This castle hasn’t had an easy life. Built in the early 17th century, it was once the largest on the island of Kysuhu, but was tragically dismantled during the Meiji era as part of the government’s modernization plans. However, the site of the castle is now home to Maizaru Park, which retains some of the walls, moat, and minor towers from its days as a feudal fortress.
The castle was once the home to the feudal lord Kuroda Nagasama, who ruled over part of modern day Fukuoka Prefecture. His descendants kept their seashore all the way from the castle’s construction until the end of feudalism in the Meiji era.
Rather than battles and military drills, the grounds now play host to peaceful picnics and cherry blossom viewing parties. Visit during the sakura season and you’ll find walkways lined with the trees in full bloom. Where the main tower once stood, there’s now an observation deck which offers a panoramic view of Fukuoka City from this central spot.

Not much remains of the interior structures of this castle, but the imposing walls and pleasant park in the grounds still make it well worth a visit.                 

Fukuoka Castle Ruins Food Experiences & Restaurants | byFood

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

If you’re feeling adventurous, Fukuoka is the city for you, located on Kyushu, Japan’s subtropical, southernmost main island. Japan’s best-kept secret is the birthplace of the Hakata ramen (tonkotsu ramen) craze, yatai street food stalls, chill beaches, and even Ainoshima Island, an island totally overrun by cats! For partying and drinking, Oyafuko Dori, literally the “Street of Naughty Children,” is a must, if you think you can handle it, or for those of you who are more culturally inclined, Fukuoka Castle and the Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple are two of Fukuoka’s most popular attractions. 

Home to around 70 sake breweries, you’ll be spoiled with a variety of top-quality nihonshu (rice wine). And with abundant seasonal fruits such as strawberry, grapes, peaches, and apples, fruit-picking in Fukuoka is also a popular activity! The climate also contributes to growing Yamecha, Fukuoka’s prized tea, which is some of the finest tea in Japan and was recognized by “Chef of the Century” Joël Robuchon. But of course, you can’t miss out on the yatai street food stalls and markets in Fukuoka, packed with fresh seafood thanks to the city’s strategic positioning next to Hakata Bay. 

On your trip to Fukuoka, you’ll definitely want to check out Yanagibashi Market (known as “Hakata’s Kitchen”) and fill your belly with local delicacies, and what better way to explore this new territory than with a local Fukuoka food tour guide? Get expert insider knowledge about the best ramen in the city or go on a rowdy night of bar hopping in Fukuoka! You’ll get a taste of Hakata food culture at one of Japan’s most up-and-coming foodie destinations. A treasure trove of delightful local delicacies, from shochu to Hakata ramen, awaits in Fukuoka!

Roam markets in Fukuoka, taste authentic Hakata ramen, and fill up at yatai street food stalls during your trip to Fukuoka! Book cooking classes and food tours.

Discover Fukuoka byFood | Restaurants, Experiences, Travel Tips

Fukuoka

What to Eat in Fukuoka

Yatai Street Food Stalls

Japanese Table Manners

Japanese Phrases for Dining Out

Fukuoka is Japan’s up-and-coming foodie prefecture, which was put on the map by the 2014 Michelin Guide and has been consistently featured ever since. Roam food markets in Fukuoka, taste the authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen in its birthplace, and fill up at yatai street food stalls during your trip to Fukuoka!

The remaining walls and grounds of Fukuoka Castle now hold a pleasant city park, perfect for getting a panoramic city view, or enjoying a cherry blossom picnic.

Regional food

With sake

With transport

With lunch

With dinner

This multi-day tour was designed to give guests an in-depth exploration of the food scene in Kyushu. This itinerary features Kyushu's best culinary experiences, with the convenience and comfort of an English-speaking guide and private bus transportation. 
 
Starting in the city of Fukuoka, you'll visit Dazaifu Tenman-gu, the city's most famous shrine. Explore the shrine and enjoy the local specialty of umegae mochi. Enjoy a bowl of ramen in Kurume city, the birthplace of this famous dish. After a warm bowl of noodles, you'll get to try the "king of Japanese Strawberries," the prized Hakata Amaou strawberry.
 
