5 Days in Fukuoka, Japan: Shrines, Street Food, Strawberries & Sake
5 Days in Fukuoka, Japan: Shrines, Street Food, Strawberries & Sake
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want a destination with fewer crowds than Tokyo or Kyoto but just as much culture, Fukuoka in Kyushu should be high on your list.
The southern island region blends centuries-old shrines, vibrant food culture, scenic canal towns, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll meet in Japan. From yatai street food stalls to UNESCO World Heritage sites, green tea fields to strawberry farms, it’s where modern city life meets peaceful countryside charm.
Here’s what I experienced on a 5-day Fukuoka itinerary—packed with the best things to do, eat, and explore across Kyushu!
Day 1 – Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Yatai Street Food
After landing at Fukuoka Airport at 9:20 am, I headed straight to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Kyushu, dedicated to the god of learning. The approach street was lined with stalls selling steaming umegae-mochi—sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste that I couldn’t resist.
Lunch at Dazaifu Iinoji was a highlight, with tender beef sukiyaki simmered in a sweet–savory broth. After checking into Hakata Green Hotel No. 1, I took the subway to Takumi Gallery, which showcases Kyushu craftsmanship, then wandered Tenjin Underground Mall for a spot of shopping.
Dinner was the ultimate Fukuoka street food experience—yatai hopping. These open-air stalls serve everything from grilled skewers to Hakata ramen and are a must on any food lover’s itinerary.
Day 2 – Kyushu Cultural Attractions: Meiji-Era Merchant House & Sake Tasting
Starting at Hakata Station, I boarded the new “Yoka Bus”, designed for overseas travellers exploring Kyushu attractions. First stop: the Former Residence of Ito Den-Emon, a beautifully preserved Meiji-era merchant house.
Lunch was at Nogami President Hotel, with a generous Chinese buffet. In Kama City, I embraced the Danish concept of hygge—cosy spaces, warm company, experienced a Japanese style breadstick over the camp fire, and tried my hand at wood chopping! Quite the experience, before off again to visit Osato Sake Brewery for tastings and souvenir shopping. I ended the day at Taisenkaku Hotel, where dinner was served in-house.
Day 3 – Yame City Green Tea Experience & Yanagawa Canal Cruise in Kimono
After brekkie, I headed to Yame City, known for producing some of Japan’s best green tea. The Yame Traditional Crafts Museum and Central Grand Tea Garden offered a fascinating look into tea-making traditions.
Lunch was at Nipponia Hotel Yame Fukushima Merchant Town, a beautifully restored heritage building. In Yanagawa, I changed into an easy-to-wear kimono and enjoyed a tranquil Yanagawa canal cruise—one of the most picturesque experiences in Fukuoka Prefecture. That night, I stayed at the elegant Tachibana Tei Ohana.
Day 4 – Things to Do in Kitakyushu: Amaou Strawberry Picking, Kokura Castle & Mojiko Retro
The day began at Itadaki Farm for Amaou strawberry picking—giant, sweet strawberries that are a Kyushu specialty.
From Kurume, I took the Shinkansen Mizuho 606 to Kokura, then switched to the JR Kagoshima Main Line for Mojiko Retro District, a preserved port area with early 20th-century architecture. Lunch at Mitsui Club featured their famous baked curry.
The arvo included a visit to Kokura Castle—one of the top historical attractions in Kyushu—and shopping at Riverwalk Kitakyushu before checking into JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura. Dinner at Hachikura was the perfect finish.
Day 5 – Munakata Taisha UNESCO Shrine & Fukuoka Sushi Experience
On the final day, I stopped at Ashiyagamanosato before enjoying a fresh sushi lunch, here's where it got interesting my live Abalone was still aliving and kicking decided to saunter off my plate!
At Munakata Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage shrine, I wandered the peaceful grounds steeped in history. A quick visit to Road Station Munakata for souvenirs wrapped up my trip before returning to Hakata Station.
Why you should consider a visit to Fukuoka and Kyushu?
Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu, perfect for travellers looking for:
Rich culture without tourist crowds Incredible food from ramen to strawberries Unique attractions like canal cruises and retro port towns Easy transport via Shinkansen and local buses Warm, welcoming locals and a slower pace of travel
From Fukuoka shrines to street food stalls, from Kyushu castles to tea fields, this region offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Japan—and ones you’ll remember long after you leave.