Featured Destination
While Tokyo and Osaka are renowned as Japan's premier cities, their rising accommodation and dining costs have become a concern for travelers. Fortunately, Japan offers numerous other destinations that boast rich culture, history, and unique experiences. Exploring these lesser-known locales can provide more meaningful experiences and better value for your travel budget.
Fukuoka: A Compact, Connected, and Culturally Enriched MICE Destination
Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, is emerging as a leading MICE destination in Japan. Its greatest advantage is accessibility—Fukuoka Airport is just 10 minutes by subway from the city center, making it one of the most conveniently connected urban hubs in the country. This compactness allows visitors to move smoothly between hotels, event venues, restaurants, and sightseeing spots.
The city offers state-of-the-art facilities such as the Fukuoka International Congress Center, Marine Messe Fukuoka, and Fukuoka Sunpalace, which support a wide range of events from international conferences to exhibitions and cultural programs.
What makes Fukuoka especially appealing is its unique balance: a modern, efficient city surrounded by natural beauty—coastal areas, rivers, and greenery—alongside historic temples, castle ruins, and traditional markets. This harmony between past and present, city and nature, offers event organizers a rich, multidimensional setting that enhances both business and cultural engagement.
Combined with renowned local cuisine and the city’s warm hospitality, Fukuoka delivers a complete and memorable experience for global MICE participants.
What you can do in Fukuoka?
A Night Out in Fukuoka: Discover the Flavors of Tenjin and Nakasu
One of the best ways to enjoy Fukuoka is by experiencing its vibrant food and nightlife culture in Tenjin and Nakasu. Start your evening in Tenjin, the city’s fashionable shopping and entertainment district. With its stylish cafés, rooftop bars, and boutiques, it’s perfect for relaxing with a drink or picking up local trends.
As night falls, head to Nakasu, Fukuoka’s lively nightlife hub known for its neon-lit streets, friendly locals, and unique atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy local dishes at one of the famous yatai (street food stalls) along the riverbank—perfect for tasting authentic Hakata-style dishes in a casual setting.
No trip to Fukuoka is complete without a bowl of rich, savory tonkotsu ramen, and the iconic Ichiran is a must-visit for first-timers and ramen lovers alike.
Fukuoka’s warm hospitality and welcoming spirit make wandering its streets a true pleasure. Whether bar hopping, chatting with locals, or slurping noodles at midnight, this city’s food scene is both exciting and heartwarming.
Stylish Nature Escapes in Itoshima: Fukuoka’s Beachside Gem
Just a short drive from central Fukuoka, the Itoshima area has become a hotspot for travelers seeking scenic views, seaside relaxation, and photogenic experiences. Spend the day at Fukae Beach, where you can take part in a hands-on traditional fishing net experience (ji-biki-ami) followed by a lively beachfront BBQ.
Explore Instagram-worthy spots like the Palm Tree Swing overlooking the ocean or sip coffee from the iconic London Bus Café—both must-visits for those chasing coastal charm. For active adventurers, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) offer a fun way to enjoy the clear waters and stunning shoreline.
To top it off, rent a Jimny open-top car and take a stylish drive along the coast, stopping at scenic cafes and hidden beaches. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or the perfect photo, Itoshima offers a refreshing and unforgettable escape just beyond the city.
Savoring Tonkotsu Ramen (A Flavorful Journey Through Fukuoka)
No trip to Fukuoka is complete without experiencing its most iconic dish—tonkotsu ramen. Start your culinary adventure at the Ichiran Main Store, where you can enjoy their famous rich, creamy pork broth in the city where it all began.
For a deeper dive into ramen culture, visit Ichiran no Mori—a unique facility where you can learn about the ramen-making process, from noodle preparation to broth techniques. After the tour, enjoy a freshly made bowl using noodles crafted on-site. It’s an immersive and delicious way to connect with Fukuoka’s food heritage, perfect for ramen lovers and curious travelers alike.
Must-Visit Attractions in Fukuoka
Dazaifu Tenmangu-Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Located just outside Fukuoka City, the shrine attracts students and visitors who come to pray for academic success. With over 1,000 years of history, it features beautiful gardens, a majestic main hall, and seasonal plum blossoms that inspired Michizane’s poetry. Blending spiritual heritage with natural beauty, it’s a peaceful and culturally rich destination..