On the second day, you'll start by touring a 200-year-old sake brewery. After sake tasting, you'll take a master class on preparing Japanese tea properly. This day ends at Tsuetate Onsen, a hot springs town. After a dinner of kaiseki-ryori (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal), you can relax in the onsen. 
 
The third day starts with a unique breakfast item- eggs prepared in the steam from the hot springs! Then you'll enjoy a peaceful morning of forest bathing. Next, head to another relaxing onsen town, famous for its carbonated hot springs. Finally, wind up the day with an exclusive Japanese counter-seated sushi experience. 
 
On the fourth day, you'll start on a boat for a change of pace! First, travel to the local fishing port to see the auction and enjoy a super fresh seafood breakfast. Then, back on the bus, you'll head into the wild and remote area of Kunisaki Penisula. Get a first-hand experience harvesting shitake mushrooms. After a lunch of octopus rice, you'll visit the peaceful Fuki-ji temple, the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu. 
 
On the final day of the trip, you can try a zen experience at the temple. On the journey back to Fukuoka, you'll stop in the town of Hita to visit the well-preserved old-style houses, including long-established soy sauce and miso shops. The evening in Fukuoka city is free for exploration. 



Kyushu Food Tour. Travel through the culinary landscape of Kyushu on this five-night private bus tour through the region. 

Kyushu Food Tour: A Week Exploring Kyushu’s Culinary Culture | byFood

The basic rate is based on a shared room arrangement. An additional cost of 84,000 yen is required for a private room. 

Food tour of a particular area or neighborhood.

Neighborhood/Area Tours

Kyushu Food Tour: A Week Exploring Kyushu’s Culinary Culture

Family-friendly

Near station

When speaking of Fukuoka's ramen scene, Ichiran is the name that immediately springs to mind, yet among the locals, Nagahama Ramen holds a special place in their hearts. During this ramen-led adventure, join Mason and his team for an immersive journey into authentic Nagahama Ramen culture. You’ll practice placing orders entirely in Japanese and compare Nagahama Ramen at two renowned establishments!

Nagahama Ramen is celebrated for pioneering the contemporary ramen style in Fukuoka. It introduced innovations such as the "kaedama" system for extra noodle refills and the combination of delicate noodles with a rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, however, the ordering process presents a challenge…


Upon entering the establishment and before being seated, you'll be asked, "How firm would you like your noodles?" Your speedy response is required, with terms like "Betanama," "Nashikata," "Zun," and the like being your choices. Nagahama Ramen employs a unique and almost incantation-like ordering system, which even some Japanese individuals find perplexing. But after this experience, you’ll be able to order with ease and pass for a Fukuokan in no time!

Ramen Tour Flow:
1) Info Session at Fukuoka Growth Next
Fill your noodle with knowledge about the history and intricacies of ordering Nagahama Ramen at Fukuoka Growth Next, a convenient 5-minute walk from Akasaka/Tenjin subway station.

2) Walking Tour
Stroll towards Nagahama, passing landmarks like the original Hakata Ramen pioneer, Akanoren, and the Ichiran Tenjin Branch, where you can try their special Kama Dare Tonkotsu ramen.

3) Ganso Nagahamaya
Visit this time-honored Nagahama Ramen establishment, and if you’re up to the challenge, test your newly acquired skills by placing your ramen order entirely in Japanese!

4) Ganso Nagahamake
Check out Ganso Nagahamake–a shop established by a former employee of the revered Ganso Nagahamaya. Order Nagahama Ramen in Japanese and savor the opportunity to discern the nuanced variations

Upskill your noodle knowledge with this Nagahama Ramen walking tour in Fukuoka! Join a Nagahama Ramen info session, tour key town landmarks, try ramen at 2 revered establishments, and practice ordering entirely in Japanese.

