When thinking of a trip to Japan, most people consider Tokyo or Osaka as destinations due to the size and fame of these cities. Nevertheless, just a one-hour flight from Incheon International Airport lies Fukuoka. Because Fukuoka is not as big as major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Sapporo, many underestimate this city. However, Fukuoka offers everything about Japanese culture in one place, making it an ideal travel destination.
Fukuoka is a city located in the Kyushu region, the southernmost part of Japan, located just across the sea from the Korean Peninsula. For this reason, many Koreans opt to travel to Fukuoka by cruise ship from Busan. In spite of its usual hot and humid weather, the city offers both landscapes and beaches as it faces the sea.
Momochi Seaside Park, an artificial beach park, is one of the best places to enjoy Fukuoka’s coast. Shops, wedding halls and restaurants consisting of western-style architecture are located on the artificial sandy beaches, lending the place an exotic atmosphere. Sunsets are a popular attraction here as the seascape and buildings combine with the changing light to create an enchanting atmosphere. After the sun disappears, the city lights reflected in the sea water fill the park with magic and romance.
In front of Momochi Seaside Park stands Fukuoka Tower, one of the city’s main landmarks. The tower is 234 meters tall, making it the tallest beach tower in Japan. After purchasing a ticket featuring a picturesque image of the landmark, the ascent via glass elevator, offers a panoramic view of not only Momochi Beach but also the entire city. I highly recommend the vista from the observatory at night, which provides an illuminated panoramic view of downtown Fukuoka, making it a must-visit point.
Fukuoka is also famous for its gourmet food. In particular, the city is the home of tonkotsu ramen, which is a combination of white meat broth and soft, thin noodles, one of the most celebrated Japanese foods. The headquarters of Ichiran Ramen, a Japanese ramen restaurant brand that specializes tonkotsu ramen, is also located in Fukuoka. Sitting at a table resembling one from a reading room and turning in a pre-ordered ticket for ramen, you will quickly receive a tonkotsu ramen. Although Ichiran Ramen is the most famous brand, you can experience the distinct flavor at nearly any ramen shop you pass.
If you have enough time to travel, visiting small cities around Fukuoka will be a great opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese culture, making your trip even more memorable. Most people visit cities such as Yufuin and Dazaifu, but I would like to recommend Hita, a very small city about two hours by bus from downtown Fukuoka. Hita is famed not only for its clean water, but also its sake breweries and beer factories. You can sample or buy sake produced in Hita or enjoy Sapporo beer while taking in the forest of Hita at the Kyushu Sapporo beer factory in Hita.
While Fukuoka may not be as well-known as other large Japanese cities, it is a city for anyone who wants to feel the essence of Japan, including wonderful scenery, delicious food, beautiful nature and traditional Japanese culture.