Kagami-no-Umi (A Mirror-like Beach Along Fukutsu’s Coastline)
Just six minutes by bus from JR Fukuma Station lies Fukuma Beach, part of a stunning 3km stretch that includes Miyajihama and Tsuyazaki Beach. Known as “Kagami-no-Umi” (The Mirror Sea), this coastline gets its name from the reflective pools left behind at low tide, creating surreal, mirror-like views of the sky.
With clear, shallow waters and white sand curving along the coast, it’s a perfect spot for photography—especially during sunrise or sunset, when the sky glows in vivid colors. Even with a smartphone, you can capture professional-looking shots if you visit at the right time.
Fukuoka Tower (Japan’s Tallest Seaside Tower)
Standing at 234 meters tall, Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Its top observation deck, located 123 meters above ground, offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Fukuoka City, Hakata Bay, and beyond.
Selected as one of Japan’s "Top 100 Night Views," the tower is especially popular at sunset and nighttime, when the city lights sparkle and the sun dips below the bay horizon. Seasonal events and themed illuminations—such as cherry blossoms, moon viewing, and Christmas—add to the charm, making it a must-visit landmark for both sightseeing and photography.
Nakasu Yatai Street (Fukuoka’s Iconic Open-Air Food Stalls)
Nakasu is home to one of Fukuoka’s most famous yatai (street food stall) districts. Set along the riverside, this lively area comes alive at night with dozens of open-air stalls serving local favorites like tonkotsu ramen, yakitori, tempura, and oden. It's a perfect place to enjoy authentic Fukuoka flavors while mingling with locals in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. With glowing lanterns and sizzling grills, Nakasu Yatai Street offers a truly memorable taste of Japan’s street food culture.
Premier Shopping Destinations
Tenjin District
Tenjin is Fukuoka’s largest shopping and entertainment area, offering everything from luxury brands and department stores to trendy boutiques and local crafts. Connected by an underground shopping arcade, it's easy to explore rain or shine. With stylish cafes, gourmet food halls, and tax-free shops, Tenjin is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy shopping in a vibrant, urban setting.
Canal City Hakata
Canal City Hakata is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, Japan, often referred to as a "city within the city." The complex features approximately 250 shops, cafes, restaurants, a theater, cinemas, two hotels, and an artificial canal running through the center. Visitors can enjoy dynamic fountain shows synchronized with music, as well as seasonal events and decorations. The Ramen Stadium on the fifth floor offers a selection of famous ramen shops from across Japan, including the local Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. With its unique architecture and diverse attractions, Canal City Hakata provides a memorable experience for all visitors.
Yanagibashi Rengo Market
Located in Fukuoka's Chūō Ward, Yanagibashi Rengo Market has been known as "Hakata's Kitchen" since its establishment in 1918. This compact market spans approximately 100 meters and houses around 50 shops, including fresh seafood vendors, vegetable stands, meat shops, and traditional confectionery stores. Sourcing fresh seafood from the nearby Genkai Sea, the market offers a variety of local specialties. Visitors can enjoy dishes like seafood rice bowls at eateries operated by fishmongers. With its authentic atmosphere and friendly vendors, Yanagibashi Rengo Market provides a genuine taste of Fukuoka's culinary culture.
Fukuoka's Culinary Delights
Fukuoka is a gourmet paradise, known for rich tonkotsu ramen, fresh seafood from nearby waters, vibrant street food stalls (yatai), and warm local hospitality that makes every meal memorable.
Tonkotsu Ramen
Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a rich pork-based noodle soup known for its creamy broth and bold flavor. This regional specialty has gained international fame thanks to iconic shops like Ichiran, known for its solo dining booths and customizable bowls, and Ippudo, which blends tradition with innovation. From local stalls to global chains, Fukuoka offers endless ways to enjoy this beloved dish at its source.
Strawberries
Fukuoka is one of Japan’s top strawberry-producing regions, best known for its premium variety Amaou—an acronym for “amai” (sweet), “marui” (round), “ookii” (big), and “umai” (delicious). With its large size, vibrant color, and rich sweetness, Amaou is a popular gift and export item. Other notable varieties include Yayoi-hime and Benihoppe, grown with great care in the fertile fields of Fukuoka. During winter and spring, strawberry picking is a popular activity for visitors.