Join Mason and his team of Fukuoka experts for a guided Nagahama Ramen walking tour! Upskill at an info session, stop at key town landmarks, visit 2 revered ramen establishments, and practice ordering entirely in Japanese.

The Fuel of Fukuoka: Nagahama Ramen Walking Tour | byFood

The Fuel of Fukuoka: Nagahama Ramen Walking Tour

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pick a location

Hakata is home to a great many restaurants and cuisines, a paradise for food lovers! With so many options, sometimes choosing where to go can be daunting. Take the pressure off yourself and enjoy a relaxing stroll with a fellow food lover from Hakata, as they take you through the streets of Hakata and to a lovely restaurant for an exquisite lunch!

The lunch tour is very flexible. Travelers can choose any of the fine cuisines Fukuoka offers, like local Japanese, Italian, or even Sri Lankan foods, and set the meeting time to their preferences. Meet the local tour guide in town, and take a nice walk to one of the best lunches around.

Taking foodies around Fukuoka since 1985, the guides know the ins and outs of Fukuoka’s food culture, and travelers can rest assured that they will have a tasty experience. With a wealth of knowledge of the area, the guides are more than happy to offer other travel advice for those wanting to explore more of Kyushu and Japan.

Enjoy a stroll around Hakata, and enjoy a tasty lunch at a restaurant recommended by an experienced local foodie. The type of lunch can be chosen from any cuisine offered in Hakata. Hang out with a local, learn about the area, and enjoy great food!

Relaxing Stroll and Tasty Lunch with a Hakata Food Lover | byFood

Relaxing Stroll and Tasty Lunch with a Hakata Food Lover

From the ever-popular Hakata ramen to scrumptious gyoza, Hakata is well known in Japan for its delicious food and is a must-go for tourists and food lovers in Japan. With so much great food around, locals also have their own favorite destinations, far from the beaten path. This tour gives travelers a taste of what it’s like to dine like them!

With several years of experience around Fukuoka, the local tour guides are also fellow foodies and know the ins and outs of the local food scene. Travelers will be taken past the numerous food spots, and experience a special dinner at restaurants that are often unlisted or hidden in plain sight. 

In addition to the lovely dinner, customizable plans are available to provide a more personal and comprehensive Hakata food experience, walking through the many yatai food stands and hopping through multiple restaurants.

If you are looking for an authentic dining experience in Hakata, there is no better way than to have dinner with a Hakata foodie.

Get the authentic Hakata food experience with a local expert! Enjoy a special dinner at unlisted restaurants that only local foodies would know about. Customize the dinner tour with additional restaurants and yatai food stands!

Fukuoka Food Tour: Try Regional Dishes with a Local Guide | byFood 

Fukuoka Food Tour: Try Regional Dishes with a Local Guide

Stroller Accessible

With recipe

When you’re visiting Fukuoka, it’s possible you might hit all of the tourist spots, like Fukuoka Castle and Yatai street food stalls, without even experiencing the real Japanese lifestyle. Join us in our modern Japanese home to learn how to make sushi rolls (known as “maki zushi” in Japanese). Not only will you try the food that everyday Japanese folks enjoy in their own homes, but you will also be able to make it for yourself!

You’ll learn all about the basics of Japanese cooking, starting with the “umami” flavor that is present in so many Japanese dishes including miso soup which is made with a base of dashi (Japanese soup stock). There are many types of sushi that are popular among foreign visitors to Japan. At home, Japanese mothers often make “sushi rolls” on celebration days such as festivals and family birthdays. There are many different types of sushi rolls and this time, we will make traditional sushi rolls like those made by our mothers.

There are also many types of tempura, depending on the ingredients. We make kakiage tempura, which can be easily made at home using vegetables. Sushi and tempura are often prepared by professional chefs in Japanese restaurants, but Japanese mothers have also been making these dishes at home for just as long! You will also get to enjoy delicious seasonal fruits for dessert and coffee as a little pick-me-up after the meal. 

