Fukuoka City, located on the shores of Hakata Bay in southwest Japan, is known as the 'Japan's Gateway to Asia' due to being the nearest point on the main islands to the Asia mainland. It's a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a distinct local culture thanks to this cross-cultural exposure. Over the last decade the city has undergone large-scale urban development that's included the opening of world-class hotels and the 'Tenjin Big Bang' project breathing new life into the bustling business and entertainment district. This revitalisation has contributed to the destination welcoming approximately 2.8 million international visitors in 2024, an increase that's seven times the 2022 figure. Now is the ideal time to visit this emerging global destination on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Below are some of Fukuoka City's new and notable experiences:

A hotel for everyone and everything

The latest accommodation additions to the city include a global luxury brand, a high concept sanctuary and a rooftop retreat in a new landmark building in the heart of Tenjin.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, opened in June 2023 and is Marriott International's first luxury hotel on the island of Kyushu. Located in the Tenjin district it's just 15 minutes by car or public transport from Hakata Station (shinkansen) and Fukuoka Airport. The 167-key hotel features four restaurants and two bars, spa, indoor pool and Club lounge. The hotel's design is inspired by "Hakata-ori", a traditional Japanese textile that has been produced in Fukuoka Prefecture for nearly 800 years. From Yen 100,000 (£517) per night, check in 3pm, check out 12pm.
• NOT A HOTEL FUKUOKA which opened in November 2023 describes itself as a place for adults who want to combine 'work and play, travel and life without borders'. The exterior of the 8-room hotel is characterized by its striking appearance of several boxes stacked on top of each other, and each of the spacious rooms has been designed with a different concept and purpose. One is specialized as a workspace, another a room where you can invite a chef to prepare a meal, and another designed for retreats with a jacuzzi on the terrace. The first floor has a lounge, +BLANC, which is exclusive to guests for dinner and drinks, and the garage is stocked with communal bikes and electric cars. Conveniently located in Yakuin, a 15-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport and a 10-minute cycle to Tenjin, this is NOT A HOTEL's first urban condominium. From Yen 112,000 (£580) per night, check in 3pm-10pm, check out 11am.
• Opening in April 2025 the 41-room One Fukuoka Hotel will be the newest addition to the Tenjin hotel scene. Here a rooftop lounge, large public bath and sauna take advantage of the sweeping views of the bay from the top of the One Fukuoka Bldg. which opens the same day.

The art of coffee in Fukuoka 

Coffee culture in Japan is one of the most unique observed globally - visitors may notice the serving custom with the cup handle on the left side of the drinker and predominance of latte art - that's driven by a surge in the popularity of third-wave coffee. Speciality coffee shops have mushroomed in urban areas of Japan, and Fukuoka City is no exception with an emerging coffee tourism scene. 

• TAG STA is an espresso stand in Haruyoshi where you can not only enjoy hand-drip coffee but also a gallery space hosting exhibitions of works from selected Japanese artists with a view to promoting 'low threshold art'. Open 8am to 8pm daily.
• COFFEE COUNTY has opened a second store in Fukuoka Prefecture in addition to their roastery in Kurume City. The store, located near Yakuin Station, is known for producing cakes and desserts to enjoy with coffee, inspired by the coffee's origins in Latin America and seasonal fruits. It's a dynamic space that also hosts art galleries and pop up events. Open 11am to 7.30pm (closed Wednesdays).
• Artist Cafe Fukuoka is a space that can be used as a base for artists to interact, including consultation services, exhibitions and events. The facility includes a coworking space, a production space, and a community café filled with art books for browsing. Open 11am to 7pm (closed Mondays).

Say Cheers to Fukuoka City

The artisan movement in Fukuoka isn't limited to coffee with new opportunities to sample a kaleidoscope of local brews in one location. 

• Todoroki saketen Yakuin is the brand's second outpost offering 100 varieties of sake, 50 shochu and 200 wines that the owner and staff have collected on their travels. Each evening visitors can enjoy sake and wine kaku-uchi (standing) style with staff matching sake to guests according to their mood and preference with either 9ml or 45ml pours. Store opens from 12pm to 9pm, Kaku-uchi opens from 4pm to 9pm (closed Sunday / Monday).
• OHORI BREWERY is a microbrewery on the south side of Ohori Park in Chuo-ku, that opened in April 2023. The interior is designed to replicate bars in London and New York and features a working brewery so visitors can watch the brewing process while enjoying a pint of home-brew. Open 4pm to 10pm (Tuesday to Friday), and 1pm to 10pm (weekends and holidays).

To access Fukuoka from Tokyo there are multiple direct flights daily or it's a five-hour train journey via Shinkansen. For more information about Fukuoka City visit www.gofukuoka.jp.

-ENDS-

About Fukuoka City: Fukuoka City, the vibrant heart of Kyushu, serves as a hub for politics, economy, and culture in the region. Known as the "Gateway to Asia," it is a dynamic city thriving with international exchange. Boasting exceptional accessibility, Fukuoka offers seamless connections from Fukuoka Airport to key destinations within the city, making it one of Japan's most convenient urban centers for transportation. Historically a crossroads for cultural exchange with the Asian continent, Fukuoka has flourished into a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. It is home to renowned festivals such as Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku, a rich culinary scene featuring its famous street food stalls (yatai), and a unique balance of urban convenience and natural beauty that make it a highly livable city. Compact, convenient, and infused with nature, Fukuoka provides both residents and visitors with comfort and excitement, offering a globally appealing charm that sets it apart. www.gofukuoka.jp