2 Days in Fukuoka: A Complete Itinerary of What to See, Do, and Eat

If you want a place that feels different from other big cities in Japan like Osaka and Tokyo, be sure to check out Fukuoka, a city where you can enjoy the sea, experience the culture, and eat well all in one trip.

Here’s how we spent two days in Fukuoka and made the most of our 48 hours. That’s right, even with just two days, it’s the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s highlights and experience its laid-back charm.

Getting to Fukuoka

We were surprised by how easy it was to reach Fukuoka from other major cities in Japan. From Tokyo, the flight took only about 90 minutes, and the airport is incredibly close to the city center, less than ten minutes by subway to Hakata or Tenjin.

If you are coming from Osaka, you can either take a short one-hour flight or a two-and-a-half-hour Shinkansen ride straight into Hakata Station.

Day 1

Morning: Shikanoshima Island

We started our trip with a drive to Shikanoshima Island, about 40 minutes from downtown Fukuoka. The island is surrounded by clear blue sea and low hills, making it a nice break from the city.

We took our time driving and cycling around the island, stopping along the way to enjoy the coastal scenery. If you’re a history fan, don’t miss a visit to Kingin Park, where a replica of the ancient Gold Seal marks Fukuoka’s early ties with China.

Late Morning: Shikaumi Shrine

Next, we made our way to Shikaumi Shrine, known as the main shrine for sea deities. The area is peaceful, and from the shrine grounds, you get a great view of the Genkai Sea. It’s a popular spot among locals, who come here to pray for safety and prosperity.

Afternoon: The Luigans Spa & Resort

Located at the entrance of the island, The Luigans Spa & Resort was where we stopped for lunch and a short break. The open layout, ocean views, and poolside area make it feel like a relaxing getaway, even though it’s still so close to the city. If you have time, it’s a nice spot to unwind, especially in summer when they host BBQs, outdoor movie nights, and fireworks shows.

Evening: Sunset at Futamigaura

We ended our first day at Futamigaura, a beach in the Itoshima area known for its postcard-perfect sunsets. The highlight here is the “Married Rocks,” also known as Meoto Iwa, featuring two large rocks standing side by side in the sea, joined by a thick sacred rope called shimenawa. They symbolise the bond between husband and wife, and many people visit to pray for a happy relationship or good fortune in love.

Although we missed the sunset, the view of the torii gate facing the open sea was still breathtaking. There are also small cafés and local craft shops nearby that are worth checking out.

Day 2

Morning: Hakata Old Town

We started our second day at Hakata Old Town, one of Fukuoka’s oldest districts known for its shrines, traditional shops, and preserved buildings. Our first stop was Kushida Shrine, one of the city’s most well-known shrines and the main site of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival (a summer event where teams of men race through the streets carrying large decorated floats). The large festival floats on display were impressive, and we learned how this local tradition has been passed down for generations.

Just a short walk away is the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, which shows what daily life was like for merchants during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Inside, we saw reconstructed townhouses, traditional crafts, and even got to try a few hands-on activities.

We also stopped by Kadota Lantern Shop, where we painted our own small lanterns with help from a local craftsman. It was a simple but fun way to experience a bit of Hakata’s traditional culture, and we got to bring home our own handmade souvenirs.

Late Morning: Maiko and Tea Ceremony Experience at Hakata Wanoka

Next, we joined a maiko and tea ceremony experience at Hakata Wanoka, a small and peaceful spot in Old Town. The one-hour session included a short dance and shamisen performance (a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument), followed by a tea ceremony. The overall experience was chill and relaxing, and since some of the maiko (apprentice geisha who perform traditional arts) spoke English, we could ask questions and learn more about their lifestyle and art. We felt that this experience was more personal compared to similar ones in Kyoto, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

Afternoon: Hakata River Cruise

In the afternoon, we joined a Hakata River Cruise, which offered a different view of the city. Seeing Fukuoka from the water, passing under bridges and alongside the city’s buildings, was relaxing and surprisingly scenic. At night, the reflections of neon signs and food stall lanterns on the river made the view even more beautiful.

If you would like to see more of the city, you can also top up for a ride on the Fukuoka Open-Top Bus. It passes landmarks such as Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Castle ruins, giving you another fun way to explore Fukuoka from a different angle.

Evening: Yatai Food Stalls

We wrapped up our day at the yatai food stalls, one of Fukuoka’s most famous local experiences. Yatai are small open-air food stalls that pop up along the streets in the evening, each serving simple dishes such as ramen, yakitori, and oden. They are especially popular near the Nakasu river, where the rows of stalls light up the night, and it is a favourite spot among locals and tourists.

We squeezed into a small stall, ordered Hakata ramen, yakitori, and gyoza, and chatted with the friendly stall owner. The food was great, and what stood out most was the lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, located within Canal City Hakata, a lively complex with shops, restaurants, and entertainment all in one place. The fountain shows and evening lights made it a nice spot to walk around after dinner, and its central location made it easy for us to get around the city.

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Final Thoughts

Two days in Fukuoka went by quickly, but we felt we covered the best of what the city has to offer. From seaside views to local food stalls, it’s a city that feels welcoming and easy to enjoy even on a short trip. If you’re planning a visit to Japan and want something different from Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka is definitely worth adding to your list.

Join this itinerary to explore Fukuoka the same way we did and discover what makes this city so special!