A large canal-side shopping and entertainment complex. The hosts visited it for its festive Christmas 2023 displays and decorations.

"A large canal-side shopping and entertainment complex. The hosts visited it for its festive Christma"

A culturally significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning that draws visitors from all over Japan. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens, and visitors throw coins and make wishes there.

"A culturally significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of learning that draws visitors from a"

Fukuoka's downtown and busiest district, where yatai street food stalls set up their carts around 6 PM each evening.

"Fukuoka's downtown and busiest district, where yatai street food stalls set up their carts around 6 "

Open-air food stalls along the Naka River serving grilled yakitori and oden under the neon glow of riverside billboards, with crowds of strangers eating shoulder to shoulder. Arrive around 6pm because the stalls are usually full by 6:30, though a stroll along the river is worthwhile even without a seat.

"Open-air food stalls along the Naka River serving grilled yakitori and oden under the neon glow of r"

A mountainside temple about 25 minutes by train from Fukuoka, home to one of the world's largest bronze reclining Buddhas (41 m long, 300 tons). Forested paths, statues, streams, waterfalls and a small cave lead to the Buddha, whose feet are said to bring good luck when touched.

"A mountainside temple about 25 minutes by train from Fukuoka, home to one of the world's largest bro"

A seasonal Christmas market outside Hakata Station. It was the first of several Fukuoka Christmas markets the hosts visited, and they found it very romantic.

"A seasonal Christmas market outside Hakata Station. It was the first of several Fukuoka Christmas ma"

An underground shopping mall known for its ornate, wrought-iron-style ceiling design.

"An underground shopping mall known for its ornate, wrought-iron-style ceiling design."

The shopping street leading up to Dazaifu Tenmangu is lined with shops making fresh umegae mochi. These are sweet rice cakes filled with hot azuki red bean paste.

"The shopping street leading up to Dazaifu Tenmangu is lined with shops making fresh umegae mochi. Th"

Hakata is Fukuoka's downtown district and the home of Hakata ramen, known for its thick, creamy tonkotsu pork broth.

"Hakata is Fukuoka's downtown district and the home of Hakata ramen, known for its thick, creamy tonk"

The remains of a once-formidable fortress, with panoramic views from the top that are especially striking in cherry blossom season. Interpretive signs explain the castle's history and its role in the region.

"The remains of a once-formidable fortress, with panoramic views from the top that are especially str"

A seasonal Christmas market where hot chocolate is served in a collectible holiday mug. The stall gives you a bag to carry the mug home as a souvenir.

"A seasonal Christmas market where hot chocolate is served in a collectible holiday mug. The stall gi"

One of Fukuoka's most famous ramen shops, usually with a 15-20 minute queue, serving rich, gravy-like Hakata tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles and chashu. It also serves bite-sized Hakata-style gyoza.

"One of Fukuoka's most famous ramen shops, usually with a 15-20 minute queue, serving rich, gravy-lik"

About two hours from Fukuoka, Beppu is Japan's largest hot spring town, famous for its 'seven hells' of smouldering hot springs that send plumes of steam across the city. The video recommends it as an overnight stay for the ultimate hot spring experience.

"About two hours from Fukuoka, Beppu is Japan's largest hot spring town, famous for its 'seven hells'"

Now just 90 minutes from Fukuoka by shinkansen, Nagasaki offers the abandoned island of Gunkanjima, Chinatown's steamed pork buns, the Peace Park and museum, and one of Japan's most beautiful viewpoints. The video suggests two days and one night.

"Now just 90 minutes from Fukuoka by shinkansen, Nagasaki offers the abandoned island of Gunkanjima, "

A museum near Dazaifu Tenmangu that showcases the region's history and culture.

"A museum near Dazaifu Tenmangu that showcases the region's history and culture."

A large park in the heart of Fukuoka with a picturesque pond, walking paths and paddle-boat rentals. It also has a traditional Japanese garden and hosts events throughout the year.

"A large park in the heart of Fukuoka with a picturesque pond, walking paths and paddle-boat rentals."

Japan's tallest seaside tower, with an observation deck offering sweeping views of the city and coastline, especially at sunset. It also has interactive exhibits about the city's history and culture.

"Japan's tallest seaside tower, with an observation deck offering sweeping views of the city and coas"

Known as the 'City of Water' or 'Venice of Kyushu' for its canals and riverboats, it is a little over an hour by train from Hakata Station. It is famous for unagi no seiro-mushi, eel steamed in a bamboo basket with rice, sweet sauce and sliced egg.

"Known as the 'City of Water' or 'Venice of Kyushu' for its canals and riverboats, it is a little ove"

A boat captain poles the boat along Yanagawa's canals while telling you about the city's history. Vendors along the canal sell snacks and drinks, and the video calls it one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

"A boat captain poles the boat along Yanagawa's canals while telling you about the city's history. Ve"

A hot-spring town reachable by train from Hakata. The hosts stayed overnight at an onsen ryokan and explored its shops, cafes and an art museum.

