 632

Welcome to Mojiko Port, a neighbourhood in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.

The Waterfront area has a wonderful retro-reminiscential atmosphere. It has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century, thanks to several well-preserved Western-style buildings.

One of these buildings is Mojiko Station, Japan’s oldest and most atmospheric train station.

Be sure to walk along the Kaikyo Plaza and enjoy banana ice cream and yaki curry, two classics that can be enjoyed in Mojiko.

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 599

End your visit with a peaceful sunset cruise from Moji Port. Enjoy a close-up view of Kanmon Bridge as the lights glimmer under the moonlight.

Boarding starts at 18:00, and departure is at 19:00. This trip ticket is cash only.

Thank you for reading my travel guide to Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Japan 2024 Traveldaveuk 94

Thank you for passing by and checking the blog post about exploring Fukuoka Prefecture.

I hope you found this travel guide valuable towards your trip planning.

If you have any questions about Fukuoka, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help.

Have a fantastic time exploring Fukuoka Prefecture.

Be sure to watch my Fukuoka video for more content.

The post Exploring Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan appeared first on Travel Dave.



Source link

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here