Fukuoka City, Japan’s sixth largest urban centre, is emerging as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a blend of history, culinary delights, and nature. Easily accessible from Tokyo, Fukuoka offers a variety of unique experiences that combine vibrant city life with culture and serene outdoor adventures.
Below are three compelling reasons why Fukuoka City should be included in your travel plans for the year ahead, whether it be a family trip, a solo adventure, or a weekend getaway from other Japanese cities:
Mountain Outdoor Living
Experience the best of nature and urban views at the newly opened Snow Peak Yakei Suite Aburayama Fukuoka, just 30 minutes by car from the city centre. Nestled on Mt. Abura, this 12-room resort features architecturally stunning accommodations that harmonise indoor and outdoor living, paired with sweeping views of the Fukuoka skyline.
Guests can choose between three types of accommodations, including glamping in custom-designed ‘land-cave’ tents in groups of six, cottages with an outdoor living room, private sauna and cold bath, and villas with private glass-screened saunas and multiple bedrooms fitted with kitchen and dining area.
Culinary highlights include an okamochi-style interactive dining experience by Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Yoshitake, as well as rewilding walks through the surrounding forest and mountains. Room rates start at £270 per night.
Island Flower Power
Just a ten-minute ferry ride from Fukuoka City, Nokonoshima Island in Hakata Bay offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views and diverse outdoor activities for a day trip.
Hiking, fishing, and swimming are a few of the island’s top attractions, complemented by the beautiful Nokonoshima Island Park and Observation Deck, where visitors can admire panoramic views of the Bay and nearby landmarks.
Known for its seasonal blooms, the park is a floral haven throughout the year, a famous flower viewing spot with cherry blossom and rapeseed flowers in spring, cosmos in autumn, and camellias and a blanket of white oxalis in winter.
The park is open Mon-Sat, 9 am-5.30 pm; Sunday and national holidays, 9 am-6.30 pm (5.30 pm in winter).
Coastal Park Life
Explore the natural beauty of Umi-no-Nakamichi Seaside Park, a 350-hectare national park set upon a picturesque sandbank, an easy 20-minute ferry ride from the city centre.
With a 12km bike path winding through pine forests and cherry blossom tunnels that take you through photogenic photo spots such as the “Eight Views of the Sea,” Flower Hill and Shigaumi Shrine, it’s an ideal spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and travellers on the hunt for aesthetical destinations.
The park features unique accommodations, including The Luigans Spa & Resort with marine landscapes and unique dome-shaped glamping tents at INN THE PARK Fukuoka.
Guests can also enjoy diving and fishing trips from Umi-no-Nakamichi Marina & Tennis in the area. The Park is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm November through February and 9.30 am – 5 pm March through October.
The images used in this feature are courtesy of Fukuoka City.
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