"A hot-spring town reachable by train from Hakata. The hosts stayed overnight at an onsen ryokan and "

A legendary yatai with a friendly atmosphere where a one-man chef cooks smoky gyoza, a runny mentaiko omelette, seared beef tongue and wok-fried rice.

"A legendary yatai with a friendly atmosphere where a one-man chef cooks smoky gyoza, a runny mentaik"

A quieter yatai famous for tempura, fried fresh to order. Sets include shrimp, eggplant, fish and vegetables, served with a grated radish dipping sauce.

"A quieter yatai famous for tempura, fried fresh to order. Sets include shrimp, eggplant, fish and ve"

A yatai famous for Hakata ramen: thick, rich pork-bone broth with firm noodles, chashu, green onions, pickled ginger and sesame.

"A yatai famous for Hakata ramen: thick, rich pork-bone broth with firm noodles, chashu, green onions"

An izakaya-style yatai known for yakitori, including gizzard and tomato wrapped in bacon. It also serves motsunabe, a pork offal hot pot with cabbage and leeks.

"An izakaya-style yatai known for yakitori, including gizzard and tomato wrapped in bacon. It also se"

The Fukuoka branch of the Oslo-born coffee shop known from Tokyo, a short walk from Hakata Station. The hosts call it a must-visit and bought its Gesha blend and organic beans.

"The Fukuoka branch of the Oslo-born coffee shop known from Tokyo, a short walk from Hakata Station. "

A storybook-style village of themed shops and cafes, often called Yufuin's 'Ghibli village'. It was the highlight of the hosts' side trip, which they visited in the snow.

"A storybook-style village of themed shops and cafes, often called Yufuin's 'Ghibli village'. It was "

A Fukuoka-born specialty coffee roaster known for light roasts. The hosts recommend its bright, citrusy Gesha latte, and it gives a free cup of coffee with every 200 g bean purchase.

"A Fukuoka-born specialty coffee roaster known for light roasts. The hosts recommend its bright, citr"

A Fukuoka specialty coffee shop where the hosts bought beans to take home.

"A Fukuoka specialty coffee shop where the hosts bought beans to take home."

A Fukuoka specialty coffee shop whose beans the hosts brought home.

"A Fukuoka specialty coffee shop whose beans the hosts brought home."

A Fukuoka coffee roaster that supplies beans to other local cafes. The hosts found its stand in a department store and note it gives a free coffee with every 200 g bean purchase.

"A Fukuoka coffee roaster that supplies beans to other local cafes. The hosts found its stand in a de"

The store of the Fukuoka stationery and lifestyle brand Hightide, selling stickers, storage containers, tapes and travel goods. The hosts found it smaller than the Tokyo shop.

"The store of the Fukuoka stationery and lifestyle brand Hightide, selling stickers, storage containe"

A vintage clothing store where the hosts found a lilac women's corduroy shacket.

"A vintage clothing store where the hosts found a lilac women's corduroy shacket."

A major Tenjin department store affiliated with Isetan Mitsukoshi, carrying luxury brands. The Isetan guest card gives an extra 5% off on top of the tax refund.

"A major Tenjin department store affiliated with Isetan Mitsukoshi, carrying luxury brands. The Iseta"

A small island in Fukuoka where you can rent bicycles and ride a scenic route along the coast past traditional Japanese houses. It is also known for fresh seafood, including very fresh tuna.

"A small island in Fukuoka where you can rent bicycles and ride a scenic route along the coast past t"

A 30-minute boat cruise on the rivers around Nakasu in central Fukuoka. It costs about 1,000 yen.

"A 30-minute boat cruise on the rivers around Nakasu in central Fukuoka. It costs about 1,000 yen."

A museum of contemporary art from across Asia, focused on promoting cultural exchange. It has interactive displays and often hosts workshops and events.

"A museum of contemporary art from across Asia, focused on promoting cultural exchange. It has intera"

An island easily reached by ferry, known for flower fields, coastal views and bicycle rentals. It is a peaceful getaway for picnics on the beach and local specialties.

"An island easily reached by ferry, known for flower fields, coastal views and bicycle rentals. It is"

A flower park on Nokonoshima where seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year.

"A flower park on Nokonoshima where seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year."

An aquarium showcasing the region's marine life, including dolphins, seals and colorful fish. It offers daily dolphin shows and interactive exhibits on marine ecosystems.

"An aquarium showcasing the region's marine life, including dolphins, seals and colorful fish. It off"

A beachfront park with a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, plus walking and cycling paths with coastal views. Cafes and restaurants line the beach, and Fukuoka Tower is nearby.

"A beachfront park with a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, plus walking and cycling paths wit"

One of Fukuoka's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, featuring beautiful wooden architecture. It hosts several festivals throughout the year, and visitors can tie omikuji for good luck.

"One of Fukuoka's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, featuring beautiful wooden architecture. "

A museum near Kushida Shrine that offers insights into traditional Fukuoka life.

"A museum near Kushida Shrine that offers insights into traditional Fukuoka life."

A bustling food market with fresh seafood, local produce and traditional snacks such as grilled fish and mochi. Vendors also sell souvenirs and local crafts.

