Where to Sleep in Fukuoka: A Comprehensive Guide
Fukuoka is a vibrant and lively city on the northern coast of Kyushu Island in Japan. It is known for its delicious food, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals.
It is a popular destination for tourists and newcomers alike. If you plan to visit or move to Fukuoka, you may wonder where the best areas to stay are.
Finding the best places to stay in Fukuoka can be daunting, especially for those who have never visited the city.
In this blog post, we will provide tips and advice on where to stay in Fukuoka so that you can make the most of your time in this great city.
Overview of Fukuoka’s Accommodation
Fukuoka is a city that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an accessible location with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and food markets, or a 4-star hotel in the city’s heart with stunning skyline views, Fukuoka has it all.
You can find areas that range from traditional and historic neighborhoods to more modern and chilled-out districts, as well as vibrant communities full of energy and life.
No matter your preference, you’re sure to find an area of Fukuoka that suits you perfectly!
How to get from Tokyo to Fukuoka?
There are a few different ways to get from Tokyo to Fukuoka, but my favorite is the train. The Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen is a super fast bullet train that makes the trip in just over 2 hours.
You can also fly if you do not have time to take the train or want a more relaxing way of traveling. Jetstar has direct flights from Narita Airport to Fukuoka Airport, and the flight time is just under 2 hours.
Finally, if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, you can take the train from Tokyo to Hakata. It’s a little longer at four h 57m, but it’s still a great way to save some money.
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Best Areas and Neighbours to Stay in Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and offers various areas to stay in. There are several districts, each with its own vibe and personality.
Hakata
Hakata is the central district of Fukuoka and is known for its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife.
It is a popular tourist destination home to many of Fukuoka’s top attractions, including the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, the Hakata Riverain shopping center, and the Hakata Station Building.
Hakata is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to explore the local culinary scene.
It has a large Chinatown, which offers some great restaurants to try out. Hakata is also home to many foreign residents, who have helped make this city one of the most diverse cities in Japan!
One of the main advantages of staying in Hakata is its central location. It is within easy reach of many of Fukuoka’s top attractions. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation.
Hakata is also home to several hotels and guesthouses, so you’ll have no problem finding accommodation to suit your budget and preferences.
Tenjin
Tenjin is a bustling commercial and entertainment district in Fukuoka’s center.
It is known for its shopping and dining options, as well as its lively nightlife.
Tenjin is home to several department stores and several smaller boutiques and shops. It is also home to many popular restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a great place to spend an evening out on the town.
Staying in Tenjin is a good option if you want to be in the heart of the action.
It’s a busy and vibrant neighborhood, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.
However, if you want to be close to the city’s shopping and entertainment options, Tenjin is a great place to stay.
It is also well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, making it easy to get around.
Nakasu
Nakasu is an island in the middle of the Fukuoka River. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and red-light district.
Suppose you want to be in the center of the action and experience Fukuoka’s nightlife. In that case, Nakasu is a great place to stay.
It is home to several hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, so you’ll have no problem finding accommodation to suit your budget and preferences.
However, remember that it can be loud and busy at night, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a more peaceful atmosphere.
Nishijin
Nishijin is one of Fukuoka’s most famous areas known for its traditional Japanese textiles. Many shops sell kimonos and other traditional costumes as well as souvenirs.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars here.
It’s an excellent place to visit if you want to experience what life was like in Japan years ago or if you’re curious about its past.
Daimyo
Daimyo is a great place to stay if you want to live like a local. The area is popular with students, and many restaurants and bars are nearby, making it an ideal location if you’re looking for somewhere close to campus.
It’s also close to Tenjin or Hakata stations, so it’s easy to get around Fukuoka City on public transportation.
This area has some lovely old buildings, but the natural attraction here is its proximity to Daimyo Station.
This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the more expensive areas of Fukuoka City.
You’ll find many shops selling traditional Japanese items here, and it’s also close to some of the city’s main attractions.
Staying in this area is ideal if you’re looking for a cheap place near downtown Fukuoka City.
Choosing the Best Area for You
When choosing where to stay in Fukuoka, several factors must be considered. Generally, the most popular places to visit are Tenjin, Hakata, Nakasu Kawabata, and Chuo Ward.
I’d highly recommend Tenjin; it’s a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of shopping, dining, and attractions.
