After 12 incredible days in Japan, our final stop was Fukuoka, easily reachable by Shinkansen from Hiroshima. Fukuoka is a vibrant city with a mix of modern malls, delicious food, and fun experiences, perfect for a last stop on your Japan itinerary.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Hotel Clio Court Hakata, conveniently near Hakata Station. The hotel is simple but comfortable, ideal for a short stay. A bonus for travellers: you can use the in-house washing machine, which is great if you’ve been on the road for days.
Hakata Station itself is huge, with underground shopping areas and department stores, including Kitte Hakata Mall. For larger shopping complexes, Canal City Hakata is just a short 20 min. walk away, great for picking up last-minute souvenirs.
💡 Tip: I couldn’t resist a Sanrio Cinnamon Roll ring from one of the department stores, a cute memory of the trip!
Fukuoka Food Highlights
Fukuoka is a foodie’s paradise, and we made sure to try some local favourites:
- Lunch: We had lunch at one of the restaurants in the shopping malls near Hakata Station, quick, convenient, and tasty.
- Dinner: We went to Mawaru Sushi Hakata (Uogashi Hakata Ichibangai Ten) in the underground shopping area. This sushi conveyor belt restaurant serves incredibly fresh sushi. There’s usually a queue, but service is fast, and the sushi is top quality.
💡 Tip: Arrive during off-peak hours if you want to skip the line and enjoy a quieter experience.
Pokémon & Shopping Fun
For fans, the Pokémon Centre Fukuoka is a must-visit. Located near Hakata Station, it’s less crowded than Tokyo, making it easier to browse. I finally got a limited edition Pikachu, which was perfect for the trip, though I ended up gifting it back at home!
Shopping in Fukuoka also means department stores, speciality stores, and souvenir shops. Kitte Hakata and Canal City are convenient hubs for picking up local gifts, crafts, or character items.
Nightlife: Karaoke Experience
Since it was our last night in Japan, we joined a group for karaoke, which is a must-do in Japan. Singing your heart out is fun, social, and a perfect way to celebrate the end of a trip. Many bars near Hakata Station have private rooms, which are great for groups or solo travellers wanting a fun night.
If We Had More Time in Fukuoka
If we had another day, I would have loved to explore:
- Fukuoka: Hakata Old Town Culture Tour with Craft Workshop – Experience traditional crafts, temples, and local culture.
- Night food stalls (Yatai) – Fukuoka is famous for its ramen and kushiyaki (grilled skewers) at these outdoor stands.
Even in just a day, Fukuoka left us with great memories and delicious food, definitely a city to explore more if you have time.
Suggested Routes in Japan
If you’re planning a longer Japan route, these posts will help you create a complete itinerary and explore more of the country:
- Hiroshima 2-Day Travel Guide – Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku Dome & Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
- Miyajima Island Day Trip from Hiroshima - UNESCO Sights, Deer & Delicious Oysters
- Himeji Castle Stopover Guide – Perfect for your Osaka-Hiroshima route
- Osaka 1-Day Itinerary – Street food, Dotonbori & TeamLab Botanical Garden
- A Peaceful Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura – Temples, Sea Breeze & Slow Moments
- Kyoto 3-Day Travel Guide – Temples, Nishiki Market & Gion Geisha tour
- Tokyo Travel Guide – Esim tips, Shibuya, Ramen & Day Trips
✨ Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan (or already counting down the days), here are a few things I personally use and recommend to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:
📱 Stay connected from the moment you land. I always top up my eSIM in advance so I can use maps, translations, and transport apps straight away. I use Airalo for all my trips, and it’s been reliable every time. (You can find my discount here: DANIEL22410.)
🏨 Where I stayed. I’ve linked the hotels I stayed at in this post for their great locations and comfort after long walking days.
🎟️ Experiences worth booking ahead. Some tours, cultural experiences, and attractions sell out quickly, especially in Japan, so I always book a few key ones in advance.
I’ll keep updating my Japan travel guides in the Japan Travel Hub, so feel free to explore the other posts on Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and my last blog post in Japan, Fukuoka ✨
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
With love 🤍