"A bustling food market with fresh seafood, local produce and traditional snacks such as grilled fish"

A shrine whose annual festival features colorful parades, traditional dance and music performances, and rituals. Food and drink stalls line the streets during the celebration.

"A shrine whose annual festival features colorful parades, traditional dance and music performances, "

Fukuoka's main nightlife district, with Japanese pubs, bars, nightclubs and illuminated streets. It also has street food stalls, restaurants and live music late into the night.

"Fukuoka's main nightlife district, with Japanese pubs, bars, nightclubs and illuminated streets. It "

A museum of modern and contemporary art by Japanese and international artists, with rotating exhibitions. It offers a tranquil setting and often hosts special workshops and events.

"A museum of modern and contemporary art by Japanese and international artists, with rotating exhibit"

A bridge on the way to Nanzoin Temple with xylophones on both sides, which you can play with the mallets provided as you cross. The temple entrance is about a five-minute walk away.

"A bridge on the way to Nanzoin Temple with xylophones on both sides, which you can play with the mal"

A row of ramen shops inside Hakata Station, celebrating Fukuoka as the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. The video features a long-queue tsukemen spot serving chewy noodles with a rich dipping broth.

"A row of ramen shops inside Hakata Station, celebrating Fukuoka as the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen."

Kyushu's go-to pawn shop for secondhand luxury goods. A whole floor is dedicated to designer bags from LV and Chanel, plus watches and clothing.

"Kyushu's go-to pawn shop for secondhand luxury goods. A whole floor is dedicated to designer bags fr"

A huge shopping mall known for its life-size RX-93ff Nu Gundam statue. It also has a Gundam store that sells area-limited model kits.

"A huge shopping mall known for its life-size RX-93ff Nu Gundam statue. It also has a Gundam store th"

A Nishitetsu restaurant train serving seasonal multi-course meals prepared on board by local chefs. Its charming decor, photo stop and immersive touches like ticket clipping make it a unique dining experience.

"A Nishitetsu restaurant train serving seasonal multi-course meals prepared on board by local chefs. "

A popular sushi restaurant known for fresh, affordable sushi, with two floors of seating that keep the line moving fast. The Today's Special platter, about 3,600 yen, is the signature order.

"A popular sushi restaurant known for fresh, affordable sushi, with two floors of seating that keep t"

A scenic coastal area west of Fukuoka, best explored by car. It offers beach photo spots like swings and stairways, seafood restaurants and artisan salt makers.

"A scenic coastal area west of Fukuoka, best explored by car. It offers beach photo spots like swings"

An iconic white torii gate standing in the sea in front of the wedded rocks, said to protect fishermen and grant love. At low tide you can walk right up to the gate.

"An iconic white torii gate standing in the sea in front of the wedded rocks, said to protect fisherm"

A seaside salt maker that sells its in-house sea salt and flavoured salts such as herb and curry. It is famous for its salted pudding with caramelised sugar.

"A seaside salt maker that sells its in-house sea salt and flavoured salts such as herb and curry. It"

A 150-year-old Arita porcelain kiln offering workshop tours and a 90-minute ceramics treasure hunt where you fill a basket for 6,600 or 12,000 yen. Arrive before 2 p.m. to get the full time.

"A 150-year-old Arita porcelain kiln offering workshop tours and a 90-minute ceramics treasure hunt w"

An insanely popular doughnut shop that originated in Fukuoka, known for its light, fluffy and chewy original doughnut. It also sells location-exclusive flavours.

"An insanely popular doughnut shop that originated in Fukuoka, known for its light, fluffy and chewy "

An airport-themed coffee shop known for its stickers, lattes and avocado jelly. It is also famous for its pudding.

"An airport-themed coffee shop known for its stickers, lattes and avocado jelly. It is also famous fo"

A viral izakaya-style spot known for kettle udon, especially the kama udon, along with oden and gyoza. It stays open late.

"A viral izakaya-style spot known for kettle udon, especially the kama udon, along with oden and gyoz"

A Japanese sweets shop that has been in Fukuoka for over 90 years. Its most popular item is monaka filled with red bean paste, and it also sells warabi mochi and sakura kuzu sweets.

"A Japanese sweets shop that has been in Fukuoka for over 90 years. Its most popular item is monaka f"

A mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) factory with a tour explaining how Fukuoka's signature food is made, plus a gift shop selling fresh, never-frozen mentaiko. Across from the shop is a restaurant with mentaiko dishes and an all-you-can-eat mentaiko buffet.

"A mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) factory with a tour explaining how Fukuoka's signature food is made, "

A small shrine decorated with hearts that is said to be the only shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture dedicated to a deity of love. Visitors come here to pray for romance.

"A small shrine decorated with hearts that is said to be the only shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture dedica"

The park that contains the Fukuoka Castle ruins.

"The park that contains the Fukuoka Castle ruins."

The historic heart of old Hakata, one of Japan's largest port cities from the 12th to 16th centuries. It has temples and shrines, a bustling shopping arcade and cultural sites, and is reached from Gion Station.

"The historic heart of old Hakata, one of Japan's largest port cities from the 12th to 16th centuries"