Assuming you’re a first-time traveler to the city, though, I’d suggest staying in either Hakata, Tenjin, or Nakasu Kawabata.
They’re all conveniently located close to public transportation and attractions. Plus, they have some great restaurants, cafes, and bars.
However, if you want the most popular choice go for Chuo Ward. It’s renowned for its modern hotels with amenities and vibrant nightlife options!
Top Hotels in Fukuoka
According to reviews, Hotel Nikko Fukuoka is the top-rated hotel in the city. It is known for its modern accommodations and great location near Hakata Station.
It offers guests comfortable guestrooms with quality amenities, a delicious breakfast buffet each morning, and even on-site bars and restaurants.
It’s also conveniently located within easy reach of the transportation system in Hakata, making Hotel Nikko Fukuoka an excellent choice for visitors to the city.
Another excellent option for luxury travelers is Miyako Hotel Hakata, just a few minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
This unique hotel boasts high-quality rooms with all the best amenities and features. The hotel offers several on-site dining options and services, including a spa and fitness center.
Guests looking for top-notch service will appreciate Miyako Hotel Hakata’s attentive, always available staff.
Budget Accommodation Options in Fukuoka
As any savvy traveler knows, finding affordable yet comfortable accommodation is key to having a great trip. With that in mind, let’s look at Fukuoka’s best budget accommodation options.
It’s hard to beat JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata for the value. It’s the number one budget hotel in Fukuoka on TripAdvisor!
This funky boutique hotel offers quality amenities like free Wi-Fi and modern rooms. It is conveniently located near the Hakata station, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
If you’re looking for something even cheaper, Heiwadai Hotel Otemon and Hotel Hokke Club Fukuoka are two popular options with super affordable nightly rates.
The Richmond Hotel is another option; though a bit pricier than the other two, it’s easily one of the best hotels in Fukuoka.
Top Hostel In Fukuoka
Now let’s look at some of the top hostels in Fukuoka!
One of the best hostels is undoubtedly Fukuoka Hana Hostel, which offers friendly staff and a great atmosphere.
They offer private and shared accommodations and plenty of complimentary services like free Wi-Fi, towels, and drinking water.
Other famous hostels include WeBase HAKATA and HafH Fukuoka THE LIFE, which feature comfortable beds and a lively atmosphere.
Nekokura Hostel or UNPLAN Fukuoka will be good options if you prefer something quieter and homier. These two hostels are highly rated for their cozy atmosphere, cleanliness, and excellent staff.
These two hostels are highly rated for their relaxed atmosphere, cleanliness, and excellent staff.
Ryokans In Fukuoka
For those looking for a more traditional and luxurious experience, there are some great 4-star ryokans in Fukuoka.
One of the oldest, set up in 1865, is Daimaru Besso. It is right beside the canal and offers world-class service and facilities with an elegant Japanese garden.
A little bit further away, Zen–Oyado Nishitei provides rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It’s an excellent place for those who want to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle with all the modern conveniences.
I’ve stayed in both Ryokans, and the experiences were spectacularly different but equally wonderful!
If you’re looking for something special, I recommend checking them out!
How many days should I spend in Fukuoka?
If you’re asking how many days you should spend in Fukuoka, my answer is: it depends! If you only have time to sightsee within the city, then 3 days is a good amount.
It’ll give you plenty of time to explore.
If you want to take side trips and visit other cities while in the area, add a few more days to your itinerary.
Fukuoka has a unique atmosphere different from any other city in Japan, so much so that it has earned the nickname “The Gateway to Asia.”
It’s the perfect place for experiencing some of Japan’s best culinary delights, seeing stunning views, and tasting traditional Japanese culture.
So if you can spend more than three days here, I highly recommend it!
Is Fukuoka foreigner friendly?
Absolutely! As Japan’s 6th largest city, Fukuoka is an excellent option for those who want the convenience and dynamism of a metropolitan center without the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Not only are rents lower in Fukuoka but so is the pace of life.
Aside from the financial perks, there are plenty of reasons to visit or stay in Fukuoka!
You can revel in its extensive history, discover its hidden gems, enjoy its delicious food and shopping scenes, or learn more about its unique culture.
In short, Fukuoka has something for everyone.
Whether you’re an ex-pat looking for a place to call home or just passing through, you can bet that Fukuoka will surely leave you with an unforgettable experience!
