Things to Do in Fukuoka: Explore Japan’s Underrated City | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

Things to Do in Fukuoka: Explore Japan’s Underrated City

By Tanzeela Waseem Apr 25, 2025

Fukuoka is one of Japan’s major cities and the largest city in Kyushu, yet it often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. While it may not be as famous as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, it has its own unique charm and experiences that make it a must-visit destination. Scroll down to discover one-of-a-kind things to do in Fukuoka.

Experience Japan to Its Fullest With These Unforgettable Things to Do in Fukuoka!

From unique attractions to hidden gems, Fukuoka is home to places you won’t find anywhere else in Japan, making it a remarkable destination to visit. Keep reading to discover what you’ve been missing in this underrated city—there’s so much to explore!

CANAL CITY HAKATA

things to do in fukuoka, visit canal city hakata

Image credits: Taken by the author

CANAL CITY HAKATA is a city within the city of Fukuoka, where its magnificent architecture hides the bustling city life, offering a peaceful escape—and as the name suggests, it has a canal running through it! One of Kyushu’s largest malls offers more than just shopping. It features a wide range of entertainment, including cinemas, game centers, theaters, cafes, restaurants, and even two luxurious hotels. 

Enjoy breathtaking water fountain shows every 30 minutes!  Additionally, experience Japan’s largest entertainment attraction, the “Canal Aqua Panorama,” on the mall’s glass walls, showcasing an epic 3D projection with stunning water screens and lighting effects.

Book a room at one of their hotels—one day is definitely not enough to experience everything this mall offers, and it doesn’t even cover all the other amazing things to do in Fukuoka!

The two hotels include the GRAND HYATT FUKUOKA and Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel.

Check out the mall location here!

BOSS E. ZO

things to do in fukuoka, visit BOSS E.ZO

Image credits: Photo by Roméo A. on Unsplash

BOSS E. ZO is a 7-story all-in-one indoor entertainment center packed with innovative, adventurous, and beautiful exhibitions and museums, perfect for kids or adults! It has everything from thrilling experiences to a calm walk through mesmerizing virtual reality shows and attractions.

ZEKKEI-Brothers

Some thrilling experiences you can’t miss include the ZEKKEI-Brothers, featuring three exciting attractions with breathtaking city views! 

First, try the 100-meter slide, 40 meters above the ground, attached to the building itself, with a clear structure that offers an incredible view of the city as you slide down to the ground floor—an experience unique to Fukuoka in all of Japan. 

Then, there’s the 300-meter-long railing coaster, Japan’s first to be built on top of a building, 60 meters above the ground, with sharp turns and high speeds, delivering spectacular views of the city and the sea! 

To top it off, challenge yourself with rooftop climbing, reaching up to 50 meters above the ground, for the ultimate adventurous vibe!

teamLab Forest

In addition to the thrilling things to do in Fukuoka, the same venue also offers a calming contrast with a peaceful stroll through the teamLab Forest. Not only can you enjoy real-time experiences with the tech displays of the forest and the animals through the app, but the forest itself reacts to your presence! Feel the forest under your feet and hands with its interactive elements as it responds to human contact. Follow the instructions to fully immerse yourself in the stunning displays and the engaging details it offers!

Check out the location here!

Fukuoka Tower

visit fukuoka tower

 Image credits: Canva.com

Fukuoka Tower, Japan’s tallest seaside tower at 234 meters, offers breathtaking ocean views from its three-story observation deck. The lighting and illuminations change throughout the year with different themes and colors, so plan your visit wisely depending on how you’d like to see the tower light up — especially if you don’t live nearby! Enjoy a stunning panorama of the surroundings while dining at Renga Club, a restaurant that also offers private parties or meeting rooms. For an even more spectacular experience, visit Refuge, a sky dining and cafe with glass windows providing a 120-meter-high view of the city and ocean. Don’t forget to check out the shops at Hakata Denya, where you can pick up local souvenirs — perfect gifts for yourself, friends, and family!

Check out the location here!

Plan Your Trip With These Exciting Things to Do in Fukuoka!

Each place in Fukuoka holds a unique record, from a mall that’s more than just shopping to entertainment centers offering both thrills and calm and a seaside tower that gives you stunning views of the city and the ocean — all within one city! So, don’t forget to add Fukuoka to your list of cities to visit when planning a trip to Japan. And if you already live here, it’s time to explore more of what your city has to offer!

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Featured image credits: Canva.com