Plan a CruiseFukuoka, often known by its historic name Hakata, is a vibrant and modern city with a rich past, having been a significant port for centuries due to its proximity to the Asian mainland. The city is a fusion of the former merchant town of Hakata and the samurai castle town of Fukuoka, officially united in 1889. Hakata remains the name of the central district and main railway station.
Cruise ships typically dock at the Fukuoka Chuo Wharf, which underwent significant dredging and lengthening in 2018 to accommodate large vessels like Oasis-class ships, allowing it to berth two ships simultaneously. While another facility, Bayside Place Hakata Pier, serves ferries and charter boats and features an 8-meter "Aquarium" and an evening fountain/laser show, the Chuo Wharf is the primary cruise terminal. It's important to note that the Chuo Wharf is not within walking distance of Bayside Place or the city center.
Getting Around from the Port
From Fukuoka Chuo Wharf, the city center is approximately 4 km away. A taxi ride to the city center will cost around 2000 yen.
Once you are in the city center, Fukuoka is compact and easy to explore, with many attractions accessible on foot. For broader travel, the city's subway system is efficient, connecting key areas like Hakata, Tenjin, Fukuoka International Airport, Meinohama (home to Asia's 2nd largest Ferris wheel), and Nishijin (where you'll find Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome baseball stadium). The Fukuoka Tourist City Pass offers foreign tourists unlimited rides on Fukuoka City buses and trains for one day, which can be a cost-effective option for exploring.
When taking a taxi, be aware that the driver remotely operates the left rear door; you should not open or close it yourself. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary and can be considered rude. If your destination is not well-known or you don't speak Japanese, it's highly recommended to provide the driver with the precise address written on paper or pointed out on a map, as the Japanese address system can be complex.
Attractions and Activities
Fukuoka offers a mix of urban attractions and cultural sites, with some excellent day trip options nearby.
- Hakata & Tenjin Districts: Explore Hakata, the city's central district and main railway station (a Shinkansen bullet train terminus). Just a short subway ride away, Tenjin is Fukuoka's largest shopping district, featuring towering retail blocks like Tenjin Core, IMS, Vivre, and a pleasant underground shopping area called Tenjin Chikagai. Nishi-Dori and Oyafuko-Dori also offer a multitude of stores and restaurants.
- Canal City Hakata: Located midway between Tenjin and Hakata in the Nakasu entertainment district, this uniquely designed mall houses diverse shops (including a Studio Ghibli goods store), restaurants, and a theater. Don't miss the hourly fountain shows held in the center of the complex.
- Fukuoka Tower & Yahoo! Dome: Head to Nishijin via subway to see the Fukuoka Tower, offering panoramic city views, and the Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome, home to the Softbank Hawks baseball team.
- Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Kyushu National Museum: This small town, a site of pilgrimage, houses the beautiful Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to a Shinto deity of learning. The recently built Kyushu National Museum is also located here.
- Kurume (Ramen Capital): For food enthusiasts, consider a trip to Kurume, famous for its ramen noodles. It's about an hour from Tenjin by train.
- Meinohama (Ferris Wheel): Take the subway to Meinohama to experience Asia's second-largest Ferris wheel.
Dining & Shopping
Fukuoka is a fantastic destination for dining and shopping. For extensive shopping, Tenjin is the prime district with large department stores (Tenjin Core, IMS, Vivre) and underground boutiques (Tenjin Chikagai). Nishi-Dori and Oyafuko-Dori also offer a wide array of shops and restaurants. Canal City Hakata provides a unique shopping experience with a variety of stores, including specialty character shops like Studio Ghibli.
When it comes to food, Fukuoka is renowned, especially for its ramen, with Kurume being a particularly famous spot for this dish. You'll find countless restaurants and cafes throughout the Tenjin and Hakata areas, and within shopping complexes like Canal City. Many restaurants and boutiques are also located at Bayside Place Hakata Pier (though not the main cruise terminal).
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), available in ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 notes, and ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1 coins.
While major credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas like Fukuoka, Japan remains largely a cash-based society. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially if venturing into more rural areas, as some establishments may not accept credit cards. ATMs that accept overseas cards are increasingly common, including those found at post offices.
A key cultural note: tipping is not expected in Japan and can even be considered rude, as service charges are typically included in the price.
For communication, Fukuoka City offers a free public wireless LAN service called "Fukuoka City Wi-Fi," available to everyone, including at the cruise terminal.