Misty Fujii is a Canadian who moved to Osaka, Japan, in 2019 and married her Japanese sweetheart. In 2022, they had a baby and moved to Fukui for the clean country air. She is a DJ who teaches English part-time and writes to share Japan with the world. She gets excited about collecting vintage vinyl records, food from all countries, travelling, and renovating her traditional Japanese house.
This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.
When you’re looking for a summer adventure that blends sunshine, rich history, and mouthwatering eats, add Fukuoka to your itinerary! Fukuoka is the vibrant capital city of Fukuoka prefecture on Kyushu Island, and it ticks all the boxes. Fukuoka caters to every craving, whether you’re a modern-day explorer seeking a touch of luxury, a nature enthusiast yearning for untouched beauty, or someone who simply wants the perfect blend of both.
Summer is when Fukuoka truly comes alive. Get ready for scorching days (perfect for the beach!), exciting festivals, and delicious food. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your sense of adventure, and join us as we explore the 10 best things to do around Fukuoka this summer and prepare for a trip of a lifetime!
1. Hakata Gion Festival
Fukuoka explodes with energy during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Each July 15th, the city transforms into a stage for a one-of-a-kind race where colossal, intricately decorated floats, each representing a different Fukuoka neighborhood, weave through the streets in a thrilling display of community spirit. And these aren’t your average festival floats. They’re huge! While they’ve shrunk a bit from their historical ten-meter heights and two-ton sizes, the energy and dedication to operate them remain awe-inspiring. Witnessing teams of people heave these magnificent structures through the city is an unforgettable experience and one you don’t want to miss. You can also enjoy all the fun of a Japanese festival with many delicious food stalls.
2. Eat Yatai
Speaking of eating, when you’re in Fukuoka during the summer, you do not want to skip out on delicious street food! While yatai are food stalls found at festivals nationwide, their origins come from Fukuoka. Here, they’re more than food stalls; they are actually tiny roadside restaurants. Squeeze into one of the small rows of seats under the tent and transport yourself into the heart of Fukuoka! I’m serious; between the incredible food and locals getting their cravings met, it’s a social environment that’s as much fun as it is delicious. Try some local favorites like yakitori, Hakata ramen, hot pot, and more.
3. Go to a Beach
With white sand and crystal clear waters, Fukuoka City proudly tops the list of 21 major Japanese cities for its high-quality beaches. It’s not surprising that people flock to the shores all summer long! Beachgoers aren’t just limited to the city limits; many beaches all over Kyushu are a stone’s throw from Fukuoka. From the always popular artificial Seaside Momochi Beach Park to natural and hidden gems on Itoshima Island, it’s easy to be spoiled. The beaches are ideal for anyone who loves water sports (more on that in a bit!) and soaking up the sun.
4. Unimonakamichi Seaside Park
Beat the heat at a sprawling park where family fun knows no bounds! From amusement park thrills to scenic bike rides and refreshing dips in the pools, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers something for everyone. Pedal along flower-lined paths on a rented bike, stopping to snap pics of the vibrant buildings. Or let loose on thrilling rides at Wonder World, with a giant Ferris wheel promising panoramic bayside views. And when the summer sun heats up, cool down at Sunshine Pool, the largest resort pool complex in western Japan. You can even camp on-site if you want the fun to last longer than a day.
5. Water sports (Surfing, Wakeboarding, etc.)
We mentioned the incredible beaches of Fukuoka, so it’s only natural that water sports fans have lots to do here! Surfing and wakeboarding are two of the area’s most popular activities thanks to Fukuoka’s warm water, manageable crowds, and waves, perfect for beginners and intermediates. Facing the Genkai Sea, the coastline picks up northerly swells, offering a fun challenge, even for seasoned surfers. Fukuoka is also home to rivers and streams that are perfect for sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, swimming, and more. Fukuoka is so renowned for water sports that it even hosted the world’s best water sports athletes at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships!
6. Sunflower Fields
Calling all flower fanatics and photography enthusiasts! Get ready to be wowed by a sea of sunflowers in Fukuoka during the mid to late summer. Sunflowers, a symbol of the Japanese summer, erupt in parks across the country, and Fukuoka explodes with these cheerful blooms. Nokonoshima Island Park in Fukuoka City is the local and popular choice, and it has over 50,000 sunflowers to admire. For night owls, the Yanagawa Sunflower Garden offers a magical experience with 5 acres of sunflowers illuminated after dark, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. Or, for the ultimate sunflower immersion, head to the sprawling Omuta Sunflower Field, where you can surround yourself with a staggering 200,000 sunflowers stretching toward a clear blue sky.
7. Senbutsu Cave
A mysterious underworld awaits, hidden beneath the rolling hills of Fukuoka! The Senbutsu Limestone Cave, nestled in the southern tip of Kokura, Kitakyushu, is a true testament to nature.
Hidden beneath the rolling hills of Fukuoka, a mysterious underworld awaits! The Senbutsu Limestone Cave, nestled in the southern tip of Kokura, Kitakyushu, is a true testament to nature. This National Natural Monument is a geological wonderland shaped by rainwater and groundwater over millennia. As you venture deeper, the temperature remains a constant 14-16°C, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat (or a cozy respite in the winter!). The heart of the cave lies beyond narrow passageways and refreshing streams, making your exploration feel like a real adventure as you discover a world unseen from the surface.
8. Shiraito Falls
Escape the summer sun at Shiraito Falls, a cascading waterfall on the Itoshima Peninsula. This 24-meter-tall wonder isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s a cool retreat, especially during the scorching summer months. A vibrant festival kicks off the season in early June, marking their official opening. But don’t worry, you can witness the falls anytime! After the festivities, the facilities at the base of the falls offer some deliciously fun activities. You can try your hand at Nagashi somen and experience the thrill of catching chilled noodles racing down a bamboo chute with just your chopsticks. It’s refreshing and exciting! If you’re with little ones, head to the nearby pools teeming with yamame fish. The freshwater fish provide an easy catch for aspiring anglers before becoming a delightful meal grilled with a sprinkle of salt at the on-site restaurant. Cool down, harness your noodle-catching skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime visiting the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination.
9. Shikanoshima Island
Escape the sweltering city and dive into a world of nature, history, and adventure on Shikanoshima Island, just a short hop north of Fukuoka! This island paradise, stretching 11 kilometers around, is a local favorite for a reason. People flock to the island for all kinds of things, like soaking in natural hot springs, beautiful beaches, and beautiful nature on all sides. But Shikanoshima Island boasts more than just stunning scenery. Unearth the island’s fascinating past at the Golden Seal Park, where a replica of a golden seal, once used for high-level diplomatic exchanges, was discovered by a farmer in the 1700s! This incredible find even inspired the name of the ferry that takes you to the island: the “Kin-in” (Golden Seal). So, whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun-filled summer escape, Shikanoshima Island has something to offer everyone.
10. Yanagawa
Yanagawa is a hidden city dubbed the “Venice of Kyushu,” thanks to its waterways, history, and food. It’s a beautiful place to visit in the summer when you want to cruise along the willow-lined canals in small boats led by guides. But that’s not all; Yanagawa is home to Edo-era gardens, a sumo wrestling dome, historic shrines, a lively food market, and so much more. And, of course, it’s home to the sunflower paradise of the Yanagawa Sunflower Garden we mentioned above! Make sure to try some of the culinary delicacies, too. Some can only be found here, like the signature steamed eel that Yanagawa is known for. No matter what you decide to do in this captivating town, it’s worth making the trip and seeing a side of Japan many tourists miss!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.
