48 Hours in Fukuoka
This is a two-day itinerary that takes you to some interesting parks and food in central Fukuoka city, followed by a day by the beach in Fukutsu. These are all places I visited on my YouTube video, but for ease I've moved things around so that items located close to each other are also close on the itinerary!
This is a very budget-conscious trip, and the only paid experience outside of food is the Japanese Gardens and any workshops at Tsuyazaki Base Camp. Everything else is free!
Accommodation and Dinner
Accommodation: Unplan
Unplan is an easy option for the budget-conscious solo traveller. It is right by Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, as well as Ohori Park Station which has direct access to Hakata Station by the airport.
This is a hostel with capsule-style bunk beds which are cheaper, but I opted for the "Single Bed in a Mixed Dormitory Room", which gave me a private space with wooden walls and a curtain. You can also get a Double Room for an entire room to yourself.
The breakfast here is fine, just self-serve toast, jam, yoghurt, and tea or coffee, but it is helpful to have that included so you don't need to buy or search for breakfast each morning.
Dinner nearby: Rakuchan
Day 1: Fukuoka Centre
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
The Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park are right in front of Unplan, so I visited them both before checkout at 11am.
You might notice that the castle is on the grounds of Maizuru Park, that's because the castle used to be nicknamed Maizuru Castle, meaning crane in flight, as that is what it apparently resembled from the coast!
I personally didn't delve too much into the history, but there is a small museum if you would like to. Otherwise, it is a nice area to walk around and find bits and pieces of the former castle. There are also a few different flower gardens around, like peonies and wisteria, which bloom at different times of the year.
Iris Garden
Walking from the castle grounds to Ohori Park I found this small iris garden. If you happen to be visiting towards the end of May or early June, make a stop by this peaceful park.
Ohori Park
This beautiful park has a large pond, walking paths, and lush greenery. Within the park there is also a Japanese Garden with a small entrance fee of 250 yen. Both the park and garden are peaceful places for a walk in the sun, and there is even a little teahouse, and sometimes a fog simulation which is meant to be an "unkai" or "sea of clouds".
Lunch Option 1: Hakata Issou
Fukuoka is famous for the invention of Hakata Ramen, a rich and creamy pork broth style of ramen. The most well-known for this style of ramen is Ichiran, but as you can now get that anywhere in Japan, I wanted to try something different. Hakata Issou is a very popular place for Hakata Ramen, but those who watched my video will know that it is so popular there is a line out the door! I waited for about half an hour but didn't get in, so I can't vouch for its flavour, but those people must be lining up for a reason! Make sure to allow for queue times.
Lunch Option 2: Ikkousha
When I gave up on the line at Hakata Issou, I went over to Ikkousha and only had to wait about 10-15 minutes before I got in. I can't guarantee it will be the same for you, but in my case, Google Maps said it was not busy at that time, and it was right!
Ikkousha is known for its "awa-kei" ramen which means foamy broth. This is created by mixing a longer-stewed broth with a newer broth, giving the soup its signature flavour and bubbliness. The bubbles made the first few mouthfuls feel quite light, kind of introducing you to the flavours of the ramen itself. I liked the clean and modern wood interior as well.
Acros Fukuoka
The next place on our list is Acros Fukuoka. But rather than visiting for its modern aesthetic, we're here to burn off some of that ramen!
This is where you can climb up the steps to a rooftop seating area, with views over Fukuoka city. Keep in mind the rooftop is only open on weekends and national holidays from 10am - 4pm.
Nakasu Yatai
As the sun sets, it’s time to indulge in Fukuoka’s famous street food at the yatai stalls in the Nakasu area by the river. These open-air stalls serve delicious local dishes, including ramen, yakitori, and plenty of beer. This can be quite a tourist hotspot, so a few places will speak some English, but in turn can be quite crowded. It's really a question of wandering around until you find something that you like. Look out for things like Hakata ramen and hitoguchi (bite-sized) gyoza.
Tenjin Yatai
For me, I preferred Ei-chan which was a yatai stall in the Tenjin area. There was no English, but the owner was very friendly and waved me on in, and everyone was happy to chat to me over beer and food. I had a few yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and a mentaiko omelette (spicy cod roe omelette)
Day 2: Fukutsu
If you want to visit Fukuma Beach to see the Sea Mirror effect, there are a few fun experiences to do in the Fukutsu area as well. Here are the things that I did, but you can also visit Miyajidake Shrine, explore the area in a kimono, or spend some time at the cafes and restaurants along the coast.
Transportation is not the most convenient in this area, so it is best to plan your day around the bus times, or to get a taxi to and from each spot.
Tsuyazaki Base Camp
This fun spot is where plastics are recycled into new items using unique machines made by the owner himself. There are a few different workshops to choose from that are particularly great for kids, or just anyone with an interest in plastic recycling.
Sola to Umi
This is a very local-feeling restaurant located inside a fishmonger centre. The fish is super fresh, and during late spring you can try Tai Chazuke, which is sea bream and tea.
Fukuma Beach
Finally, unwind at Fukuma Beach! This is where you might be able to see the Sea Mirror effect.
The Sea Mirror effect happens when the tide is out but water is left on the sand's surface, creating a flat reflection that is great for taking pictures against. However, you really need perfect conditions for this!
The beach website indicates the best times for low tide and highest possibility of the effect, but even if you visit during those times, you may not be able to see it if is very windy. So, bring a sense of adventure when you visit, and know that you can at least spend a fun day on the beach even if you can't get that perfect pic!
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I enjoyed my time in Fukuoka, so I hope you do too. Of course, this was just a simple 48 hour plan, but there is plenty more to explore if you have the time!
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