Blending coastal calm, culinary creativity, and contemporary design, Fukuoka is a rising star on Asia's travel map. With world-class hotels, a thriving street-food culture, and nature at its doorstep, the city offers an effortless balance between urban sophistication and seaside escape. Here's how to spend a perfect 48 hours in Fukuoka, from waking up in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton to sunset yoga on the beach and street-side ramen under the stars.

Stay in Style: The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka

Opened in 2023 The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka marks Marriott International's first luxury property in Kyushu. Awarded One MICHELIN Key earlier this month for offering “a very special stay,” The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka combines contemporary sophistication with local craftsmanship, featuring interiors inspired by traditional Hakata-ori textiles and a design that reimagines luxury through the lens of Kyushu's culture and warmth. Set in the heart of the Tenjin district, the hotel is just 15 minutes by car or public transport from Hakata Station, Hakata Port, and Fukuoka Airport making it the ideal base for exploring the region. From the wood-rich interiors to views across Hakata Bay, the design harmonises modern minimalism with regional craft, creating an atmosphere of understated Japanese elegance.

Day One: Parks, Art and Panoramic Views

Morning in Fukuoka begins with a dose of calm at Ohori Park, a sprawling 400,000-square-meter green space in the heart of the city. Half of the park is a vast pond encircled by a two-kilometre walking path, where locals jog, cycle, and watch herons glide over the water.

Cross one of the four bridges to reach Ukimi-dō, the park's pavilion floating serenely over the pond. Within the grounds are the Fukuoka Art Museum and a traditional Japanese garden, offering a combination of nature and culture in one stroll.

Stop for lunch at OHORI_TERRACE, a stylish new complex inside the park. On the ground floor, & LOCALS café and grocery showcases produce from across Kyushu, serving Yame tea and lunch featuring local ingredients. Next door, TENSHUDO gallery curates artisan sake and exquisitely crafted shuwan sake cups.

In the afternoon, hop aboard the FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS to see more of the city. The open-air buses run three themed routes, one exploring the historic streets of Hakata, another passing Ohori Park and the seaside Momochi area, and a dusk-to-night course perfect for capturing the city lights.

End your 48 hours at Fukuoka Tower, the city's 234-meter seaside landmark and Japan's tallest coastal tower. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view of Hakata Bay and Fukuoka's skyline. As night falls, the tower glows with seasonal illuminations from shimmering Milky Way patterns to festive Christmas designs creating one of Japan's Top 100 Night Views.

For dinner, unwind at Yakitori Fujiyoshi, where craftsmanship meets comfort. Here, local chicken skewers are grilled using precise heat to preserve the natural flavours, alongside fresh seafood and specialties like mizutaki (chicken hot pot). It's the perfect finale to a weekend that celebrates the taste and texture of Fukuoka.

Day Two: Coastline, Culture and Café Hopping

Start the day with breakfast overlooking the city before heading west to the Itoshima Peninsula, a 30-minute train ride from central Fukuoka and one of the region's best-kept secrets. Known for its natural beauty and easy-going lifestyle, Itoshima offers sandy beaches, farm-to-table cafés, and scenic cycling routes.

At Futamigaura Beach, gaze out at the iconic Meoto Iwa, or “Married Couple Rocks,” framed by a white torii gate that seems to rise from the sea. The view is spectacular by day and unforgettable at sunset, when the sky melts into gold behind the horizon.

Join a guided e-bike tour with Itorito to explore Itoshima's coastal cafés, art studios, and hidden coves. For those seeking relaxation, sunset yoga and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) complete the afternoon.

As evening falls, head back into town for a taste of Fukuoka's famous yatai culture. These open-air food stalls line the streets from dusk, serving everything from tonkotsu ramen and yakitori to motsunabe (offal hot pot) and gyoza. Once numbering over 400 in the 1960s, today around 100 stalls remain to provide a living slice of post-war history and the local lifestyle.

Make sure to leave some room to end the night at a local hotspot, KURO-chan, located a short walk away from the Nakasu entertainment district. The stall's signature charcoal-grilled Itoshima chicken and yakitori attract both locals and visitors looking to experience authentic Hakata flavours in a lively, local setting.

A Gateway to Kyushu's Heart

With its blend of modern design, deep-rooted traditions, and easy access to nature, Fukuoka captures the essence of contemporary Japan — warm, creative, and quietly confident. For more information about Fukuoka City visit www.gofukuoka.jp

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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