Everything you need to enjoy a long weekend or mid-week trip to Fukuoka including what to eat, where to stay, what to do, where to shop, etc. 🍜🏣⛩️🏞️

Fukuoka, Japan

Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan

Ohori Park, 1 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

Japan

Daimyō, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

3 Days in Fukuoka, Japan 🇯🇵

Fukuoka is a great city in Japan that is often overlooked, but shouldn't be. 

I flew from San Fransisco to Tokyo, spent 2 nights in Tokyo, and then flew to Fukuoka. I still was adjusting to the time difference and Fukuoka was the perfect pace to acclimate. 

The city isn't super busy compared to other Japanese cities. It's calmer and not as many tourists which was nice and more of an authentic experience like menus were not always translated and catered to local flavors. Download the Google Translate app and you'll be fine. Try things you wouldn't have thought you would, 9/10 things are delicious.

At some point (and probably a few times) during your trip, stop at a Lawson and/or 7-11 and grab some snacks like onigiri, smoothies, deserts, chicken katsu, drinks, or even full meals. 

The bar isn't a big secret, you can find it on Google, but when you're walking there, it's quiet and seems like you walked away from all the nightlife until you see it. There may be a wait outside, but it's definitely worth it. The bartenders are extremely nice and have cards to help translate what you want. Each drink is customized for you with fresh ingredients. 

Download the Suica App for the subway and buses. Most rides were 210¥.  

Depending on where else in Japan you are traveling to, it might make sense to get a JR pass. Make sure to calculate the cost without it, because in some situations it's cheaper to just by each ride instead of the pass.  

You can use the JR Calculator for an estimate: 

Japan Rail Pass Calculator

🔴 Make sure to have some cash. Most places in Fukuoka accept Visa or Suica cards, but a few of the more mom-and-pop shops only accept cash. 

🔴  When taking public transportation, look down and on the walls to make sure you are walking on the correct side. 

🔴  Sometimes Apple Maps can work better for directions. 

🔴 If you are in public and looking for a trash can, look for a vending machine. There's usually one near them.

🔴 It's rude to walk and eat. If you get street food, eat it in front of the business.  

👋 Hello - konnichiwa (ko-knee-chi-wa) こんにちは

✌️Goodbye - sayounara (sai-in-ar-a) さようなら

🙏 Thank you - arigatou gozaimasu (ari-ga-toe-go-zi-E-mah-S)

🙁 Excuse me/Sorry - sumimasen (sue-me-mah-sen)

😎 Cool - kakkoi - (ka-koi-E) 格好いい

🤤 Tasty - Oishī (Oye-she) 美味しい

You don't need a car to get around Fukuoka, but if you are going to explore nearby towns and want to drive, look into renting a car from Toyota. It's a lot cheaper than name brand rental shops since they want people to experience their cars so people consider buying them. 

At least 2 weeks before you depart for Japan, make sure you get your international drivers license. You can usually get it at your local AAA or DMV, but double check what your options are in your area. 

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3 Days in Fukuoka, Japan 🇯🇵

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