Mizutaki (Fukuoka’s Soul-Warming Chicken Hot Pot)
Mizutaki is a traditional chicken hot pot dish beloved in Fukuoka. Made by slowly simmering chicken and bones to create a rich, milky broth, it’s served with seasonal vegetables and dipped in tangy ponzu sauce. Unlike heavily seasoned dishes, mizutaki highlights the natural flavor of the ingredients. Often enjoyed in specialized restaurants, it’s a warm, comforting meal perfect for gatherings and a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Hakata cuisine.
Motsunabe (A Flavorful Hakata Hot Pot Specialty)
Motsunabe is a hearty hot pot dish from Fukuoka, made with beef or pork offal (motsu), cabbage, garlic, and chives simmered in a savory soy or miso-based broth. Once a dish for locals, it has become a must-try for visitors seeking bold, comforting flavors. The rich broth and tender ingredients make it perfect for sharing, especially in colder months. Many restaurants also finish the meal with champon noodles or rice added to soak up the flavorful soup.
Unique Venues in Fukuoka
Fukuoka boasts several distinctive venues perfect for special events and gatherings:
Tomyoden, A Distinctive MICE Venue Rooted in Culture and Craft
Adjacent to the historic Kushida Shrine, Tomyoden offers a uniquely serene and symbolic setting for MICE events in the heart of Fukuoka. Designed in the spirit of tōmyō—the ceremonial offering of light—the entire building serves as a luminous tribute to the shrine, with soft light filtering through shoji and glass, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.
The venue’s largest banquet hall can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it ideal for executive meetings, cultural receptions, and intimate corporate events. Tomeiden also showcases regional artistry—from Hakata mizuhiki and Yamakasa elements to modern Kyushu textiles—offering a space where tradition and innovation meet. For planners seeking authenticity, elegance, and meaning, Tomeiden is a truly distinctive choice.
Hakata Hyakunengura, A Historic Sake Brewery Venue for Refined MICE Events
Hakata Hyakunengura is a unique MICE venue housed within a nationally registered tangible cultural property—a sake brewery that has illuminated Hakata since the early Meiji era. With over 100 years of history and resilience, it offers a blend of heritage and hospitality ideal for distinguished gatherings.
The facility features five event spaces, with the largest accommodating up to 100 guests, making it suitable for receptions, seminars, and cultural programs. On-site, guests can also enjoy sake tastings and direct purchases at the brewery’s retail corner, adding a local and interactive touch to your event.
Combining historical ambiance with versatile functionality, Hakata Hyakunengura provides a warm and memorable setting for authentic experiences in the heart of Fukuoka.
WITH THE STYLE FUKUOKA, A Luxury Urban Venue for Elegant MICE Events
Located in the heart of Fukuoka, WITH THE STYLE FUKUOKA offers a luxurious escape from the city's bustle. This boutique hotel features six uniquely designed event spaces, blending refined elegance with the intimacy of a private residence—perfect for stylish corporate gatherings.
The venue has hosted numerous exhibitions and events, including jewelry showcases, fashion presentations, and product launches, thanks to its flexible layout and high-end ambiance. Its largest hall accommodates up to 180 guests, making it suitable for both large-scale functions and exclusive soirées.
With impeccable hospitality and a private, resort-like feel, WITH THE STYLE FUKUOKA transforms MICE events into unforgettable experiences in the center of the city.
THE LUIGANS Spa & Resort, A Seaside MICE Retreat Surrounded by Nature
Located within Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, THE LUIGANS Spa & Resort is a luxury destination embraced by ocean views, open skies, and lush greenery. This resort offers a serene yet inspiring setting for MICE events, just a short trip from central Fukuoka.
Set on a vast 540-hectare property with one of Japan’s largest lawn gardens, the venue features seven unique event spaces, accommodating up to 240 guests seated (300 standing). From open-air banquets to formal gatherings, the resort adapts to a wide range of event styles.
A highlight is the ability to host private parties at the adjacent aquarium, offering an unforgettable and immersive experience. THE LUIGANS seamlessly combines resort-style relaxation with professional event capabilities—ideal for high-end meetings, product launches, and incentive programs in a stunning natural setting.