Menu:
-Welcome tea (Japanese tea)
-Sushi rolls
-Kakiage tempura
-Spinach sesame
-Miso soup
-Dessert (seasonal fruits)
-Coffee


In a modern Japanese home, learn how to make classic Japanese home cooked dishes including tempura, sushi, miso soup, and a spinach-sesame dish. Learn Japanese cooking techniques, like how to make and use dashi, and experience home life in Japan.

Enjoy this casual and hands-on rolled sushi cooking class in a modern Japanese home in Fukuoka. Also, learn to make other classic dishes like tempura and miso soup!

Maki Zushi Rolled Sushi Cooking Class in Fukuoka | byFood

A fun, hands-on cooking experience for home cooks, people with basic cooking skills, or kids.

Casual Cooking Classes

Maki Zushi Rolled Sushi Cooking Class in a Japanese Home

With green tea

Join this Ginger Pork Japanese Home Cooking Class in Fukuoka and learn to make a delicious pork dish, miso soup, tempura, and a green veggie dish. Altogether, this Japanese meal layout is called “ichijiu-sansai,” meaning “one soup, three dishes.” Ichijiu-sansai is a part of the balanced Japanese diet. Taking place in a Fukuoka home, you’ll get to experience the Japanese lifestyle, making yourself at home in our kitchen. 

“Umami” is one of those flavors that is uniquely Japanese. During this home cooking class in Fukuoka, you will learn how to draw out the natural “umami” flavor from ingredients, starting with making miso soup. Made with dashi (a traditional Japanese soup base), miso soup is a warm and soothing dish with that signature “umami” taste. 

The highlight of this cooking class is the “butaniku no shogayaki,” Japanese ginger pork, which is a popular dish among Japanese men! Made with pork and ginger, the dish is perfect to replenish nutrients during the hot summer. For a balanced meal, we will also make a style of vegetable tempura known as “kakiage,” which is a simple dish to whip up at home; and a green vegetable sesame dish. You’ll also taste the local Hakata specialty, “karashi mentaiko,” which is especially delicious when paired with hot rice!

Menu:
-Welcome tea (Japanese tea)
-Grilled pork ginger
-Vegetable tempura
-Green vegetables 
-Karashi mentaiko
-Hot rice
-Miso soup
-Dessert
-Coffee


This cooking class will teach you all about “ichijiu-sansai,” the Japanese balanced approach to home cooking. A favorite dish among Japanese home cooks, make ginger pork alongside other dishes like vegetable tempura and miso soup.

Join the Ginger Pork Japanese Home Cooking Class in Fukuoka and learn to make Japanese ginger pork along with other dishes, like tempura, at a modern Japanese home!

Ginger Pork Japanese Home Cooking Class in Fukuoka | byFood

Ginger Pork Japanese Home Cooking Class in Fukuoka

The taste of childhood, onigiri are delicious, portable rice balls that are many people’s favorite food in Japan. And while they can be found in convenience stores, nothing beats the comforting taste of the onigiri made by my mom, ever since I was a child. The nostalgic flavor of a delicious onigiri is beloved by people across Japan. And the best part is, onigiri are so versatile and easy to make once you get the hang of it! 

if you make many different types of beautiful onigiri, you can have a party! In this Onigiri Bento Making Class, we will make a few different fun styles of onigiri and pack them in bento boxes. To accompany our tasty onigiri, we will also make fried eggs, sausages, and boiled vegetables, to give the bento box more color and variety! You will also learn about “umami,” a flavor that is naturally found in many Japanese foods, as you make the umami-packed miso soup with dashi (a type of traditional Japanese soup base). 

By joining this Onigiri Bento Making Class in Fukuoka, you will come to understand the modern Japanese lifestyle and way of thinking, which many people miss out on when they only visit tourist attractions in Japan. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking! 

Menu:
-Welcome tea (Japanese tea)
-Various types of rice balls
-Rolled eggs
-Fried sausage
-Boiled seasonal vegetables
-Miso soup
-Dessert (seasonal fruits)
-Coffee 
*We will also taste the Fukuoka specialty: Hakata mentaiko!


