Discover Fukuoka 3 Day Itinerary
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Erin Donahue
If you’re seeking to explore some lesser-known yet incredible parts of the country, you’ll want to steal this Fukuoka 3-Day Itinerary. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but there’s more to Japan than the popular destinations of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto! As part of my two-week trip through Japan, along with Tokyo and Nagasaki, this Fukuoka 3-day itinerary breaks down everything to do if you plan a visit.
Now, when I say lesser-known, I mean by Western standards – some of these places were teeming with Chinese tourists. You can always count on travelers from China to flock to hidden gems around the world. Fukuoka is considered a suburban or countryside area, offering a slower-paced atmosphere compared to the bustling cities up north. Yet, its underrated charms are not to be missed.
Munakata Taisha Hetsugu Shrine (宗像大社辺津宮)
In Fukuoka Prefecture, I had the privilege of visiting the historic Munakata Taisha Shrine, a revered Shinto complex comprising three primary shrines, including the easily accessible Hetsu-miya on the mainland. This is one of Japan’s 25 UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines. It’s dedicated to the Munakata Sanjin deities who protect seafarers, left me in awe with its cultural significance and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Address: 2331 Tashima, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3505
Walk the Kanmon Pedestrian Undersea Tunnel
As a unique and fascinating experience for your 14-day itinerary in Japan, I highly recommend traversing the Kanmon Pedestrian Undersea Tunnel that connects the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. This remarkable two-story structure, completed in 1958, allows visitors to walk 780 meters beneath the narrow Kanmon Straits, known for its strong tidal currents.
The pedestrian level offers a surreal journey 58 meters below sea level, taking around 15-20 minutes to cross the border between Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture memories here, where you can stand straddle two of Japan’s main islands while submerged beneath the ocean’s surface!
Address: 22 Mimosusogawa-cho, Shimonoseki-shi, Yamaguchi-ken
Mojiko Train Station
Nearby the Kanmon Undersea Tunnel lies Mojiko Train Station, an architectural gem that transports visitors back in time. This two-story structure, erected in the Renaissance style, stands as a testament to Kyushu’s rich history, being one of the oldest remaining station buildings in the region. Despite its age, Mojiko Station remains an active transportation hub, inviting travelers to step through its doors and immerse themselves in an era long gone.
As you wander through the station’s wooden corridors, you’ll be enveloped by an atmosphere reminiscent of 19th-century Japan. While it shares certain similarities with the iconic Tokyo Station, Mojiko’s uniqueness lies in its use of wood as the primary building material. A random tour guide who gives free tours of the station came up to me and my family and insisted on showing us around the station so we could learn about all the details. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate architectural marvels, Mojiko Train Station is a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into Japan’s past while seamlessly blending with the present.
Address: 1-5-31 Nishi Kaigan, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Karato Fish Market (唐戸市場)
As an archipelago surrounded by the ocean, Japan has many famed fish markets. I went to Karato Market (唐戸市場) in Shimonoseki City (下関市) where I got to eat a vat of uni for $15 and risked my life eating fugu, aka puffer or blowfish. Fugu is a delicacy that requires specialized training to prepare properly due to its potential lethality if not handled correctly. Pufferfish contain lethal amounts of tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death if ingested. Only trained and licensed fugu chefs are allowed to prepare and serve the dish in Japan due to the risk.
While my experience eating fugu was exhilarating, my excitement was tempered upon discovering that Karato Market also sells whale meat. Japan’s controversial whaling practices have stirred international criticism, yet the sale of whale meat persists. Karato Market began as a street market in 1909, and has since evolved into bustling hub that ships fish to various parts of Japan. Part of the appeal at this market is its view over the Kanmon Straits, but the day I went it was raining.
Address: 5-50 Karato-cho, Shimonoseki-shi, Yamaguchi-ken
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