Delicious and adorably presented bento are a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds. During this bento making class in Fukuoka, join your cooking instructor in their home kitchen, for an onigiri (rice ball) party!

Book this Onigiri Bento Making Class in a Fukuoka Home and learn to make several types of onigiri alongside other traditional Japanese dishes! Book now on byFood.

Onigiri Bento Making Class in a Fukuoka Home | byFood

Onigiri Bento Making Class in a Fukuoka Home

While many come to Fukuoka to try the delicious food, there are also places to cleanse the traveler’s palate between food tours. For those who appreciate a stroll and taking in some historical sights, Yusentei is the ideal destination.

Built as a second home for Lord Kuroda Tsugutaka in 1754, Yusentei Park houses a traditional garden, small waterfalls, and a spectacular lake that demands to be immortalized in photographs, rain or shine. The waters are also home to beautiful koi fish, and parkgoers can enjoy feeding them while exploring the park. There are spots to enjoy Yusentei’s scenery with a cup of delicious tea. Travelers can take this time to relax and meditate before tackling the rest of the day.

The tour ends with a short walk to a selection of restaurants popular with locals, which serve either exquisite Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki cooked to order, or scrumptious bites of sushi.

Learn a bit of Fukuoka’s history, and recharge through this relaxing tour and lunch!

Take a morning stroll around Yusentei Park, the historic home of a samurai. Explore the park’s gardens and waterfalls, feed the lake’s koi fish, and relax with a cup of tea. End the tour with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or delicious sushi. 

Historic Samurai House Tour in Fukuoka with Tea and Lunch | byFood

Casual Dining

Historic Samurai House Tour in Fukuoka with Tea and Lunch

Nomihoudai

Special offer

Fukuoka: A vibrant city in Japan that effortlessly blends traditional charm with modern innovation. Within this captivating city lies the Hakata Ward, a buzzing neighborhood known for its rich history, delicious food, and lively entertainment. And speaking of entertainment, there's an exciting new addition to the Hakata Ward skyline–the Theater 010 Building–where an unforgettable night out awaits… You’ll start the evening with either yakitori or ramen at a local restaurant. From here, you’ll head to the Theater 010 Building, where magic (and more food) awaits. Feast your eyes on a world-class performance, dine on delicious dishes crafted by a world-renowned chef, enjoy an all-you-can-drink package, and get a chance to meet the talented performers.

Opening its doors at the tail end of 2022, the Theater 010 Building (located between Nakasu and Canal City) quickly established itself as one of the town’s food, culture, and event hotspots–it also happens to be where the lion’s share of your experience will take place (more on that later). First, we’ll take care of your appetite with a yakitori or ramen feast. Once fed, wander over to the theater alongside your cheerful host. 

As you approach the entrance of Theater 010, you'll be greeted by a lively buzz of anticipation as theater enthusiasts and culture aficionados gather in excitement for the next performance. Here, you’ll dine on 6 delicious dishes and can sip yourself silly with an included all-you-can-drink package as you watch a world-class performance directed by ‘The Box’–a creative team from Broadway in New York. During the evening, the performers will come to your table for a meet and greet!

Whether you're a fan of theatrical productions, musical concerts, or dance performances, the Theater 010 Building has it all. From classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary performances, you'll be transported to a world of creativity and artistic expression.

Explore Fukuoka's Hakata Ward with the dining and theater experience of a lifetime! Fill up on ramen or yakitori before heading to Theater 010, where you'll dine & enjoy all-you-can-drink package as you watch a breathtaking live performance. 

Feast your eyes on a live performance at Theater 010–Fukuoka’s latest food, culture, and entertainment hotspot. Enjoy this experience alongside a friendly, bilingual guide!

Live Theater, All-You-Can-Drink, & Food Stalls in Fukuoka | byFood

Premium Dining

Live Theater, All-You-Can-Drink, & Food Stalls in Fukuoka

fukuoka

Food

Drinks

Tableware

French

Chef Mizumoto opened Sourire after working as a head chef at Hiramatsu, a traditional French restaurant in Japan. 

The lunch course, DEJEUNER MENU DEGUSTATION, is available for a reasonable 4,000 yen. The course includes today’s amuse bouche, appetizer, fish dish, meat dish, dessert, coffee or tea, and small sweets. The content changes every week.

In the evening, the dinner course (DINNER MENU DEGUSTATION) is available. The course will come with otsumami, today’s amuse bouche, appetizer, fish dish, meat dish, dessert, coffee or tea, and small sweets. 

Throughout the course, you can enjoy the beautiful marriage of local fresh ingredients of Fukuoka and French. If you are looking for an authentic French restaurant in Fukuoka, Sourire would be the best place for you. 

Sourire is a French restaurant in Fukuoka where you can savor Chef Mizumoto’s cuisine, which marries Fukuoka ingredients and French technique.

Sourire | French Restaurant in Fukuoka | byFood

Sourire

The very first authentic French restaurant in Fukuoka prefecture, Royal Nakasu Honten (now known as Hananoki), opened in 1953. After 3 months of operation, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio visited the restaurant during their honeymoon. The private room called “Room 1953” still has the chair and table that she used. 

For your lunch, they have three kinds of courses going for 3,800 yen, 5,300 yen, and 6,800 yen. All of them come with appetizers, soup, main dish, deserts. On the dinner menu, they have 2 kinds of courses, for 7,500 yen and 12,000 yen. With both, you can enjoy a full-course meal from the appetizers to dessert. You can also add a wine-pairing for 5,500 yen. The party plan is also available. 

Throughout the course, you can feel the seasonality. The chef will cook your meals with special techniques to bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients. 

It’s located 5 minutes away from Ohori Koen Station on foot. 

Hananoki is the very first authentic French Restaurant in Fukuoka, where Marilyn Monroe also enjoyed her meals! Reserve a table now on byFood. 

Hananoki | French Restaurant in Fukuoka | byFood

Hananoki

Pescetarian

Other Western / European

Opened in January 2020, Tacomia provides both eat-in and takeout services cooperating with Ubereats. Mexican food is the specialty at this restaurant in Fukuoka. 

Tacomia offers three types of tacos: beef, pork, and chicken; and the pork is recommended. You can also choose from four different sauces, so there is lots of room for customization. The tacos have a soft tortilla and are packed with a lot of ingredients, so they are very filling. In addition to tacos, they also have a variety of other items on the menu, so it would be fun to go back again and again.

All of the food at Tacomia is handmade and, of course, tastes authentic. The owner and customers are quite international, so you can enjoy an eclectic atmosphere at the restaurant.

Tacomia is located near Ohori Park, which is a famous spot in Fukuoka. If you are looking for Mexican food there, don't forget to visit both!

Located near Ohori Park, Tacomia is a Mexican restaurant in Fukuoka  serving up handmade soft-shell tacos to international clientele. 

Tacomia | Mexican Restaurant in Fukuoka | byFood

Tacomia

A restaurant which both local Japanese guests and visitors from overseas can appreciate, TTOAHISU brings about the best blend of Japanese and French, not only in their dishes but also in every part of the dining experience, too. Locals can enjoy the exoticism of fine French fusion flavors, while Europeans can find it in the beautifully detailed Japanese architecture of the restaurant. 

The use of seasonal ingredients mixes things up each time. The meats used, and even the sauces, differ depending on the peak ingredients that month. With the chef's unique and refined cooking techniques — derived from his extensive experience with French and Japanese cuisines — both styles of food are welded together seamlessly. 

Even though it's best to request a drink that matches the dishes, you can choose from a range of beverages to pair with the course menu, including Japanese sake and shochu, as well as wine. A dining experience at TTOAHISU is full of surprises every time.

Locals can enjoy the exoticism of fine French fusion flavors, while Europeans can find it in the beautifully detailed Japanese architecture of the restaurant.

Food Experiences

Restaurant Reservation

Gourmet Product

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Sourire

Hananoki

Tacomia

TTOAHISU